Landed Estates

Having worked with estate owners since Douglas Home & Co began in the 1980s, our team has extensive knowledge about the challenges they face. In order to thrive, estate owners need to be innovative, forward-thinking, and open to diversification. Ever-changing environmental pressures, maintenance of historic buildings, and agricultural challenges are a few points that require proactive accounting and financial planning so you can make the most of your assets.

Led by company directors, Victoria Ivinson and Sheryl Macaulay, who are both members of different Scottish Land & Estate (SLE) committees. Victoria is part of the SLE taxation group who can feedback on potential future government tax changes and lobby parliament about issues facing the industry. Sheryl is part of the South East committee, where they discuss challenges and share knowledge about various rural sectors. With this additional knowledge, you will be sure to receive tailored advice about the most current issues.

In addition to Victoria and Sheryl, managing director Darren Thomson is also a leading succession specialist within the industry. He has provided many different clients with proactive advice which has helped business owners immensely when they are planning for the future.

They are all supported by the additional company directors and DH&Co team who all have knowledge and training in this sector.

Specialist services that lend themselves to landowners include succession planning, tax planning, and renewables knowledge. Our expert team can also help with business development and diversification plans, to ensure the best tax and accounting foundations are in place to ensure you get the best return for any new project.

Landed Estates Key Services

Tax Planning

Our experienced tax planning team can provide pro-active advice, considering your financial position in the round to ensure all tax implications are considered.

Tax Planning

Capital Allowances

There are many opportunities for capital allowances tax relief for landed estates. Our expert team act proactively to identify any capital allowance claim opportunities.

Capital Allowances

Succession Planning

By creating a succession plan, you can safeguard your business for the future and minimise the next generation’s inheritance tax.

Succession Planning

Landed Estates Tax FAQs

Things are changing a lot for estate owners. How can I protect my business?

Between managing the impacts of Brexit, climate change and an ongoing period of economic uncertainty, landed estate owners are currently facing a huge number of challenges. However, by remaining open to new opportunities and diversification, you can help to build resilience directly into your business model. Our team of business advisory experts have extensive experience working with estate owners, and can help to identify the best opportunities for your business.

How do I start planning to pass on the estate?

Succession planning can be a daunting process, and many people put it off, but one of the best ways to ensure that things run smoothly is to start planning early. The best way to start the process is to begin the conversation with a trusted financial advisor. They can guide you through the process step by step, developing a plan that is both fair and tax efficient. You can get in touch with one of our succession experts here.

How can I minimise the next generation's inheritance tax bill?

No tax exists in a vacuum, which is why our team take a holistic approach to tax planning. By considering you and your family’s tax positions in the round, our experts can identify the best way to minimise any tax liability for you and the next generation, now and into the future. With tax regulations constantly changing, our team can work with you to ensure that any tax planning undertaken is updated regularly.

Can landed estates claim capital allowances?

Capital allowances (CA) provide relief from income tax and corporation tax in respect of capital expenditure. They can be claimed on qualifying expenditure on plant and machinery in the course of carrying out eligible activities such as a trade or the letting of furnished holiday accommodation. Depending on the nature of your business, you may be able to claim capital allowances on a variety of expenditure. With extensive experience in the area, our experts can proactively identify any eligible plant and machinery or integral features that can be claimed as capital allowances.

Speak to a Tax Expert

Landed Estates Tax Advisors

Sheryl & Victoria

We have a dedicated team led by two company Directors, Sheryl Macaulay and Victoria Ivinson.

Both assist with tax planning and claiming reliefs in relation to research and development.

Sheryl and Victoria have extensive knowledge of the rural sectors having worked with a large variety of businesses within the industry.

Contact Sheryl

Contact Victoria

“The guidance, communication and correspondence from Douglas Home & Company has been absolutely fantastic. Everything has been very straightforward and we have never been left guessing about anything –they’re incredibly organised. Victoria and the team understand our business and how we can make our finances work to our advantage.”

– David Cunningham

Dods of Haddington

Landed Estates Tip

Rural businesses are facing enormous external pressures, from impacts of Brexit to climate change. Now more than ever, it is crucial to thoroughly understand your break even point and be open to new growth opportunities and diversification.

Adapting to Change

Landed Estates Insights

Douglas Home & Co’s rural department grows by a quarter

Our leading agricultural team has grown 25% in a year as it aims for UK expansion. The agri team, led by Director and Head of......
Carbon credits: Tax position – more questions than answers?

The Scottish Government has committed to achieving a Net-Zero society by 2045 and is increasing investment in rural areas with new schemes to support a......