property income - Do I qualify as a sole trader

[chocaholic]

So, I have about 6 properties in the UK on which have been paying taxes on the profits, going back as far as 1995.
I would like to qualify for paying class 2 NI contributions.
I believe that in order for this to happen, I need to be able to show that I am a sole trader and not just someone who takes in passive income.
I called HMRC who advised that if I am actively involved in the management or operations, then I could make the case that this is a business and not a passive investment. I would have to register a company with companies house.
Is there any way to register as a sole trader? I dont want to go the companies house route.
Any advice would be appreciated.

[pawncob]

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/state-pension/voluntary-national-insurance-contributions-and-the-state-pension

[Jholm]

Seek professional advice.

Just because you can register as a sole trader for this doesn't mean it will actually be considered as such (ie. trading, not investment income).

There have been many cases where people have argued this and failed, so real care should be taken to ensure it actually constitutes trading activity.