White Knight Associates predicts lack of distressed property growth in 2012

White Knight Associates believe the  UK is unlikely to experience distressed commercial property growth next year, according to a property specialist.

It is unlikely the British commercial property will experience a price growth for sites ripe for commercial development in the coming months, says Kelvin Davidson, property economist at the economic research consultancy Capital Economics.

Mr Davidson has warned the price growth of UK commercial property has grinded to a halt, with prices likely to remain flat for at least the next 12 months.

He said: "There is quite a lot of money floating around and not much property for sale, so I would think that an increase in the number of properties to buy for whatever reason - whether it be foreclosure or whatever - would actually be quite welcome.

However WK Associates report that the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has indicated worldwide demand for distressed commercial property actually rose significantly in Q2 2011.

Following a survey conducted by the RICS it was revealed over 80 per cent of countries reported increased levels of interest from commercial property investment funds during Q2 2011.

WKA found Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief economist, said: "It is interesting to see agents reporting a dramatic rise in investor appetite for distressed assets, quarter over quarter.

White Knight Associates believe to some extent, this may be seen as an encouraging development reflecting a measure of confidence in the outlook for the real estate sector despite the softer tone to the Market news.

Author: White Knight Associates

www.wk-associates.com

White Knight Associates and the benefits of solar panels

White Knight Associates believe Solar panels are a great way to use the natural elements of the Earth to create energy. They can be used to collect sunlight and convert it to energy that can be used for electricity

No matter where you live, home solar panels can be installed by professionals. There are also Solar Home Kits you can put into place on your own for less money. You can convert any type of home or business into one that uses solar energy in order to create electricity.

Even if you don’t collect enough sunlight for all of your electricity, you can collect enough of it to significantly reduce what you do use. This is one way we can all help the environment. Before you buy solar panels, you'll need to do your homework. Find out what all of the benefits to you are going to be. In addition to helping the environment when you install home solar panels, you'll be saving money on electricity as well.

If you are worried about the cost, find out if there is a tax incentive in your area. There should be a rebate or discounted cost offered by the government to entice people to put solar panels in place. White Knight Associates found many construction companies are being able to take advantage of them as well. As long as the new homes they build feature solar panels, they can get some great tax breaks.

Unsure about the prospect of installing your own home solar panels? That is understandable if you haven’t taken on such a project before. Yet the process isn’t going to be difficult. For more information please request a free brochure from White Knight Associates for prices and or any additional information.

Author White Knight Associates

www.wk-associates.com

PPI Claims White Knight Associates explains what to do next?

What happened?

Payment protection insurance (PPI) is the insurance sold alongside credit cards, loans and other finance agreements to insure payments are made if the borrower is unable to make them due to sickness or unemployment.

WK Associates found significant numbers of policyholders have found that the insurance is useless to them because they would be unable to claim, for example if they are self-employed or retired. Huge numbers of policies were mis-sold for this and other reasons.

White Knight Associates would like to bring to your attention a ruling - now fully accepted by the industry - means that banks must trawl their records for PPI policies which were mis-sold - and to inform policyholders that they may be able to reclaim their premiums.

What now?

Banks now begin the task of identifying customers who they know have been mis-sold PPI.

Financial Services Authority (FSA) rules require them to contact customers where they see systemic problems in the way policies were sold, for example if the marketing literature issued alongside all policies did not comply with FSA guidelines. They will then send letters to these customers to explain how they can reclaim their premiums.

Author White Knight Associates

www.wk-associates.com

White Knight Associates aim to take advantage of the distressed property market.

White Knight Associates through it's extensive networks has the ability to offer some fantastic off Market real estate deals.

Over the recent downturn in the global economic markets, some regions of the globe have experienced significant downturns and some real estate owners have been left with portfolios they can no longer afford to maintain or developments they can no longer complete. White Knight Associates believes this represents a fantastic buying opportunity for the more fortunate.

At White Knight Associates, we have a number of distressed portfolios available in whole or in smaller more affordable portions, these include Resort developments in the overseas market and below market properties in the UK. We are also fortunate to be able to offer, through FSA regulated IFAs, real estate based investment products that fit within tax efficient structures meaning you not only buy at discounted rates but benefit from various tax advantages.

