Q. We have had a rental property for some years and now that we are retired, we wish to live there and rent out our (original) main residence. How long must we live in a property before it becomes our main residence?
A: There is no set number of months or years before principal private residence can be assured to apply but what needs to be shown is that you are moving to the property and intending to stay for the long term. Possibly six months to a year would be a reasonable time. You should also register on the electoral role for the area of the country where you intend to reside and ensure that HMRC is aware of your change of address. Once the property is established as your main residence should you ever wish to sell the property you will be able to benefit from the final nine months exemption under principal private residence relief.
