Investing in a Property
Investing in a private rented property can be achieved in various ways. Sometimes landlords inherit a property that they then turn over to renting. Sometimes owners of properties become unintentional landlords because they are unable or unwilling to sell a property at the value the market currently dictates.
This guide is not a financial guide to housing investment, but there are a few key points worth highlighting.
It is vital that an investor (and all landlords must see themselves as investors), before investing in a property, undertakes a proper business plan that takes into account:
- The value of the property and the loan to asset ratio of any loan finance obtained.
- The cost of any loan finance and that loan finance has to be repaid over what period.
- The level of interest being paid towards the loan, taking into account that interest rates are likely to fluctuate throughout the loan.
- The level of investment needed to renovate the property and meet statutory standards.
- The cost of any management or specialist services to get the property up to standard and into the lettings market, letting expenses, advertising and professional fees.
- The level of rent to be charged.
- The cost of ongoing services to keep the property in good condition, repairs, gas and electrical servicing, annual maintenance, cleaning, garden maintenance, etc.
- The property will require continued investment to maintain the fixtures, fittings, decor and services (boiler, white goods, grey goods and furnishings - if let furnished) in good condition.
- Who will be responsible for the property while the landlord is away on holiday, on business, or unavailable because of illness?
Whilst property investment thrives on optimism, it is also essential to be realistic about the level of rent that can be charged and allow for some period when the property might be unoccupied between lets (voids) and to make some allowance for any bad debts. Every landlord should allow not less than about a 7% void rate for vacancies and turnaround times between occupants.
Landlords, basing their business plans on low-interest rates, short and risky variable loan rates, charging high rents and not allowing enough funding to keep the property in tip-top condition frequently come unstuck.
It is also important to consider cash flow. Like buying a house for owner-occupation, most expenditure takes place initially, and, as the loan progresses, repayments become less demanding. Consider what might happen if outgoings continue, but rent is not forthcoming, or it is necessary to fund an unexpectedly large repair. Is the cash available to keep the business or investment running?
Investors thinking about purchasing a property should carefully consider the financial and management implications. Some other matters to be considered are:
The demand for rented accommodation in the house's area is located. There may already be an oversupply of rented accommodation in many areas, including popular inner-city locations, and it could be challenging to find suitable tenants.
The sort of market that the property is intended to serve. Each has its characteristics, benefits and problems.
The potential investment return. It is essential to be realistic about the returns that can be achieved, and it is more practical to expect lower short-term gains and higher long-term profits when investing in property.
Remember that although the capital value of property tends to rise over time, in the shorter term, property prices can go down and up and that capital gains made over time on a property that has appreciated are taxable.
The level of experience in managing property and tenancies required. The knowledge and skills needed to be a landlord are considerable, and the penalties for getting it wrong can be severe.
Private Rented Sector Markets and the Relevant Standards
Private renting is increasingly popular and of growing importance as part of the country's housing stock.
When deciding to let a property, it is essential to consider what market that property is entering. Broadly speaking, there are five private rented sector markets:
- renting to those on benefits
- renting to students
- renting to working tenants
- renting to professionals
- luxury lets or corporate lets at the higher end market.
If the property is already owned, its type and location may already be determined by the market. If a potential landlord is looking to invest in property, that decision may be influenced by location and type of property that can be afforded. Different markets will command different rent levels and require different standards and types of letting and management. Some of the issues to be considered are:
- professionals will insist on high standards and will expect showers and sometimes ensuite facilities
- housing benefit renters, whilst commanding a lower rent, are likely to be more stable tenants
- young professionals tend to be more mobile, and this may lead to higher voids and increased re-letting expenses
- renting to sharers or students results in higher occupancy rates, which maximises rental income. However, the wear and tear on a property will be substantially higher with a greater density of occupation. Many students may be living away from home for the first time and may not fully understand their responsibilities towards their property. Renting to sharers and students is also likely to bring with it the need to meet regulatory standards that have been set by the Government in respect of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and property licensing. These additional regulatory standards acknowledge and seek to address the high risks associated with HMOs
- student lets may not extend to a full year
- all tenants will expect a high level of customer care from landlords, and expectations generally rise in line with the rent paid.
