Xero
Best for landlords who want bank feeds, integrations and a scalable accounting setup.
Making Tax Digital software UK
Best MTD Software for Landlords UK 2026
Compare software options for UK landlords who need to keep digital property income and expense records and prepare for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
Best quick shortlist
For landlords, property owners and accountant-managed property businesses, the strongest starting shortlist is: Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and landlord-specific tools.
Top MTD software options
QuickBooks
Best all-round option for landlords who also run a small business or side trade.
FreeAgent
Best for simpler landlord or mixed self-employed workflows, depending on provider support.
Sage
Best for users who prefer an established UK accounting provider.
Landlord-specific software
Best where property workflows, rental income and property expense categories are the priority.
TaxCalc / BTCSoftware
Best for accountant-led or spreadsheet-connected workflows.
What the software needs to help with
| Requirement | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Digital record keeping | Income and expense records need to be maintained digitally rather than relying on paper records for the full year. |
| Quarterly updates | MTD users need software that can support quarterly income and expense updates to HMRC. |
| Tax return workflow | The software or connected workflow should support the final declaration/tax return process. |
| Digital links | If spreadsheets or multiple tools are used, the workflow must preserve digital links rather than manual retyping. |
How to choose
- Choose Xero if you want a scalable accounting ecosystem with strong integrations.
- Choose QuickBooks if you want a mainstream small-business accounting platform.
- Choose landlord-specific software if property income and expenses are your main use case.
- Choose bridging software if your accountant manages your MTD workflow from spreadsheets.
Related StackValuer pages
FAQ
Do I need full accounting software?
Not always. Some users may use bridging software with spreadsheets, but full accounting software is usually simpler for digital record keeping, bank feeds and reducing manual errors.
Can I use spreadsheets?
Spreadsheets alone are not enough. They may be used only as part of a compatible digital workflow with bridging software.
Does HMRC recommend one product?
No. Always check HMRC’s recognised software list and confirm the exact MTD Income Tax features with the provider.
StackValuer verdict
Best first step: compare the main MTD software options, then verify compatibility with HMRC and the software provider before signing up.
Software shortlist
Recommended software options
Compare pricing, fit, trial options and key differences before choosing a business software tool.
#1
QuickBooks
Accounting + invoicing
- Pricing
- Approximately £10–£40/month
- Trial / free plan
- Free trial
- Best point
- Market leader
- Watch out for
- Cost increases with add-ons
#2
Calendly
Automated meeting scheduling
- Pricing
- Free + approximately £8–£16/month
- Trial / free plan
- Free plan available
- Best point
- Market leader
- Watch out for
- Limited workflow automation on lower tiers
#3
Fresha
Booking + POS for salons and spas
- Pricing
- Free + commission-based fees
- Trial / free plan
- Free plan
- Best point
- No subscription cost
- Watch out for
- Revenue tied to platform fees
Fix this problem quickly
If this is already costing you time, missed work, or unpaid invoices, the fastest route is choosing a tool built for the job.
Not sure which tool to choose?
Compare popular options side by side before you commit.
A simple setup that works
Most small businesses solve admin, bookings, and follow-up problems with a simple stack:
- ✔ Booking system for appointments
- ✔ Invoicing tool for payment collection
- ✔ CRM for customer tracking and follow-up
Looking for alternatives?
If your current tool feels too expensive, too complicated, or not quite right, compare better-fit options.
Ready to fix this?
The fastest way is to choose a tool designed for your exact business problem.