The North West of England is set to lead the UK in property development growth, with forecasts predicting a 29% increase between 2025 and 2029. The region’s outlook remains highly positive for investors and developers. 

From city centre schemes in Manchester and Liverpool to suburban developments across Lancashire, Cheshire, and Cumbria, there is a great deal of potential across our region. 

But with opportunity comes complexity especially where tax and accounting are concerned. That’s why working with a specialist property accountant and tax advisor, like Cowgills, is essential to help you save money, stay compliant, and grow your business effectively. 

Here’s 8 reasons you should be speaking to the experts for advice:

 

1. Property development is financially complex 

 Unlike a standard business, property development involves intricate financial planning.  

From land acquisition to planning, company structures and tax rules, every stage has its own set of challenges. 

While a general accountant might manage the basics, they’re unlikely to have the technical knowledge required to navigate the sector-specific pitfalls, tax reliefs, and accounting requirements unique to property development businesses.  

 

2. Local knowledge, contacts and insights 

Many accountancy firms operate nationally or even remotely, but local expertise brings distinct advantages. At Cowgills, we’re deeply embedded in the North West property and construction scene. We work incredibly closely with developers, contractors, funders, solicitors, planners, brokers, and architects across the region, we also have hands on experience of working directly in the industry. 

This network doesn’t just keep us in the know — it gives our clients direct access to our enviable network of contacts, and invaluable market insights to help move your project forward faster and smarter. 

 

3. Structuring projects correctly from day one 

Your business structure can impact your tax, risk exposure, and funding options. We advise on SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles), JVs (Joint Ventures), holding companies, Family Investment Companies (FICs) and more, ensuring you’re set up for long-term success. 

 Getting the structure wrong at the outset can lead to higher taxes, restricted borrowing and increased personal liability. 

 

4. Financing support 

 We’ve spent decades building relationships with property-specific lenders, brokers, and investors. Whether you’re seeking senior debt, bridging loans, or mezzanine finance, Cowgills can help you prepare professional forecasts, financials, and business plans that increase your chances of securing funding — and on the best terms.

 

5. Ongoing property-specific tax advice

Tax planning isn’t a one-off task — it’s a continuous part of delivering a profitable project. From initial structuring to project completion, we support you with:  

• Capital allowances including Annual Investment Allowance 

• Land Remediation Relief  

• R&D tax credits (yes, even in property development!)  

 Every project presents different challenges. For instance, tax and VAT implications vary depending on whether properties are residential or commercial, for sale or rent. The rules are complex. 

Effective tax planning isn’t about bending the rules — it’s about making the rules work for you. In property development, where profit margins are often narrow, even small tax savings can have a big impact.  

 

6. Compliance with industry specific regulations

 HMRC is keeping a close eye on the property development sector. From Making Tax Digital (MTD), income tax and national insurance rules to VAT compliance, there’s a lot for property development businesses to consider. 

From 1 January 2026, for example, new regulations will change the way businesses account for revenue and leases. A general accountant may miss the implications of these updates for property development businesses — we won’t.  

We also advise on CIS (Construction Industry Scheme)  

If you hire subcontractors, you need to comply with CIS — and mistakes here can be costly. We can provide full CIS support, streamlining your payroll, ensuring accurate deductions and reporting, and handling any queries HMRC may raise on your behalf.

 

7. Helping you scale with the right structure

Growth is exciting — but it adds complexity. Whether you’re moving from single projects to multiple sites, entering new markets, or working with JV partners, your existing structure may no longer serve you. 

We’ll review and adapt your structure to fit your growth plans, ensuring your accounting systems, tax strategy, and compliance frameworks scale with you.

 

8. Strategic planning & exit advice

Selling, holding, reinvesting, re-financing whatever your plans we’ll advise on tax efficient strategies ensuring you retain more of your hard-earned profits.  

Longer term we can advise on exit strategies including planning for retirement or sale of your company and succession planning (including IHT considerations) if you want to pass the business to family. 

  

Final thoughts 

Having a trusted specialist accountant by your side means you can focus on doing what you do best, finding and delivering great projects, knowing your finances are in safe hands. 

 Get in touch with our head of property and construction Stuart Stead and the expert team at Cowgills for more information or advice at [email protected] or through the website here.