If a mortgaged property, or a room within it, is to be let, then it is necessary to obtain permission from the mortgage lender. If the property is subject to a long lease, consent may also be required from the freeholder before renting, and there may be a cost associated with this. The terms of the lease will determine this. It is advisable to seek assistance from a lawyer or the local housing advice service where these are not clear.
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Buy to Let Confidence Falls to a New Low
Landlord confidence in renting out property as a business has plunged to a new low in 2019.
Static Buy to Let Rents Are Stuck in a Rut
Buy-to-let rents are stuck in a rut as the latest official figures show little or no movement for six months in 2019.
600,000 Landlords Set to Quit Buy to Let
Hundreds of thousands of landlords are thinking about quitting buy-to-let due to the increasing time and costs involved with renting a home.
New Faces Take Over Housing in Johnson Minister Shake-Up
Former journalist and TV presenter Esther McVey is Boris Johnson’s new housing and planning minister.
Buy to Let Rent Rises Running Out of Steam
According to the Office for National Statistics, average rents were up 1.3% over the year to the end of June 2019.
Rents Rising as London Recovers From Slowdown
Buy-to-let landlords have seen rents rise 1.3% in a year, according to May 2019 data.
Over 50s Plan to Unlock Cash Tied Up in Homes for Retirement
The over 50s plan to spend the cash locked in the value of their homes rather than leave the money to loved ones when they die, according to a June 2019 report
P2P Investors Holding £160m in Loans as Lender Collapses
Property peer-to-peer funding platform Lendy has collapsed leaving investors holding around £160 million in outstanding loans.
Features Tenants Are Willing to Pay More Rent For
Landlords and letting agents thinking tenants want the best house for the cheapest rent - but are willing to pay more for the right property.
Landlords Ease Impact of Tenant Fee Ban by Raising Rents
Buy-to-let rents are going up so landlords can cover letting agent costs when a tenant fee ban starts, claims a property expert.
Buy to Let Warning for Armchair Landlords
Profitable buy to let is over and amateur landlords ought to get out while they can, according to the boss of a leading build-to-rent firm.
Cost of Living Is Highest for Private Renters
Renters have a higher cost of living than homeowners, according to official data from 2018.
Landlords See Another Disappointing Rise in Rents
Private tenants have seen their rents go up by just 1.2% in the past year, according to data in March 2019.
Lords Call for Landlord Tax Breaks to Improve Housing
Giving landlords extra tax breaks to improve the homes they rent out would boost the plight of any declining seaside towns that are struggling to upgrade
Buy to Let Rents Still Slowly Rising for Landlords
The cost of renting a buy to let home rose by 1.1% in the 12 months to the end of February 2019.
Council Pays £100,000 to Settle Landlord Slander Claim
Landlord Rod Bloor has won a £100,000 payout from a council after claiming staff doubted his honesty to prospective tenants.
Landlords Can Pick From More Than 2,100 Mortgages
The number of mortgage products for landlords has reached a landmark high as lenders show how desperate they are to grab a piece of the buy-to-let action.
London’s Rental Market in a Nutshell
London letting and estate agents Foxtons are telling landlords what type of property not to buy, even though the advice could knock their sales.
Buy to Let Rents Still Stuck in a Rut
Buy-to-let rents changed little in 2018, according to the latest official data.
Buy to Let Yields Plunge to 3-Year Low
Buy to let yields for property investors have slumped to a three-year low, according to new data from a leading lender.
Buy to Let Investors Chase Missing £68m Paid to Developer
Insolvency experts are warning buy to let landlords to be cautious about staking money against buyer funded developments
Auction Homes Go at Knock Down Prices
Fewer homes are going under the hammer at property auctions - but those that sell are at knock-down prices.