Author B Williams

www.wk-associates.com

White Knight Associates aiming to be a world leading provider of carbon reduction solutions.

White Knight Associates mission is to be the trusted partner to companies committed to reducing their carbon footprint with solutions that strengthen their business.

Our comprehensive knowledge of the carbon market, combined with our unwavering commitment to understanding clients’ needs and delivering beyond their expectations, is what drives our approach.  With the networks and experience of working with an unrivalled client list, we have developed a track record of innovation and quality in the relentless pursuit of carbon solutions that meet the rapidly changing needs of our clients.

We work for the success of our clients, our company, our climate.

Since 2011 WK Associates have focused on helping businesses achieve value from reducing their carbon emissions and providing a guarantee of excellence through our quality assurance program.  With offices in London and connections worldwide our global team combines experience working in international B2B corporations, carbon markets and trading, carbon project development, engineering, marketing communications, consulting and sustainable energy management with the United Nations. 

Author Barry Williams

For more information please go to our website http://www.wk-associates.com/

White Knight Associates on Multi-Let/Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

HMRC Brief 45/10 issued on the 22nd October 2010 effectively stopped the majority of landlords/investors from making a worthwhile claim on their multi lets.

Pre 22nd October 2010 landlords were able to claim on all the communal areas of a dwelling excluding the actual bedrooms (classed as residential) themselves which would typically result in identifier has dramatically, reduced the client viability in claiming on the above properties.

Essentially under the new Brief you can no longer claim on the communal areas that support the bedrooms elements of the building i.e. kitchens, bathrooms, lounge & dining rooms. Previously a claim would off produced identified capital allowances in the region of 20-25% of the purchase price however under the new regime we expect this to be in the region of 7 to 12%!

However WK Associates can offer the following services:

For property purchases between 29th December 2008 and up to 22nd October 2010 we can make a multi let / HMO claim on the Pre Brief 45/10 basis whereby we can claim on everything except the actual bedrooms resulting in a claim against the original purchase price of approximately 20-25%.

Pre 29th December 2008 purchases White Knight Associates can still claim if the portfolio has a purchase price circa £1,000,000 + but the free report if under £25,000 per individual property will not be applicable and the individual properties of the portfolio have to be in the same vicinity as each other and each property within the portfolio must have a purchase price of at least £100,000. As in accordance with Brief 45/10 we calculate the expected allowances will be in the region of between 7 -12% of the purchase price.White Knight found that Capital Allowances of approximately 20% – 25% of the original purchase price, position on resale.

www.wk-associates.com

Source PTC

White Knight Associates on capital allowances tax relief for HMO owners.

White Knight Associates recently met up with a commercial accountant who told us about this amazing new tax relief scheme for anybody who owns a HMO.

WK Associates found If you own a HMO, you may be able to take advantage of Capital Allowances Tax relief, to mitigate your previous and current year’s tax liability.

Whether you are an armchair property investor, entrepreneur, or own just 1 HMO property, you could mitigate your current liability, and also get a refund from HMRC for previously paid tax!

White Knight Associates explains what Capital Allowances are.

Plant & Machinery Capital Allowances, relate to the tax relief associated with certain qualifying items within the communal areas of HMO properties.

Having recently come into the limelight do to a technical clarification by HMRC, these allowances are an extremely valuable tax relief. You can reclaim tax paid up to 5 years previously.

Once these items have been identified, valued and documented, you can reclaim previously paid Income tax, reduce your current year income tax liability, or roll forward the allowances until such time when they are required, depending on how long you have owned the property.

There is no time restriction on claiming – a property you have owned for 10 years, can qualify!

Capital Allowances provide a deduction for tax purposes in lieu of the depreciation charged in the accounts on Capital Expenditure. They are of direct relevance to every legal entity, operating in the UK with the exception of those that are tax exempt.

Capital Allowances tax relief has been around, in one form or another, since 1878. These are widely used by the commercial sector and are also available to individuals who own qualifying properties.  Capital Allowances cover a number of tax relief strategies including Plant & Machinery Allowances Relief.

