development in Norhtern Ireland<\/a> then we should be looking at the refurbishment of some of the existing stock which, with relatively limited investment, could release space to be left.<\/p>\nHaving made my concerns on the matter clear over the years, I took it upon myself to look into any opportunities to better the situation. Relying on some excellent information from Peter Legge, Tax Partner at Grant Thornton in Belfast, I think I may have uncovered a benefit of factoring tax into the development appraisal.<\/p>\n
The Business Premises Renovation Allowance (BPRA) scheme of the 2014 Finance Act.<\/h3>\n Despite the UK Government tightening the rules in 2014, due to perceived abuse through marketed investment schemes, BPRA remains a legitimate and extremely valuable tax incentive. The relief, which was initially introduced in 2007 for a period of five years and then extended until April 2017, enables commercial landlords of property that has been vacant for a year or more to claim 100% tax relief on significant parts of the capital expenditure on the property\u2019s conversion or renovation.<\/p>\n
Think of the current Grade B and C office stock in the city.<\/h4>\n This tax incentive was introduced to stimulate income generation in disadvantaged areas across the UK, as it brings obsolete property back into business use. The official documentation classifies Northern Ireland as being within the \u2018disadvantaged\u2019 category and therefore all buildings including Grade B and C office stock have the potential to qualify for the advantageous relief.<\/p>\n
With this revitalized stock being brought back to life this would potentially help relieve the pressure on demand. This is likely to be a growing trend within the local market, and with the benefits of BPRA clear to see, I think it is a trend that will certainly pick up pace in the coming months.<\/p>\n
We are seeing the major local financial institutions beginning to look at deals again and with office rents set to rise, the business case is more attractive, but in the meantime, BPRA could assist developers.<\/p>\n
As ever there are restrictions and specific clauses to be considered when availing of this relief. However, that\u2019s where I pass you over to Mr Legge and his team of tax specialists!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Only cave dwellers haven\u2019t heard about the lack of Grade A office accommodation in the Belfast market. The shortage has been well documented with the current availability in the city of approximately only 265,500 sq ft. \u2013 i.e. less than one year of taking up. Whilst this might appear to be a reasonable stock level, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[881],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8723","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-office"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Irish News Article \u2013 Could this tax relief relieve the ongoing shortage of Grade A office supply? - Belfast<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n