Funding and getting started

Usually a few weeks once the design is agreed, though it depends on the funding, whether a trust is involved and how quickly the family and its advisers can give information. The design stage is the most important part. Rushing the documents or the gifts is how mistakes happen, so the timetable is set around getting the order of steps right.

There is no fixed legal minimum. The structures we work on range from about £1m to £50m. Below that, the set-up and running costs and the administration can outweigh the benefit, and other steps may suit you better. We will tell you honestly if a family investment company is not right for the amount you have.

Yes, but moving property in is usually a disposal at market value for capital gains tax, and stamp duty land tax can apply, including the higher rates for companies. Reliefs may be available if there is a genuine property business, and sometimes a prior incorporation is used. Our sister firm Property Tax Advisory covers the property side in detail.