7 Apr 2008

With the introduction of top-up tuition fees in 2006, gaining a university education has become even more expensive. If you have children going away to university there are money saving options worth considering, if you are in a position to take advantage of them.

The cost of accommodation is a financial burden for any student. If you can provide funds to buy a home near the university, you could spend less on annual maintenance for your child and the investment could show a tax-free profit by the time they graduate.

The home can be purchased using a loan secured on your own home, or with capital provided directly by yourself or other relatives. In either case the property must be transferred to the adult student to allow him to take advantage of the capital gains tax exemption for his own home. This gift will not be subject to inheritance tax unless you die within seven years of the transfer.

All tax rates below refer to 2008/9.

Once in residence the student can generate some tax-free income by letting rooms to friends, as long as the total rent in any tax year is no more than the rent-a-room limit of £4,250. If the rent does exceed this limit the student can ask the Inland Revenue to tax the excess only. This may be covered by the student’s own personal allowance of £5,435. Alternatively they can deduct valid expenses and report the net profit on their tax return.

During the course the student does not pay any council tax on the property, even if there are several students sharing the house. One non-student lodger living with other students will receive the 25 per cent discount on the council tax for lone occupation.

Rather than supplying regular handouts to keep the student in books and beer during term time, consider investing capital in your child’s name at the beginning of the course. Such a gift will transfer income and gains normally taxed at 40 per cent in your hands to be covered by the student’s own capital gains exemption of £9,600.