What disposals are chargeable — the two regimes
UK residential property disposals by non-UK residents are chargeable to CGT from 6 April 2015. All UK land and property (including commercial) has been chargeable since 6 April 2019. Indirect disposals of shares in property-rich entities (over 75% UK land value) are also chargeable from April 2019. Gains are computed from the relevant rebasing date (April 2015 for residential; April 2019 for other) — not from the original acquisition date.
The 60-day rule — reporting and payment deadline
Within 60 days of completion, the non-resident landlord must: (1) file an NRCGT return via HMRC's online UK property account; (2) compute the gain and apply reliefs; and (3) pay any CGT due. The obligation applies even where there is a loss or nil gain. Late filing penalties: £100 for returns up to 6 months late; £300 (or 5% of tax if higher) for 6-12 months; further £300 thereafter. Interest accrues on late payment from day 61.
NRCGT rates, annual exempt amount, and PPR relief
Residential property CGT rates (from 30 October 2024): 18% (basic rate) or 24% (higher rate). Commercial property: 10%/20%. Annual exempt amount: £3,000 (2026-27). Non-residents can claim principal private residence (PPR) relief but must satisfy the 90-day UK day-count test in the relevant tax year. Non-UK resident individuals with no UK income should note the gain is treated as the top slice of income for rate determination purposes.
Non-resident companies, double tax treaties, and NRL scheme
Non-UK resident companies pay corporation tax (25%) on UK property gains from April 2019 — not CGT. Double tax treaties generally preserve the UK's taxing rights over UK land gains but allow credit in the overseas country. The NRL scheme (income tax withholding on rental income) has no effect on NRCGT obligations — NRL-registered landlords still must file NRCGT returns within 60 days of selling. Self Assessment taxpayers must also include the disposal in the annual tax return, crediting the CGT paid via the 60-day return.