Landlords See Buy to Let Rents Stagnate for Months
According to official data (November 2018), rent rises have remained for the past five months.
Buy to Let Rents Rise 1.5% in a Year (November 2018)
Private tenants were paying an average of 1.5% more in rent than a year ago, according to November 2018 data.
Flats for Singles May Be the Future of Buy to Let
The future of buy-to-let could be one-bedroomed homes or more studio flats as official data forecasts the number of singles will increase over the next two decades.
Buy to Let Rents Rise by 2.1% in a Year
According to a study, rents across the country rose by 2.1% in October 2018 compared to a year before.
Property Fraud Nets £20 Million From Investors
Fraudsters running a property Ponzi scheme conned 800 would-be investors out of almost £20 million.
How Buy to Let Profits Can Fund Uni Tuition Fees
Investing in buy to let to help children through university is proving profitable with landlords.
Letting Agents See More Tenants but Have Fewer Homes to Rent
Data shows that tenant demand for private rented homes hit the highest in 2018.
Buy to Let Will Bounce Back in Five Years, Predicts Bank
an increasing drop in buy-to-let mortgage approvals since 2013, which rose to 27% in 2017 as a readjustment to new tax and financial regulations gripping the market.
Buy to Let Rents Stuck in a Rut
According to official figures, the cost of renting a buy-to-let home stands still. Rents paid by private tenants increased by 0.9% in the year to the end of July 2018
Buy to Let Landlord Confidence on the Rise
Landlord confidence in the state of the buy to let market is rising in 2018 - but the underlying indicators are wildly different between regions.
Buy to Let Rents Stagnating, Say Official Figures
According to official statistics, buy-to-let rents stagnated in April 2018.
Buy to Let Rents Up 1.8% in a Year
According to statistics, buy-to-let rents increased by 1.8% to an average of £924 a month in the 12 months to the end of June 2018.
Tax Changes Lead to Fewer Buy to Lets and Higher Rents
Fewer landlords are buying properties to rent with buy to let mortgages, according to 2018 figures from lenders.
Happy Tenants Seem at Odds With Housing Campaigners
Millions of private renters disagree with housing campaigners about the state of their buy to let homes.
Buy to Let Improvements Can Be a Waste of Money
Landlords wanting to upgrade their rentals properties often make the wrong decisions about how to spend their cash.
London Buy to Let Rents Fall for First Time in 8 Years
According to official figures, buy-to-let rents nudged up by 1% in the year to the end of May 2018.
Tenants Reveal What They Want From Buy to Let Homes
According to a report, renters have a checklist in mind when they hunt for a buy-to-let home.
It’s Official! Landlords Are Fleeing Buy to Let
According to official figures, the number of private rented homes has dropped by 46,000 as landlords flee the buy-to-let market.
House Price Uncertainty Continues as Values Drop
House prices have steadily dropped during 2018, according to the UK’s leading mortgage provider.
MPs Want to Confiscate Homes From Criminal Landlords
Ministers and councils are not doing enough to stamp out rogue landlords who should have their rental homes confiscated, urges a group of influential MPs.
Buy to Let Rent Rises Slipping Towards Stagnation
According to official figures, private rents for buy-to-let landlords stagnated in 2018.
Crooked Letting Agent Conned Victims Out of £400,000
A disgraced letting agent who conned £400,000 out of friends and clients has been ordered by a judge to repay £130,000 to his victims.
Property Trumps Pensions for Generating Wealth
According to a study, property investment will make more money than a workplace pension.
Introducing Buy to Let Finance for Landlords
Introducing buy-to-let finance for landlords. Mortgages are available for residential, commercial, HMOs and mixed-use.
Tenants Paying More Rent, but Rate of Rising Slows
The cost of renting a private home is rising, but the rate of increase is slowing, according to October 2017 official statistics.