Plant & Machinery Allowances Relief

Plant and machinery for HMO’s includes:-

heating and air-conditioning

lifts

wiring to fixed plant

switchgear

emergency lighting

fire alarm installations

sanitary fittings

hot water installation

carpets and removable floor coverings

fittings and furniture

demountable partitioning used for trade flexibility

fire fighting equipment

mechanical door closers

security equipment

telecommunications installations

trade and information signs

vehicle control equipment

window cleaning equipment and assets used to create ‘atmosphere’ or ‘ambiance’ in a hotel, restaurant or public house.

This list is by no means exhaustive but provides a guide to the plant & machinery most commonly found in buildings.

In addition, expenditure incurred on certain other assets including fire safety, thermal insulation and building alterations incidental to the installation of plant and machinery may also be eligible.

The rate of relief varies from 100% in the year of purchase (AIA / FYA), to 10% (WDA).

Other allowances are available, but these are largely restricted for companies and are not largely applicable to HMO owners.

Who Can Claim?

Must  be a UK Tax Payer (Either Income tax, or Corporation tax)

Must incur the capital expenditure.

Must be ‘qualifying’ items of expenditure or ‘qualifying’ buildings.

WK Associates explains what Can Be Claimed?

Development of property

Fit out works

Refurbishment or alteration works to existing property

Purchase of property

WKA tells you how much can be saved?

Typically, between 15% and 25% of the purchase price of a HMO property will qualify for Plant & Machinery Capital Allowances Tax relief.

Purchase Price                                   Capital Allowances available (tax free income)

£100,000                                                           £20,000

£120,000                                                           £24,000

£140,000                                                           £28,000

£160,000                                                           £32,000

£180,000                                                           £36,000

£200,000                                                           £40,000

£250,000                                                           £50,000

£300,000                                                           £60,000

£350,000                                                           £70,000

n.b. – these allowances are averages, based on previous work undertaken, your property may attract more, or less capital allowances. Your claim is based on purchase price, qualifying expenditure, and the total communal areas of the property. This is a guide only.

For further information or to arrange a survey on YOUR HMO properties, you can contact Barry Williams below.

http://www.wk-associates.com/

02033847230

White Knight Associates is moving to take advantage of another huge Market [PPI claims]

The credit card PPI industry is huge. Which. Carried out a survey that estimated that nearly 10 million people have been sold a PPI policy with a credit card and a staggering 1.3 million took out PPi with their card because they were misled  into believing that the policy was compulsory or that it improved their chances of having a card.

White Knight Associates found that there is some good news.If you have been mis-sold PPI you are entitled to claim back all of the costs of your policy.  You can either fill in our PPI claim form on our website http://www.wk-associates.com/ or simplus call us on 02033847230

What could I claim?

How Much could Credit Card PPI cost you?  WKA found that Unlike PPI on Loans or Mortgages where you pay a set fee per month plus interest, on Credit Cards PPI is charged on the basis of how much you borrow from the Card Lender.  That is how much of your balance is left unpaid each month.  The average charge is 79p per month per £100 borrowed.  The average balance of £5,000 would cost you over £470 a year.  Depending on the figure your lender charges, the amount you borrow and the length of your PPI charges, this can easily total up to £1000's for some.

White Knight Associates says: Credit Card Payment Protection Insurance was originally brought in to protect customers in cases where you lose your job, have an accident or became too ill to work.  If you fall in to one of the following categories you are not protected:

Staggeringly many of those who have a PPI policy don't even know it.

If you fall into any of these categories you can claim back 100% of the cost of your policy from your Credit Card company. Here at White Knight Associates we have dealt with lots of claims for Mis-Sold PPI.

If you've been sold PPI with your credit card by any financial institution such as Abbey, Barclays, Egg, HSBC, RBS in the last 10 years and you feel potentially you may have been mis-sold then if you either fill in our PPI claim form or ring  02033847230,  White Knight Associates can help you and start your claim today.

It doesn't matter the size of your PPI Claim big or small. The Majority of claims we deal within 8 - 12 weeks. Claims still in dispute are sent to the FOS (Financial Ombudsman Service) where we will fight your corner against the company that mis-sold you your Credit Card PPI.

