Today the government has announced a major change to the Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) reforms that are being introduced from 6 April 2026.
In this blog our Wills, Trusts and Probate Team and specialist Agriculture Solicitors explore the changes.
The Announcement
The government have announced that they will be increasing the allowances for the 100% rate of reliefs from £1million to £2.5 million for both APR and BPR in a bid to make both reliefs fairer.
The threshold for the 100% rate of relief will now be set at £2.5 million from 6 April 2026. A 50% rate of relief would apply on qualifying assets above this where Inheritance Tax would be paid at an effective rate of up to 20% rather than the standard rate of 40%.
The Transferable Allowance
When the reforms to APR and BPR were first announced, the government had not confirmed whether the unused allowances for the 100% rate of relief were transferrable between spouses.
However, the government confirmed in the Autumn 2025 Budget that the unused allowance for the 100% rate of APR and BPR will be transferable to a surviving spouse or civil partner. Now any of the unused £2.5 million allowance will be able to be transferred to a surviving spouse or civil partner from 6 April 2026.
The transferrable allowance will also be available to people who are already widowed and have lost spouses or civil partners before the policy change was introduced.
Today’s announcement means that spouse will now be able to pass on up to £5 million in qualifying agricultural or business assets between them before paying Inheritance Tax. This is on top of the availability of existing nil rate band allowances, which will be welcome news to both farmers and business owners across the country.
How Can We Help?
With the changes coming into effect in April 2026, it is important that farmers and business owners review their succession plan and estate planning now with trusted advisers. Forward planning is essential for those are affected by the reforms despite today’s announcement.
At Myerson we can ensure that your Will and business ownership structures are set up in a way that utilises the various tax allowances that may be available to you and provide you with advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
If you would like expert support from our Wills, Trusts and Probate Team and specialist Agriculture solicitors, you can contact us on:
0161 941 4000
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Ellie Dalby
Associate
Ellie specialises in a variety of Private Client matters including the preparation of Wills and Lasting Power of Attorneys and the administration of estates.
Ellie has an approachable and professional manner. She aims to provide clear advice and guidance to clients during what can often be a difficult and sensitive time for them.
Before joining Myerson in June 2025, Ellie completed her legal training at Poole Alcock LLP. Ellie qualified as a solicitor in February 2024 and specialised in Wills and Probate.
Ellie completed her legal studies at the University of Sheffield. She graduated with an Upper Second Class Honours in her undergraduate Law degree and achieved a Commendation in the MA in Legal Practice (LPC).
About Ellie Dalby