London Downturn Drives Buy To Let Rents Down
Rents for private homes across the country rose by 1.6% in the year to the end of September 2017
Stricter Buy to Let Borrowing Rules for Portfolio Landlords
Tougher buy-to-let borrowing rules come in for buy-to-let portfolio landlords from the end of September 2017.
Landlords Need to Treat Buy to Let as a Business
Buy-to-let landlords need to take a more professional approach to run their properties.
Red-Tape Tangle That Ties Buy to Let Landlords in Knots
Landlords and letting agents are often accused of working in an unregulated market – but their critics fail to realise more than 145 property laws tie their businesses in red tape.
Property Wealth Puts Landlords Among Britain's Richest
According to a report, property investors are among the country's wealthiest individuals.
Running Holiday Lets Is Not a Business, Rules Tribunal
HMRC has fiercely contested claims from the estate of a holiday lettings partnership that the venture was a business.
Property Pensions Likely to Generate Most Money for Retirement
Investors expect a property pension to make them the most money for retirement - but do not expect their investment to provide an income when they stop working.
Buy to Let Set for Change as Build to Rent Corporates Move in
According to research, build-to-rent corporates are about to make a huge dent in buy-to-let.
One in Five Homes Are Now Buy to Lets, Says Government
Buy-to-let has mushroomed from 10% of homes in the 1990s to grab a 20% share in the latest English Housing Survey from the government’s Office of National Statistics.
Buy to Let Property Companies and Fake News
According to commentators, thousands of buy-to-let landlords have set up property companies to sidestep the mortgage interest tax relief measures starting in April.
House Prices Drop for First Time in a Year
House prices have dropped for the first time in a year, according to one leading mortgage lender.
Is Commercial Investment Worth The Bother?
Tax changes lead property investors to investigate if commercial property is a better investment than buy-to-let.
If You’re A Landlord, You Should Feel Wealthy
Landlords do not have to earn a fortune to feel wealthy, according to the bank behind Britain’s biggest buy-to-let lender.
Buy To Let Borrowing Upset On The Cards For Landlords
Portfolio landlords face another financial upset as the Bank of England tightens up the rules for buy to let mortgage lending.
What That Airbnb Ruling Says About Letting A Leased Home
Nemcova v Fairfield Rents, the Upper Tribunal clearly explained how renting a home as a holiday could breach the terms of conditions of owning a leasehold property.
Do BICT Trusts Work for Buy to Let Landlords?
Lawyers argue beneficial interest company trusts allow landlords to avoid the new mortgage interest finance rules starting in April 2017 – but do they work?
Where’s Hot And Where’s Not For Buy To Let
Peer-to-peer property funders have drawn up a list of places with the best and worst buy-to-let returns for landlords.
Buy To Let Unaffected By Brexit, Say Letting Agents
According to letting agents, the first post-Brexit snapshot of the buy-to-let market passed off with a good bill of health.
Britain’s Top Buy To Let Hot Spot Cities
Property investors and developers often look at buy-to-let hot spots to determine the best place to purchase an investment country – but they may not be where they believe.
Losing Buy To Let Tracker Legal Fight Costs Lender £27.5 Million
West Bromwich Building Society has lost a court case over varying mortgage interest rates for buy-to-let landlords whose loans tracked the Bank of England base rate.
Good Neighbours Win Squatter’s Rights Battle
Neighbours warring over who owned a patch of grass verge outside their homes have run up legal bills of close to £250,000.
The Price Is Right Hopes New Official House Value Index
Britain gets the first independent, official house price index this month. The inaugural UK House Price Index was due for publication on Tuesday, June 2016
Buy To Let Renters Put Landlord Finances At Risk
Millions of tenants have no financial safety net to cover their rent costs should they lose their jobs or become too ill to work, according to a report.
New Buy To Let Mortgage Rules For Consumer Landlords
Buy-to-let landlords may not have noticed but the new European Mortgage Credit Directive is now in force
Property Scammers Dupe Investors Out Of £9 Million
Property investment companies that scammed more than £9 million from almost 500 hopeful investors failed to show any profit.
