Richard Burgess: The residence nil-rate band - complex, misunderstood and valuable

'Death bed planning offers an opportunity'

clock • 4 min read

Richard Burgess explores the 'complex, misunderstood and valuable' residence nil-rate band

Ever-increasing house prices and rocketing inflation, mean inheritance tax is a growing problem for homeowners. The residence nil-rate band, an allowance introduced by the government in 2017, seeks to alleviate the burden for homeowners wanting to pass their home to their children. The allowance is available in addition to the nil-rate IHT band which permits individuals to pass up to £325,000 of their estate to their beneficiaries free of tax. The value of the nil-rate band has not changed since 2009 and is frozen until at least April 2026. As property prices rise, this means more est...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax planning

IHT on pensions: Advisers on a new way of working

IHT on pensions: Advisers on a new way of working

‘It has shifted the timing and focus of conversations’

Jenna Brown
clock 10 June 2026 • 8 min read
New tax powers can trace money – home and away

New tax powers can trace money – home and away

Tightened border controls could trigger tax probes

David Morley
clock 10 June 2026 • 3 min read
Breaking the last-minute tax planning cycle

Breaking the last-minute tax planning cycle

'Tax year-end remains one of the most stressful times for advice professionals'

Sophie Hall
clock 10 June 2026 • 3 min read