Extending CGT to non-resident investors in UK real estate: levelling the playing field?

In the 2017 Autumn Budget, the government announced its intention to extend CGT to non-resident investors in UK real estate. The proposed measures mean almost all non-resident owners of UK land will be brought within the scope of UK tax on their gains, and a key tax benefit currently enjoyed by non-UK investors in real estate will be lost. The rules will also apply to certain disposals of interests in ‘property rich’ entities. It is proposed that the measures will apply to disposals from April 2019, but will only capture increases in value arising after this date. Those who are exempt from UK CGT will continue to be exempt under the new regime.