Claims of 100% Returns Held to Be Misleading
A property firm’s advertising claiming investors could make gains of up to 100% in 18 months on homes in London’s fashionable Docklands was declared as misleading
How Holiday Lets Can Keep Property Tax Bills Down
Landlords facing financial hardship when new mortgage interest finance rules could move to holiday lets
Runaway Rents Hit 15-Year High
Runaway rents are defying the cost of living crisis as they surge to the highest level in 15 years.
How Will A 0.5% Mortgage Rise Hit Your BTL Business?
High earners paying income tax at 40% will have their mortgage finance relief on buy to let cut in half by 2020.
Hugely Rising Service Charge Found To Be Lawful
Signing an agreement for service charges and ground rent that increases by a fixed amount each year was a gamble for tenants
How Yield Helps Investors Stack Up A Buy To Let Deal
Stacking up a deal to figure out whether a letting property is worth the time and bother of buying and doing up is a regular exercise for landlords.
Landlords Urged To Weed Out Cannabis Farms
Landlords and letting agents are on the front line of weeding out cannabis farms as criminal gangs increasingly turn rented homes into drug factories.
High Court Steps In To Stop Property Scammers
Consumer watchdogs have stepped in to try and recover £880,000 investors handed over to suspected property fund scammers.
Landlord Blues: Dealing with Tenants from Hell
This book is essential for anyone interested in taking a peek at what life is like for landlords or anyone who thinks buy-to-let could be their way out of the rat race.
Landlords Urged to Speak Out Against Renters Reform
MPs are putting government plans to reform the private rented sector under a microscope and want landlords and property professionals in England to chip in with their take on the proposals.
Private Land, Car Parking and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, section 54 will make clamping on private land an offence but charging the keeper of the vehicle will be allowed.
Buy to Let Rents Rising at Fastest Ever Rate
New official data says tenants are paying the highest ever private rent as payments demanded by landlords rise at a record rate.
Land Registry Property Alert Helps Owners Protect Their Property
The Land Registry provides a Land Registry Property Alert, which helps property owners against fraud.
House Prices Hit Record, but a Slowdown Is on the Way
House prices have leapt 13 per cent in a year (May 2021), but these golden times for homeowners and property investors are drawing to a close.
12th Tory Housing Minister Tries Revolving Doors
Who is Marcus Jones, the new politician warming the seat at the Ministry of Housing?
Crossrail and HS2 Boost for House Prices
Billion-pound infrastructure schemes like Crossrail and HS2 are pushing house prices as they reach across the country.
Rents Rising at Fastest Rate for Six Years
The cost of renting is still rising despite the cost-of-living crisis squeezing tenant budgets.
Airbnb Ban on the Way for Second Homes?
<p>Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove wants to heap more woe on second homeowners and landlords with a plan to ban letting out properties on hotel websites like Airbnb.</p>
Is Your Home Earning More Than You?
Homes earn more than their owners as double-digit price rises to grip the market amid fears of a slowdown as the cost of living crisis bites.
How Much Has Your Home Earned in 50 Years?
Landlords follow investment advice advocated by author Mark Twain that’s ‘buy land, they’re not making it anymore'
Soaring Cost-of-Living Squeezes Rent Affordability
Tens of thousands of private tenants are struggling to keep pace with the rising cost of living as rent and bills increase to take an ever-larger share of their earnings.
Buy-to-Let Yields: Impact of Rising Mortgage Rates
Discover how rising mortgage rates and inflation affect buy-to-let yields, and learn strategies for maintaining profitability in a challenging market.
UK Housing Market: Worst Performance in a Decade
Discover the factors behind the UK housing market's worst April performance in a decade, including rising interest rates and cost of living concerns.
Fastest-Ever Rent Increases in UK: ONS Report
Discover the latest ONS data revealing record-breaking rent increases in the UK, with a 4.8% rise in the year to April 2023. Learn the regional impacts now.
