Hammock vs Landlord Studio for MTD (2026): Property-First Compared
Last updated 27 June 2026 · 8 min read · By the LandlordTaxAi Editorial Team
The short answer
Both are landlord-first tools built for MTD, not general accounting software. Hammock leans into clean bookkeeping, open-banking feeds and reconciliation. Landlord Studio bundles bookkeeping with wider property and tenancy management. Pick Hammock for focused MTD records; pick Landlord Studio if you also want to run the lettings side.
Unlike QuickBooks or Xero, both Hammock and Landlord Studio are designed specifically for landlords — so the property workflow is built in rather than bolted on. The question is how much property management you want alongside your tax bookkeeping.
Pricing, free tiers and HMRC status all move — confirm the current details before subscribing. For the wider market see MTD software for landlords.
Free calculator · no sign-up
MTD Threshold Checker
See whether you need landlord MTD software like Hammock or Landlord Studio, and from when.
Result
- Total qualifying income
- £28,000
- You must use MTD for Income Tax
- From 6 April 2028
Both landlord-focused and built for MTD. Check current HMRC status and pricing. Estimate only.
Hammock: focused MTD bookkeeping
Hammock is built around landlord finances — connecting your bank via open banking, automatically matching rent and expenses to properties, and keeping MTD-ready digital records. It has been used by landlords on the HMRC pilot and offers tiered monthly plans plus a free trial period.
If your priority is accurate, low-effort bookkeeping that submits quarterly updates, Hammock keeps the scope tight.
Hammock’s open-banking reconciliation is its strength — it’s designed to keep records current with minimal manual entry.
Landlord Studio: bookkeeping plus management
Landlord Studio combines income and expense tracking with tenancy tools — rent collection tracking, reminders, document storage and reporting — alongside MTD record-keeping. It offers a free tier with limits and paid plans above it.
For a landlord who self-manages and wants one app for both the lettings admin and the tax records, that breadth is the draw.
| Factor | Hammock | Landlord Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Landlord bookkeeping / MTD | Bookkeeping + property management |
| MTD for Income Tax | Built for MTD (check current HMRC status) | Built for MTD (check current HMRC status) |
| Bank feeds | Open banking, auto-reconciliation | Open banking + manual import |
| Tenancy tools | Lighter | Rent tracking, reminders, documents |
| Pricing | Free trial then tiered monthly | Free tier then paid plans |
If you use a letting agent, you may not need Landlord Studio’s management features — in which case Hammock’s tighter focus can be the simpler choice.
Which should you choose?
Self-manage and want everything in one app? Landlord Studio. Want lean, accurate MTD bookkeeping and let an agent handle tenancies? Hammock. Both are property-first, so either beats forcing a general-ledger tool into a landlord shape.
Just want the tax part done?
LandlordTaxAi focuses purely on landlord tax — reading your bank statements, categorising them and keeping MTD-ready records — without the management overhead.
See how it worksA worked example
Three landlords decide between the two for April 2026.
| Two properties, uses a letting agent | Hammock — focused MTD bookkeeping |
| Self-manages four units, wants rent tracking | Landlord Studio — one app for both |
| One flat, testing the cheapest start | Trial both free options, then decide |
The deciding factor is usually whether you self-manage. Both keep compliant MTD records either way.
Frequently asked questions
Are Hammock and Landlord Studio HMRC-recognised for MTD?
Both are landlord-focused tools listed as compatible (or confirmed coming) for MTD for Income Tax. Always check HMRC’s compatible-software list for current status before subscribing.
Which is better for bookkeeping?
Hammock is built around landlord bookkeeping and open-banking reconciliation. Landlord Studio adds wider property management, suiting landlords who want both in one place.
Do they offer free trials?
Hammock has offered a two-month trial and tiered plans; Landlord Studio offers a free tier with limits. Check current terms.
Which suits a small portfolio?
Both. Hammock for focused MTD records; Landlord Studio if you also manage tenancies and rent.
Can they file my MTD quarterly updates?
Yes — both keep digital records and submit quarterly updates, on a plan that includes MTD filing. Confirm the plan covers filing.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on portfolio size and whether you need management features. Compare per-property or tiered pricing for your number of units.
Written and reviewed by the LandlordTaxAi Editorial Team. Our guides are reviewed against current HMRC guidance and updated when the rules change. Operated by LandlordTaxAi, United Kingdom. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Last reviewed: 27 June 2026 · Researched against primary UK sources for the 2026/27 tax year: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/choose-the-right-software-for-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax; https://www.usehammock.com/; https://www.landlordstudio.com/uk-blog/mtd-software-for-landlords. This article is informational only and does not constitute tax advice. Check the latest details on GOV.UK or with a qualified accountant.