A special purpose vehicle (SPV) is not a separate type of company at Companies House. It is a description of what a company is used for.

An SPV is a company set up for one specific, limited purpose, for example to hold a single property, to own an asset or investment, or to carry out one project or transaction, so that it is kept separate from the rest of a person's or business's affairs. You may also hear it called a special purpose entity, a property SPV or a holding company for a single asset.

Companies House does not have an "SPV" company type, and neither does Inform Direct. An SPV is formed and managed as an ordinary company of whichever type you choose. In practice this is usually a private company limited by shares, although a private company limited by guarantee or an LLP can also be used. It is set up through the formation wizard in the normal way and managed in Inform Direct like any other company, with the same officers, PSC register, share classes, statutory registers and Companies House filings. See What Types of Company Does Inform Direct Support? and Form a New Company with Inform Direct - Summary of the Formation Wizard.

What makes a company an SPV is its purpose, which is usually set out in its business plan, any lender's requirements and sometimes its articles of association, and the company's SIC code. It is not recorded as a special status. Lenders or investors may ask for particular articles, share structures or restrictions, so you may need bespoke articles. See How Do I Add Bespoke Articles of Association when Forming a Company?

This is general guidance, not legal or tax advice. The right structure depends on your circumstances, so confirm with an accountant or solicitor if unsure.

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