How can we get out of an SCI?

MY WIFE and I bought our house in joint names. Owing to imminent legal action in the UK it was suggested we transfer it into an SCI [a firm set up to hold property]. We later changed the share apportionment to 99% for my wife and 1% for me. We sold the house and bought a new one under the same regime. The legal problems never materialised and we are left with a house in an SCI and a 99%/1% split, which does not in itself worry me, though perhaps it should? However, when we sell we will be faced with capital gains tax. Is it simple and inexpensive to get out of the SCI? Would we have to pay taxes to buy the house back into our joint names? Is this necessary? T.J.

Notaire François Trémosa, with the Groupe Monassier in Toulouse, replies: It is easy to get out of the SCI, a notaire just has to draw up a deed for the transfer of the property, however, it is relatively costly: more than when the SCI was set up.

As regards tax to purchase the house back, there might be capital gains tax to be paid. However, no, it is not necessary for you to do this.