Renter's Reform Bill: How It Affects Landlords
The Renter's Reform Bill will bring significant changes for landlords in the UK. Stay informed with our comprehensive guide on tenancy, grounds for possession & more
Proposed Law to Regulate Short-Term Holiday Let Market
Discover the proposed law backed by 16 MPs to regulate short-term holiday lets, setting safety standards and giving local councils more authority.
Landlord Exodus Following Rent Reforms
Learn how recent rent reforms for private tenants in Wales led to a 200% increase in landlord court action as they shift to short-term lets or sell properties.
Tenant Demand for Rental Homes Reaches a New High
Paragon Bank says landlord demand for privately rented properties in the UK has hit a new all-time high. This article examines why we need more privately rented sector homes and why a balance between investment and protection is vital for the rental market.
Tenant Demand For Rentals High But Supply Is Low
With UK rents surging by 9.8% in some areas, Homelet warns that the supply of rental properties is falling and remaining very competitive. Read on to find rental prices across Greater London, Wales, Scotland, and other areas of the UK.
UK House Price Analysis February 2023: All You Need to Know
Get up-to-date insights on house prices, inflation and mortgage rates, and understand how these factors impact the UK property market.
Ageing Landlords and the Buy-to-Let Investment Climate
As older landlords in the buy-to-let market retire, learn how this affects property investments and rental supply for younger generations.
How ChatGPT and AI Can Benefit Landlords and Letting Agents
Learn how landlords and letting agents can save time, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency by leveraging ChatGPT and AI technology in their property management tasks.
Navigating Buy-to-Let: Tax Changes, Yields, and Profit Strategies
Stay informed on the buy-to-let market, tax changes, and investment strategies. Explore regional data and expert tips to maximize your rental property profits.
Rocketing Rents Surge to 16-Year High
Rents hit record highs in February 2023, rising 4.7% YoY despite economic challenges. Experts predict further increases as tenant demand outpaces supply.
House Price Rises Slow but Still Grow
House price growth is shrinking across the country, according to the latest figures for January 2023 from the Office for National Statistics.
Property Auctions Flooded With Buy-to-Lets
Landlords exiting the buy-to-let market are flooding property auctions with homes lived in by sitting tenants.
Buy-to-Let Mortgage Prisoners Trapped in Debt
Thousands of buy-to-let mortgage prisoners are stuck in a trap of paying costly loans because they can’t afford to take out new borrowing.
11 Tenants Chase Every Buy-to-Let Home
tenant demand increased in January 2023 following three straight dips after hitting the year’s high in September 2022.
Freeholder Win Landmark Service Charge Ruling
A court case concerning landlords and service charges, a landlord fined for renting unlicensed homes, and a landlord's successful claim for damages due to Japanese Knotweed - all legal news and cases for landlords to consider.
£14 House Price Change Signals Market Pause
The housing market paused during January 2023, with little or no price movement in most neighbourhoods.
MPs Slam Rent Reform as Doomed to Fail
Private rental laws designed to improve tenant rights will backfire unless the government improves how the courts handle evictions, says a powerful Westminster committee.
New Housing Minister Following Sunak Reshuffle
Yet another new housing minister has taken her seat at Whitehall in February 2023 - the 15th since the Conservatives came to power and the sixth in the past year.
Battle for BTL Votes Hots Up Between Politicians
Politicians plan to make buy-to-let a battleground for winning voters in the next general election.
Rents Are Growing at Fastest Rate in 5 Years
Inflation and the cost of living don't seem to matter when renting a home privately, as official data (December 2022) shows rents in England are growing faster than ever.
1000% Return on House Prices in 40 Years, Says Lender
House prices have shown a staggering 974 per cent return since one of Britain’s biggest lenders, The Halifax, started keeping records in January 1983.