Author Barry Williams

http://www.wk-associates.com/

(White Knight Associates) Foreign Property allowances going to waste.

White Knight Associates realise property owners are looking to reap returns from their UK homes, many are forgetting that they may be owed substantial amounts of cash from their offshore properties.

Those who own furnished holiday lets, both in the UK and within the European Economic Area, could be entitled to claim large sums of money through sizeable capital allowances.

This comes down to the fact that despite the relatively small income that is generated from a furnished holiday let, it is still classified as a commercial property and therefore the owner is still entitled to claim.

Considering the current state of the European property market, this is good news for the majority of furnished holiday letters.

The conditions in Spain, where huge numbers of Brits currently own property, are among the worst and there are currently an estimated 700,000 empty new homes in the country.

The message then to the Brits who have held on to their overseas property through the financial turmoil is to claim back what is rightfully yours, before the opportunity is gone.

By Barry Williams www.wk-associates.com

About White Knight Associates LTD

White Knight associates works with Portal Tax Claims as a specialist capital allowance claims company which is part of the Portal Group that works in collaboration with your existing advisers to identify and create retrospective and current capital allowance claims that lead to significant tax refunds www.wk-associates.com

Claiming Capital Allowances on Globally Help Property by White Knight Associates

White Knight Associates would like to bring to your attention that If you own commercial property ANYWHERE in the WORLD and you are subject to UK Tax, then you are almost certainly eligible to claim substantial tax rebates from HMRC for past years, as well as continuing tax reliefs in the future.

However working with Portal Tax Claims, White Knight Associates have found, the relationship between capital allowances and capital gains is often misunderstood, as is the difference between the accounting and tax treatment of a property. Claiming capital allowances does not adversely affect your capital gains tax

Eligibility

White Knight Associates believe there are an estimated two million properties in the UK that do qualify:

·                                   The property is classified as commercial (e.g. shop, office, factory, warehouse
etc.)

·                                   Is not held in a pension fund, the government, charity or treated as stock.

·                                   The purchase price was at least £200,000 for the UK or £500,000 anywhere else in the World

·                                   The owner is a UK taxpayer – could be an individual, an LLP, a PLC or a Ltd company.

If you satisfy these four simple criteria, it is highly likely you will have a genuine
and significant claim to make. To Find out how to claim please go to http://www.wk-associates.com/ for more information.

Many distinctions are obvious: clearly office furniture is movable and the roof
is immovable. But what about air-conditioning plant, emergency lighting and alarm
systems? These are normally considered by accountants as “improvements” which are
immovable and not therefore eligible for capital allowances. But HMRC will agree
otherwise – provided you approach them in the correct way, with the correct information
presented in the approved manner.

What WK Associates have found is your accountants probably can’t do it for you, but we add value by working with them to make a successful claim.

In fact there is a common misconception that claiming Capital Allowances on integrated
plant and machinery reduces the base cost for CGT. This is not the case – in effect,
the owner gets double relief on the value of the integrated plant and machinery.

http://www.wk-associates.com/  

Business Premises Renovation Allowances by White Knight Associates

White Knight Associates would like to explain that business premises renovation allowances is intended to encourage companies or individuals to bring qualifying business premises, whether freehold or let, back into business use.

Working with Portal Tax Claims, WKA found that business premises renovation allowances provide a 100% initial allowance in the year the expenditure is incurred, or if it is preferred by the taxpayer, 25% per annum on a straight line basis. They are particularly valuable because all expenditure incurred qualifies, unlike commercial.

The Finance Act 2005 introduced a scheme enabling people or companies, who own or lease property that has been vacant for a year or more in designated disadvantaged areas of the UK, to claim full tax relief on their capital spending on the conversion or renovation of the property, in order to bring it back into business use. After protracted negotiations with the EU, implementation eventually took take place on 11 April 2007.

