The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) recently organised a seminar on how to achieve tax-efficient investment in UK real estate.

The private seminar entitled, ‘Achieving Value in the UK Real Estate Market’ was organised in cooperation with Al-Faisal International for Investment, Al Sawari Group, and Aqua, and was led by Jersey and Qatar-based offshore practitioners and tax planners, UK legal experts and estate agents.

The seminar took place at the QBA headquarters at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Doha, Qatar.

The seminar was introduced by QBA as part of a series of specialized seminars to highlight the latest business trends in the markets that are of interest to the Qatari business community.

Joanne Luce, managing director of Aqua Group, based in Qatar, Jersey and Malta, and Peter Burnside, senior tax counsel at BDO UK led the first panel discussion revealing how tax planning can add value by interpreting the latest tax changes from a practical perspective.

Aqua’s presentation “Tax Efficient Investment into UK Real Estate’ compared the tax liabilities of basic investment structures in the UK with more favourable investments via Jersey companies.  The optimum solution presented was a tax exempt real estate structure through Jersey private wealth trusts and UK unit trusts.

The tax exempt structure was said to be relevant for both commercial and residential rental property as secure succession options.  The presentation concluded by presenting the ideal private residential property solution for families using private trusts in Jersey limited partnerships.

Joanne Luce, managing director of Aqua Group, said: “According to recent reports, confidence has returned to real estate markets in Europe and London is still a firm favourite with investors.  This is why we felt this seminar was particularly relevant, offering advice on potential investments in this field.

“The session is aimed at Qatari audiences to ensure they are familiar with the latest tax implications associated with UK real estate investment and receive the best advice they need for secure succession.  We believe such seminars are of interest to local families and family-led businesses who are investing abroad so they receive the tax planning advice they may need.”

“Aqua offices offer Qatari investors what they need to achieve. Malta is a gateway into Europe and Africa allowing Aqua to structure commercial solutions that add value through structuring at the family trust level to protect against punitive real estate taxes,” Luce continued.

“We are strong in this area and have very effective networks with other key and trusted advisers to build optimum commercial services.  Jersey is more traditional with a fantastic jurisdiction for estate planning, through investment in the UK and the bespoke creation of fund platforms - so by having offices in both locations we can achieve what international families may need,” she concluded. – TradeArabia News Service