A dilemma faced by UK bitcoin owners looking to buy a home with their bitcoin was that they couldn’t find a seller who accepts digital coins as direct payment; not unless the seller is also a bitcoin holder who knows the ins and outs of cryptocurrency finance.

The only advantage to buying a property using bitcoins as mode of payment is that the transaction can be closed in a matter of minutes. After all, cryptocurrencies works in a decentralized financial system where banks, including the central bank are not involved in the flow and regulation of crypto transactions.

Volatility of Bitcoins Present Potential Problems

Yet while some sellers will consider selling their property to a bitcoin owner, it’s likely that they will still require the buyer to convert his bitcoin (BTC) into the fiat currency recognized by the seller’s country. While the price of BTCs fluctuate, to change in value from one day to the next, most sellers are wary of ending up underpaid, That is, if the value of the bitcoins received as payment, drops at an amount that equates to an amount at less than the value of the property sold,

On the other hand, if a seller accepts BTC as payment and that by some stroke of luck, the digital coins increase in value, then the seller gains additionally from the real estate transaction. The buyer cannot ask the seller for the difference between the purchase price of the real estate and the current value of the BTCs.

That scenario however is not likely, since most BTC owners will not part with their money if they are receiving cryptocurrency signals that the prices will go up. It’s a different story if there are signals indicating a potential downturn. Such events could prompt a BTC owner to liquidate their holdings; or to invest the digital money into an asset like real property, as it can provide protection against inflation.

The Disadvantages of Buying a Real Property with Bitcoin

The sale of bitcoins is regarded by tax authorities in the UK as a sale of asset, subject to Capital Gains Tax. If a bitcoin was used as direct payment for a property, the buyer is placed in a position where he has to pay the commensurate amount of Capital Gains Tax for exchanging his BTC asset with a real property.

 

This will not escape notice from tax authorities since a Deed of Sale has to be executed as required in the process of transferring title of ownership over a purchased property. While the payment of Capital Gains Tax in the sale of the property is the responsibility of the seller, the buyer also has to pay Capital Gains Tax for the asset exchange.

Another disadvantage is if he buys a real property with an unscrupulous seller who requires, or readily agrees to accept bitcoin as payment. There’s no reversing the transaction in the blockchain ledger. In the event that legal problems link the property to a lawsuit. While the buyer can assert his ownership in court cannot demand for the reversal of the real estate deal. Moreover, there is no guarantee that the court will not award the property to the claimant.

If you’re looking to buy a house in Borehamwood, as it is currently touted as one of the best places to live in, in the UK, it would best to consult with Borehamwood Estate Agents not only for valuations but also about the possibility of bing from a seller who accepts BTCs. 3