Expenditure must be incurred on the conversion, renovation, or incidental repairs of a ‘qualifying building’ into a ‘qualifying business premises’. WK Associates found the relief is not available for extensions (except to provide access to qualifying business premises), moveable plant and machinery, or property previously used, or to be used for certain trade sectors:

Qualifying Expenditure

It was found that the qualifying expenditure is capital expenditure on

•                             converting a qualifying building into qualifying business premises,
•                        the renovation of a qualifying building that is, or is to be, qualifying business premises, and
•                           repairs to a qualifying building.

We believe the following is not qualifying expenditure. Expenditure on:

•                        acquiring land,
•                     extending a qualifying building, or
•                         developing land next to a qualifying building.

For example, adding another storey to a qualifying building or creating a basement for a qualifying building is not qualifying expenditure.

Qualifying Building

A qualifying building is an unused commercial building or structure or part of an unused commercial building or structure. The building must have been unused for a year immediately before the conversion or renovation began. This means that it must not have been used for anything for a year before conversion begins. The last use must not have been as a dwelling.

Source: PTC

http://www.wk-associates.com/

Gaining Capital Allowances from Your Commercial Properties by White Knight Associates

Have you ever heard of Capital Allowances?

If you are one of those individuals who own a commercial property or one of those improving their properties anywhere in the UK or within the EEA, then you need to sit back and read this. Capital Allowances, otherwise known as Commercial Property Tax Claims (CPTC), are best explained wherein the HMRC lets you offset some of the expenses you made in buying or improving a property against any income that you have. These allowances can be claimed since it is your statutory right to do so.

White Knight Associates specialize in providing the right consultant to help you claim your capital allowances. Through a joint venture with a specialist capital allowance claims company, they collaborate with your existing advisers to help identify and create retrospective and current capital allowance claims which lead to significant tax refunds. An experienced team of accounting and surveying experts work hand in hand to spot Capital Allowances reliefs that were unclaimed in the past. The Capital Allowances reliefs usually were part of the procurement value but were never known during the buying process.

Always bear in mind that as UK taxpayers, Capital Allowances are a right and not a privilege. A NO REPORT – NO FEE policy ensures a fair payment term. If the specialist capital allowance claims company is unable to find more than £25,000 in missed capital allowances, it is FREE of charge. This is inclusive to the report and service. WKA is committed to constantly find exceptional and remarkable solutions that lead to your tax reduction, increase of wealth and accomplishment of your long-term objectives both personally and at a corporate level.

WK Associates also specialize in a diverse range of services to private and corporate clients. Using the distinctive approach of networking, they are able to help you find the finest professionals in all areas of business and investment life. Doing so, they help you save valuable time and money as well as deliver results that you need. You can also avail their services on alternative investments, asset protection, and tax solutions.

Now that you are aware in the existence of CPTC, take time to speak with one of WKA’s agents. WKA is dedicated to help from start to finish. Detailed explanations are transparently given to potential commercial property owners.

You can find out more information and FAQs about WKA at their website. Give them a call back on their designated telephone number or email them. All these can be found in the White Knight Associates website.

Get started now and claim your Capital Allowances!

White Knight Associates on corporate and social responsibility

White Knight Associates believe that we have a responsibility to care for and protect the environment in which we operate. WKA are fully committed to improving environmental performance across all of our business activities, and will encourage our business partners and members of the wider community to join us in this effort.

White Knight Associates recognises our key impacts to be in the areas of:

• energy use

• raw material use

• waste generation

• emissions to air/water

• water use

• transport

• procurement

WK Associates will strive to:

• Adopt the highest environmental standards in all areas of operation, meeting and exceeding all relevant legislative requirements.

• Assess our organisational activities and identify areas where we can minimise impacts.

• Minimise waste through careful and efficient use of all materials and energy.

• Purchase sustainable products wherever feasible [e.g. recycled, FSC or low environmental impact products and energy from renewable sources].

• Train employees in good environmental practice and encourage employee involvement in environmental action.

• Reduce risks from environmental, health or safety hazards for employees and others in the vicinity of our operations.

•  Adopt an environmentally sound transport strategy.

• Aim to include environmental and ethical considerations in investment decisions where appropriate.

• Assist in developing solutions to environmental problems.

• Continually assess the environmental impact of all our operations.

WKA aims to be carbon neutral by the end of this year.

Author White Knight Associates

www.wk-associates.com