The lives of Poles living in the UK have been undergoing noticeable changes for quite some time – changes that are becoming increasingly apparent not only to them but also to outside observers. Their social status is shifting, their incomes are rising, and with that, their needs are evolving. As The Economist recently noted in an article, the average Pole in the UK now earns more than the average Briton. This is more than just a statistic — it reflects the growing financial status of our compatriots.

As affluence increases, so does the complexity of financial decision-making. There is capital that requires strategic management. Increasingly, its natural direction becomes investment –particularly in real estate. Buying to let, flipping properties – these are no longer isolated cases. This is a real trend and one that many Poles now face.

Yet with this rising trend come new challenges – ones that weren’t as relevant just a few years ago. There’s a growing need for more sophisticated approaches to managing assets, overseeing investments, and efficient tax planning.

And here’s where it gets tricky.

Your accountant – a partner or a limitation?

An investor’s natural source of support should be their accounting firm. But too often, it isn’t. Many practices serving Polish clients in the UK have for years focused on low-cost, basic services — handling sole trader accounts, processing invoices, preparing VAT returns, etc. This used to meet the needs of the market. Today, however, it’s no longer enough.

Property investors – increasingly growing their portfolios – need more than just bookkeeping. Often, they’re unaware of just how much more they need. They expect strategic advice, tax-efficient business structures, and tailored investment strategies. And these are frequently missing — even from firms that were once reliable and trustworthy.

A poorly planned investment structure can be expensive. Sometimes, it costs tens of thousands of pounds.

 For instance, take a business owner whose company is thriving. They pay themselves large dividends — say £200,000 annually — and use it to purchase personal buy-to-let properties. Only later do they discover they owe over £50,000 in additional tax they could have largely avoided. On top of that, the rental income is heavily taxed, and property sales trigger significant Capital Gains Tax (CGT).

The plan was sound, but the lack of a well-thought-out investment structure meant most of the profit went to the taxman.

How could this have been avoided? If the accountants had proactively advised this client to organise their finances differently — for instance, by investing through a business structure rather than as an individual — much of that tax burden could have been avoided.

But no one told them. Because, as they were told, “we don’t deal with investments.”

This is why so many private investors now turn to YouTube or online forums for guidance — rather than their accountants.

Accounting as the foundation of investment decisions

The UK property market is evolving rapidly — bank criteria, credit access, HMRC policies, and rental regulations are all changing. Yet paradoxically, one thing remains the same: many investors still see accounting as just a technical task. Something to tick off at the end of the month to stay compliant.

But in the world of investment, good proactive accounting is far more than that. It is the framework in which key decisions are made. It’s a source of insight into whether a deal is truly profitable, where the risk lies, how to optimise cash flow, and how to reinvest profits without overpaying in tax.

We’re often surprised by how many investors are great at choosing locations, negotiating, refurbishing properties, and managing rentals — yet have no idea what legal form their business should take, what their cash flow looks like, or what tax deductions their company may be entitled to – says Piotr Kubalka, CEO of chartered accountancy firm J. Dauman Finance Ltd – from our perspective, one thing is clear: accounting shouldn’t fix mi stakes. Planning should prevent them. That’s why long-term investors need a team that not only files returns —but designs, advises, and plans.

Preparing to invest in property should be multi-layered — starting with an analysis of the client’s situation, selecting the right business structure, proper tax and investment planning, and finally, ongoing accounting support. But the real value lies beyond that: strategic advice, support with further investments, profitability analysis, cash flow planning, tax optimisation, and collaboration with legal and mortgage advisors.

Only then does accounting stop being a cost. It becomes an advantage — a critical element of investment success.

Is your accountant keeping up with your ambitions?

Many investors stick with their accountants out of loyalty. “We’ve known each other for years,” “There’s never been a problem,” “Everything is always on time.” Understandable. But the market has changed. And today, it’s worth asking yourself:

Does my accountant understand where I’m heading with my capital?

Do they see the full picture of my situation — or just part of it?

Has anyone advised me on business structures, depreciation, or profit taxation?

Am I taking advantage of what’s available — or still working off a 10-year-old playbook?

If you’ve answered “no” even once, ask yourself — how much money and how many opportunities am I missing out on?

Perhaps it’s time to explore a new model of collaboration — one that better understands your growing needs.

Summary

Property investment in the UK today is more than just a way to earn. It’s a method of protection, diversification, and building financial independence. But only if the investor knows what they’re doing — and has a team to help them do it well.

To support individuals who want to start investing wisely, J. Dauman Finance, in collaboration with British Poles, is hosting a free investment webinar on 24 June 2025.

 During the session, experts will cover:

– How to maximise profits from property investment,

– How to achieve 15–35% annual return on capital,

– Which markets are currently worth investing in,

– Whether to invest personally or through a company,

– Common mistakes new investors make,

– Where to find additional support, knowledge, and financial tools.

The webinar is a great opportunity to start investing with greater awareness, benefit from expert experience, and connect with other investors.

WHERE: Online

WHEN: Tuesday, 24 June, 11:00am (BST UK) / 12:00pm (CEST PL)

TICKETS: Free, but registration is required

REGISTRATION: https://jdaumanfinance.com/webinar/investycje-w-nieruchomosci/