Published by LetLogiQ · Page updated 20 September 2026 · Calculation basis & updates
Why cash profit and taxable profit can differ
For individual residential landlords within these rules, eligible finance costs are dealt with through a basic-rate tax reduction rather than deducted in full from rental income. Mortgage interest still leaves your bank account. This is why the tax calculation and the cash-flow calculation need separate lines.
The tax reduction has limits
HMRC bases the reduction on the lowest relevant amount of eligible finance costs, property profits and adjusted total income above allowances, with further limits on tax payable. It is not an unrestricted refund of a percentage of every mortgage payment. Capital repayment is not eligible interest.
Read the finance-relief detail
Open “Upfront cash & annual tax detail” to inspect taxable profit, the modelled finance-cost tax reduction and unused finance costs. This single-property estimate does not import earlier years’ losses or finance costs. The long-term projection does not carry relief or losses between years. A full tax return may differ.
Personal ownership worked example
This fixed illustration uses the calculator’s starting assumptions, not your edited inputs: England, a £200,000 additional property, £50,000 deposit, 5% interest-only borrowing and a 25-year term. Rent of £1,200 per month, two weeks’ voids and standard operating allowances. Personal ownership, £35,000 other annual income and the England/Wales/Northern Ireland income-tax basis. Remaining costs use the editable planning estimates.
- Annual scheduled rent
- £14,400
- Annual running costs
- £2,150
- Annual estimated tax
- £839
- Monthly cash after tax
- £280
Taxable property profit is £11,696; the modelled finance-cost tax reduction is £1,500. These are distinct from cash after mortgage payments.
Rounded figures are illustrative. The live calculator above provides the full cost and tax breakdown.
Source: HMRC: residential landlord finance-cost relief.
Common questions
Does Section 24 apply to repayment mortgages?
The relevant restriction concerns eligible finance costs, including mortgage interest. Capital repayment is different: it reduces spendable cash but is not mortgage-interest tax relief.
Can tax be due when cash profit is small?
Yes. Taxable rental profit and cash left after mortgage payments can differ. Enter your other income and check the tax detail rather than applying one flat tax percentage to the final cash figure.
Does this replace a tax return calculation?
No. It is a planning estimate with a limited set of inputs. Portfolio results, earlier-year losses, relief carry-forwards and personal circumstances can change the tax due.