Buy to Let
Buy-to-let mortgages are provided for property purchase for investment in the private rental sector. They are assessed as though they are ones for residential occupation. Assessment of borrower affordability can be based on projected rental income and/or earnings dependent on the lender’s individual policy.
1. Research
If you are new to buy-to-let, what do you know about the market? Do you know the risks, as well as the benefits. Make sure buy-to-let is the investment you want. Your money might be able to perform better elsewhere. If you know someone who has entered the buy-to-let market, ask them about their experiences, or chat with other investors on
2. Where to buy
Promising does not mean most expensive or cheapest. Promising means a place where people would like to live and this can be for a variety of reasons. Where in your town has a special appeal? If you are in a commuter belt, where has good transport? Where are the good schools for young families? Where do the students want to live?
3. Does it add up
Before you think about looking around properties sit down with a pen and paper and write down the cost of houses you are looking at and the rent you are likely to get. Traditionally buy-to-let lenders want rent to cover 125% of the mortgage repayments, although some are relaxing this, and interest rates are higher. Most also look for a 15% deposit, which protects against falling prices.
4. Find the right deal for you
Do not just walk into your bank and building society and ask for a mortgage. It sounds obvious, but people who do this when they need a financial product are one of the reasons why banks make millions in profit.
5. Think about your target tenant
Instead of imagining whether you would like to live in your investment property, put yourself in the shoes of your target tenant. Who are they and what do they want? If they are students, it needs to be easy to clean and comfortable but not luxurious. If they are young professionals it should be modern and stylish but not overbearing. If it is a family they will have plenty of their own belongings and need a blank canvas.
6. Keep your feet on the ground
We have all read the stories about buy-to-let millionaires and their huge portfolios. In most places the days of double digit house price rises are gone, so experts say invest for income not short-term capital growth.
7. Near or far?
Most buy-to-let investors look for properties near where they live. But your town may not be the best investment. The advantage of a property close by is being able to keep an eye on it, but if you will be employing an agent anyway they should do that for you.
8. Negotiate hard
As a buy-to-let investor you have the same advantage as a first-time buyer when it comes to negotiating a discount. If you are not reliant on selling a property to buy another, then you are not part of a chain and represent less of a risk of a sale falling through. This can be a sizeable asset when negotiating a discount.
9. What are the risks?
Before you make any investment you should always investigate the negative aspects as well as the positive. The general consensus is that house prices are relatively stable, but they may drop slightly or even considerably. If that is the case will you be able to continue your investment? Even in popular areas properties can sit empty. One rule of thumb many buy-to-let investors apply is to factor in the property sitting empty for two months of the year – this gives a substantial buffer. Homes often need repairing and things can go wrong. If you do not have enough in the bank to cover a major repair to your property, do not invest yet.
10. Will you use a management agent?
Buying a property is only the first step. Will you rent it out yourself or get an agent to do so. Agents will charge you a management fee, but will deal with any problems and have a good network of plumbers, electricians and other workers if things go wrong. You can make more money by renting the property out yourself but be prepared to give up weekends and evenings on viewings, advertising and repairs. If you choose an agent you do not have to go for a High Street presence, many independent agents offer an excellent and personal service.
1. Research
If you are new to buy-to-let, what do you know about the market? Do you know the risks, as well as the benefits. Make sure buy-to-let is the investment you want. Your money might be able to perform better elsewhere. If you know someone who has entered the buy-to-let market, ask them about their experiences, or chat with other investors on
2. Where to buy
Promising does not mean most expensive or cheapest. Promising means a place where people would like to live and this can be for a variety of reasons. Where in your town has a special appeal? If you are in a commuter belt, where has good transport? Where are the good schools for young families? Where do the students want to live?
3. Does it add up
Before you think about looking around properties sit down with a pen and paper and write down the cost of houses you are looking at and the rent you are likely to get. Traditionally buy-to-let lenders want rent to cover 125% of the mortgage repayments, although some are relaxing this, and interest rates are higher. Most also look for a 15% deposit, which protects against falling prices.
4. Find the right deal for you
Do not just walk into your bank and building society and ask for a mortgage. It sounds obvious, but people who do this when they need a financial product are one of the reasons why banks make millions in profit.
5. Think about your target tenant
Instead of imagining whether you would like to live in your investment property, put yourself in the shoes of your target tenant. Who are they and what do they want? If they are students, it needs to be easy to clean and comfortable but not luxurious. If they are young professionals it should be modern and stylish but not overbearing. If it is a family they will have plenty of their own belongings and need a blank canvas.
6. Keep your feet on the ground
We have all read the stories about buy-to-let millionaires and their huge portfolios. In most places the days of double digit house price rises are gone, so experts say invest for income not short-term capital growth.
7. Near or far?
Most buy-to-let investors look for properties near where they live. But your town may not be the best investment. The advantage of a property close by is being able to keep an eye on it, but if you will be employing an agent anyway they should do that for you.
8. Negotiate hard
As a buy-to-let investor you have the same advantage as a first-time buyer when it comes to negotiating a discount. If you are not reliant on selling a property to buy another, then you are not part of a chain and represent less of a risk of a sale falling through. This can be a sizeable asset when negotiating a discount.
9. What are the risks?
Before you make any investment you should always investigate the negative aspects as well as the positive. The general consensus is that house prices are relatively stable, but they may drop slightly or even considerably. If that is the case will you be able to continue your investment? Even in popular areas properties can sit empty. One rule of thumb many buy-to-let investors apply is to factor in the property sitting empty for two months of the year – this gives a substantial buffer. Homes often need repairing and things can go wrong. If you do not have enough in the bank to cover a major repair to your property, do not invest yet.
10. Will you use a management agent?
Buying a property is only the first step. Will you rent it out yourself or get an agent to do so. Agents will charge you a management fee, but will deal with any problems and have a good network of plumbers, electricians and other workers if things go wrong. You can make more money by renting the property out yourself but be prepared to give up weekends and evenings on viewings, advertising and repairs. If you choose an agent you do not have to go for a High Street presence, many independent agents offer an excellent and personal service.