Our last article considered the benefits of buying to let in principle. Here we consider some practical elements:

Attitude: Buying to let is a long-term investment. So don’t over-stretch yourself, because if you had to sell in the short term you would almost certainly lose money. 

Choose well: Follow your head not your heart. Take advice as to which property would represent a sound letting proposition. Is there a strong market in your area? What returns can be expected?

The right mortgage: It can be worth increasing the mortgage on your own property rather than taking out a separate Buy-to-Let mortgage on the rental  property. It’s definitely worth speaking to a specialist here.

Hidden costs: Remember insurance, rates, maintenance and long-term improvements.However, the biggest unforeseen cost could be a period of vacancy. Nationally, the average void period is reported as 19 days a year*, although our clients’ is only a fraction of this!

Management: You could manage the property yourself or appoint a letting agent who will also find tenants, ensure the agreement is watertight, collect references and rent and ensure that you are fully compliant legally (there are over 100 pieces of legislation affecting lettings). 

Insurance:You may require special insurance, and as a landlord you have additional responsibilities such as compliance with various safety regulations. 

Tax: Rental income is taxable and mortgage payments are only partly deductible. Any profit you make when you sell the property might also be liable to Capital Gains Tax, so it may be worth putting the property in joint names to take advantage of two personal allowances. Certainly speak to an accountant before you embark!

Please feel free to call us for a chat  if you would like to investigate buy-to-let opportunities in this area. It could feather your nest for the future.