Complete Guide to Change Company Address UK

If you’re looking into changing your company’s registered address in the UK, you’re in the right place. Many business owners assume it’s as simple as typing a new address into a form and moving on — but the process to change company address carries specific legal requirements, timelines, and administrative steps that you must get right. Missing a notification or delaying an update can lead to lost correspondence or even compliance issues, so understanding how it works is essential.

Whether you operate a single limited company, manage a portfolio of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for property investment, or run a service-based business, keeping your registered address accurate ensures that your company remains compliant and properly connected with HMRC, Companies House, lenders, and other stakeholders. And if the whole thing feels a bit technical or overly procedural, don’t worry — this guide breaks it down clearly and practically.

What Is a Company Registered Address & Why Does It Matter?

Your company’s registered address is the official location recorded at Companies House. This is where statutory notices, reminders, legal letters, and tax-related documents are sent. Because this address is publicly listed on the Companies House register, it also serves as a point of transparency for anyone wishing to confirm your legitimacy — including lenders, potential partners, and clients.

It’s important to remember that the registered address does not have to be your trading address. Many companies choose a serviced office, accountant’s address, or virtual office for privacy or convenience. What matters most is that the address is valid, located in the UK, and monitored regularly so you never miss essential correspondence.

Keeping this address up to date ensures continuity, protects your compliance standing, and helps you avoid unnecessary penalties or administrative headaches.

When & Why You Might Need to Change Company Address

Companies update their registered addresses for many different reasons, and most of them are quite practical. You might be:

• Moving into a new office or workspace
• Switching to a virtual office for privacy
• Separating your trading address from your registered office
• Relocating your company administration
• Consolidating or restructuring multiple SPVs
• Adopting a more professional or stable address for mortgage or lender purposes

For property investors, address updates are particularly important when managing several SPVs. As portfolios evolve — through purchases, sales, refinancing, or restructuring — keeping company information synchronised helps avoid communication gaps and protects your operational flow.

In every case, notifying Companies House promptly is key. A delay could mean missing time-sensitive reminders, including confirmation statement alerts or statutory filing notices.

The Legal Framework: What the Companies Act Says

The Companies Act 2006 sets out clear expectations for maintaining and updating a company’s registered office. Under UK company law:

• The address must always be “effective” — meaning official mail must be accessible and acknowledged
• Any change must be reported to Companies House “as soon as reasonably practicable”
• The update only becomes legally effective once Companies House accepts and publishes the change

Failing to comply doesn’t always lead to immediate penalties, but it can accumulate into missed filings, late fees, or — in more serious cases — compliance warnings. Ensuring that your registered office is correct is therefore both a legal requirement and a safeguard for your business operations.

Step-by-Step Process to Change Company Address in the UK

Changing your registered address is straightforward once you understand the sequence. Here’s a detailed look at each step:

1. Pass a Board Resolution

The decision must be formally approved by the directors. Even if you’re the sole director, the resolution should still be documented for your company records.

This creates a clear internal audit trail — something especially important in SPVs where decisions may later need to be reviewed by lenders, auditors, or joint investors.

2. File Form AD01 with Companies House

Form AD01 is used for changing the registered office address of a standard company. This can be filed:

• Online via Companies House WebFiling
• Through third-party filing software
• Via an accountant or company administrator

Online submissions are typically updated within a few hours, although Companies House advises allowing up to one working day.

3. Notify HMRC & Other Authorities

While Companies House updates automatically feed to HMRC systems, you should still notify HMRC separately for areas such as:

• Corporation tax
• VAT
• PAYE (if applicable)

This ensures your next set of tax notices reaches your new address. Banks, insurers, letting agents, landlords, tenants, lenders, and service providers should also be informed to avoid confusion down the line.

4. Update Your Public-Facing Information

This includes:

• Website footers
• Business cards and stationery
• Email signatures
• Contracts and invoices
• Letterheads
• Platforms like Google Business Profile

A consistent address across all public materials signals professionalism and prevents administrative errors later.

How PropertySPV Supports Company Address Changes

Changing your company address is often just one piece of the puzzle, especially for property investors who use SPVs to structure and protect their assets.

PropertySPV supports clients with a range of administrative and compliance tasks specifically tailored to property investment companies. Our services include:

• Forming and maintaining SPV companies correctly from day one
• Managing administrative updates such as address changes and officer appointments
• Handling annual filings and corporation tax submissions
• Providing bookkeeping and accounting built around rental income, mortgage interest, expenses, and refinancing
• Offering guidance on structuring multiple SPVs for tax efficiency and risk separation

Our support is designed to remove the burden of paperwork so you can focus on acquiring, managing, or refinancing properties — without worrying about missing a filing or misunderstanding a legal requirement.

Even if you’re unsure whether your SPV structure needs updating or simply want clarity on your next steps, our team is always happy to offer straightforward, practical guidance.

Common Questions About Changing a Company Address

• How long does the change take?

In most cases, Companies House processes updates within a few hours. If filing by post, processing can take longer — often several days.

• Is there a fee?

No, changing your registered office address is free unless you choose to use a professional service.

• Can I use a virtual office?

Yes. Many property investors prefer virtual offices for privacy and for keeping personal addresses off the public register.

• What if I don’t update my address?

You risk missing legal notices or filing reminders, which can lead to penalties or compliance issues. In extreme cases, Companies House can strike off a company that appears unresponsive.

Conclusion: Keep Your Company Address Current with PropertySPV’s Support

Changing your company’s registered address is a relatively simple process, but it needs to be handled carefully to remain compliant and avoid disruptions. Whether you manage a single company or a portfolio of SPVs, staying on top of these updates ensures your business runs smoothly, and all statutory communication reaches you without delay.

PropertySPV provides dedicated support to property investors who want administrative tasks handled accurately and efficiently. From company filings to ongoing SPV management and property-focused accounting, our team ensures your company remains compliant while you concentrate on building your investment portfolio.

If you need help with an address change — or simply want to explore how professional support could make your SPV management easier — feel free to reach out. We’re here to offer clear, practical guidance whenever you need it.

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