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Inheritance tax planning in London

Inheritance tax planning starts with the value and ownership of your estate, gifts and intended beneficiaries. The normal nil-rate band is £325,000 and the standard rate is 40% above available allowances. A residence allowance or other exemptions may apply, but eligibility matters and savings cannot be guaranteed.

Property, international connections and people who depend on you

London estate planning can involve a main home, investment property, pensions and business assets held in different ways. Start with ownership and beneficiary information rather than assuming all assets pass under a will. A coordinated review can identify issues that one document alone would miss.

If you or your beneficiaries have assets or connections outside England and Wales, say so at the outset. Overseas property, residence and existing foreign wills can require specialist advice in more than one jurisdiction. Do not assume an English will or LPA is automatically effective everywhere.

Trust discussions should begin with a specific objective: supporting someone vulnerable, managing an inheritance for younger beneficiaries or balancing family needs. Trustees take on real responsibilities, and trusts can create tax and reporting obligations. Compare the options and costs before deciding.

Questions to discuss before deciding

• What assets, debts and past gifts need to be considered?
• Who will inherit your home and other assets?
• Which allowances or reliefs apply to your circumstances?

Prepare for your consultation

• UK and overseas assets, with ownership and residence details
• Pension nominations, insurance policies and existing wills
• Any beneficiaries needing extra support or managed inheritances
• Executors and attorneys able to act when needed

Our process

• Comprehensive estate valuation
• IHT liability assessment
• Identification of available reliefs and exemptions
• Development of tax-efficient strategy
• Implementation of recommended solutions
• Regular reviews as tax laws change

What is included?

• Reduce or eliminate inheritance tax bills
• Maximise use of nil-rate bands and reliefs
• Protect your family home from IHT
• Structured lifetime giving strategies
• Business property relief planning
• Agricultural property relief optimisation

See indicative guide prices; ask for a quote confirming scope and separate third-party charges.

More estate planning guidance for London

Speak to Inherita

Our published local office: 2 York House, Langston Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 3TQ. Call to arrange an appointment. Telephone and video consultations are available.

Call 020 8798 0270 · Ask about your estate plan · Request a free 45-minute consultation

Nearby service areas

• Will writing and estate planning in Essex
• Will writing and estate planning in Loughton
• Will writing and estate planning in Chigwell
• Will writing and estate planning in Buckhurst Hill

Official guidance

• GOV.UK: making a will
• GOV.UK: lasting powers of attorney
• GOV.UK: inheritance tax thresholds and allowances
• GOV.UK: trusts and taxes
• GOV.UK: applying for probate
• GOV.UK: inheritance when someone dies without a will

General information for England and Wales, not personalised legal or tax advice. Prepared by Inherita; content reviewed 7 October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Can I arrange an estate-planning consultation in London remotely?

Yes. Inherita offers telephone and video consultations for London clients. Our published local office is in Loughton, Essex; we do not list a branch in every London borough.

Does making a will remove inheritance tax on a London property?

No. Inheritance tax depends on the estate, available allowances, beneficiaries and other circumstances. A will records your wishes and may form part of planning, but does not itself make the estate tax-free.

Can one will cover property in more than one country?

Sometimes, but cross-border estates need careful advice. Different countries may have different succession, tax and document requirements. Explain overseas assets and any existing foreign wills before changing your plan.

Is a married couple's inheritance-tax allowance always £1 million?

No. A figure of up to £1 million can apply in some circumstances using transferable allowances and residence relief, but it is not automatic. Eligibility, who inherits the home, estate value and unused allowances all matter. Check GOV.UK guidance and seek advice.

What is the current inheritance tax threshold?

The nil-rate band is £325,000 per person. The residence nil-rate band adds up to £175,000 when passing a home to direct descendants.

Can I give money away to reduce IHT?

Yes. Gifts made more than 7 years before death are usually exempt. There are also annual exemptions and other allowances available.

Is my family home subject to inheritance tax?

Potentially yes, unless it passes to your spouse or is covered by the residence nil-rate band. We can advise on protection strategies.

How much could I save with IHT planning?

Savings vary but can be substantial. Many clients save tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds through proper planning.