Capital gains tax for non-residents: UK property and assets
Non-residents can owe UK Capital Gains Tax on UK property and land. Report the disposal and pay any tax due within 60 days of completion, even if a return shows no tax to pay.
Information only. Not tax, legal or financial advice.
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Which assets remain within UK Capital Gains Tax?
Capital Gains Tax, or CGT, is tax on a gain when you sell or otherwise dispose of an asset. Non-resident Capital Gains Tax is often shortened to NRCGT.
The charge covers UK homes, commercial buildings and land. It also covers some indirect disposals, such as selling an interest in a company whose value comes mainly from UK land. This guide concerns individuals. Non-resident companies pay Corporation Tax on their UK property gains.
HMRC’s reporting guidance, updated 13 January 2026, describes the indirect-disposal tests. The normal thresholds are at least 75% of gross asset value from UK land and a substantial interest of at least 25%. Connected-person and investment-fund rules can change the result. Check those rules before treating a share sale as outside CGT.
When must I report and pay?
For a current disposal, report within 60 days of completion and pay any CGT due by the same deadline. Completion is when ownership passes. The return asks separately for the date contracts were exchanged.
Report even if you made a loss, relief removes the tax or you already file Self Assessment. Use HMRC’s Capital Gains Tax on UK property account. If you cannot report online, HMRC offers a postal form.
If you also complete a Self Assessment return, include the disposal there too. The annual return does not replace the earlier property return. These deadlines and reporting duties come from HMRC’s HS307, updated 6 April 2026.
When does April 2015 rebasing apply?
Rebasing means using an asset’s market value on a set date instead of its original cost. For a UK residential property owned before 6 April 2015, the usual NRCGT starting point is its value on 5 April 2015.
HMRC also allows alternative calculations using time apportionment or the gain over the whole ownership period. Compare the available methods rather than assuming the original purchase price must be used.
When does April 2019 rebasing apply?
For non-residential UK property or land and indirect disposals brought into the charge, the default starting point is the market value on 5 April 2019 if you held the asset before 6 April 2019. A whole-ownership calculation is an alternative.
The 2019 date does not reset every residential property’s cost. Mixed use, changes of use and assets already partly within the earlier charge need the detailed rules. HMRC’s calculation guide, updated 6 April 2026, and Capital Gains Manual CG73960 explain the distinction.
What happens to my other assets?
Gains on other assets are generally outside UK CGT once you are non-resident. Exceptions include assets used in a UK trade through a branch or agency and the land interests above. The temporary non-residence guide explains how a return can bring earlier gains into tax.
Establish residence using the statutory residence test guide. Leaving physically does not settle the tax result. If you keep a home to let, read the non-resident landlord guide. Use the moving abroad checklist to connect these steps.
See the Budget tracker for announcements and effective dates. Check the rules for your disposal date before filing.
What else do readers ask?
What does NRCGT mean?
NRCGT means non-resident Capital Gains Tax. For individuals, it covers taxable gains on UK property and land, including some indirect interests.
Do I need a 60-day return if I made a loss?
Yes. HMRC requires non-residents to report UK property and land disposals even where there is a loss or no tax due (HMRC, HS307, 6 April 2026).
Does April 2019 rebasing replace April 2015 for every home?
No. April 2015 remains relevant to residential property already within the charge. April 2019 generally applies to non-residential property and indirect disposals.
Are ordinary shares taxable in the UK after I leave?
Usually not while you are non-resident, but UK land-rich investments, UK branch business assets and temporary non-residence rules can change the result.
Where can I explore this further?
Full sourced leavers tracker. Articles and tracker roundups.
Sources
- HMRC: Tell HMRC about Capital Gains Tax on UK property or land if you are not a UK resident, .
- HMRC: Work out your tax if you are a non-resident selling UK property or land, .
- HMRC: HS307: Non-resident Capital Gains on UK land and property (2026), .
- HMRC: Capital Gains Manual CG25000: individuals and residence, .
- HMRC: Capital Gains Manual CG73960: computational rules from April 2019, .