Landlords Ready to Splash Cash for Older Tenants
Landlords are adapting privately rented homes to cope with the needs of older tenants as the number of middle-aged and elderly renting homes increases.
How to Spot a Property Scam
Lawyers are alerting property investors about the risks of falling for buy-to-let scams that could cost them tens of thousands of pounds.
Grim Year as House Prices Fall and Mortgage Rates Rise
The new year holds some problematic times for buy-to-let landlords as rising rents and interest rates squeeze their finances as house prices collapse.
Compulsory Registration Coming for Holiday Let Landlords
Rumours of compulsory registration for holiday let landlords are likely to become a reality as an amendment calling for a national database of short-term lets was tacked on to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.
Property Investors Buy 30,000 Fewer Homes in 2022
Buy-to-let is shrinking even though property investors are snapping up one in eight homes on the market.
Housing Market Slumps - but Worse Is Yet to Come
House prices are still showing unreal, almost double-digit rises as they catch up with the recent economic shocks.
Rents Hit Another Record High
According to official figures, rents have risen much slower than inflation over the past 12 months, October 2022.
House Prices to Slump by 9% in Two Years
Economists reckon house prices will drop nine per cent in the next two years.
New Housing Minister Backs Rent Reforms
The Renters Reform Bill is a new set of rules for the private rented sector and proposes abolishing section 21 notices.
Soaring Mortgage Rates Could See Rents Rise
Soaring buy-to-let mortgage interest rates could make finding properties harder for tenants as landlords need to push up rents to cover rising costs.
Gove Back in the Housing Hot Seat
Michael Gove is back in charge of the government’s drive to reform the private rental sector.
13 Home Hunters Queue for Every Property to Rent
The number of tenants seeking to rent a home has risen this year, while the number of homes for rent has slowed to almost nothing.
Landlords Face Ruin as Buy to Let Mortgage Rates Soar
House prices are still rising despite the cost of fixed-rate buy-to-let mortgages hitting the highest rate since the last financial crisis 14 years ago.
Checklist for Granting an Assured Shorthold Tenancy
A checklist to be considered before, during and after granting an assured shorthold tenancy in England.
Holiday Lettings Price Fans Out of Eurovision
Music fans hoping to visit Liverpool for the Eurovision Song Contest have had their room bookings cancelled – only for hotels and landlords to put them straight back on sale for hundreds of pounds more.
Mortgages in Limbo as Pound Plunges
Mortgages are drying up as lenders puzzle over how the pound dropping like a stone against the dollar will impact interest rates and house prices.
Rents Rise at the Fastest Rate for 14 Years
According to the latest official data for July 2022, rents have been growing fastest for 14 years.
Samaritan Landlords Help Tenants With Cost of Living
According to new research, landlords are rallying around to do as much as they can to help tenants struggling with the cost of living crisis.
Cost of Living Crisis May Set Off Arrears Tsunami
Around 80 per cent of letting agents fear the cost of living crisis sparked by considerable rises in energy bills will significantly impact private lettings and could trigger a tsunami of arrears.
Simon Clarke To Take Housing Hot Seat?
Whitehall insiders are tipping MP Simon Clarke to take up the role of levelling up secretary when new prime minister Liz Truss names her first cabinet.
How Much Has Your Home Earned in 50 Years?
Landlords follow investment advice advocated by author Mark Twain - that’s ‘buy land, they’re not making it anymore'.
Gove’s New Deal for Renters Lands
The new Renters Reform Bill is a crackdown on private lettings and contains little to appease landlords.
10 Top Facts About Buy-to-Let Landlords
Here are some facts about buy-to-let landlords.
Minister Says No to Rent Controls and Other News
He unequivocally told Maskell that the government has no intention of introducing rent controls.
Buy to Let Rent Growth Soars to Six-Year Record
In April 2022, rents were up 2.7 per cent year-on-year and added an extra 0.3 per cent from the 2.4 per cent annual rise recorded in March.
Cash Help for Families Struggling to Pay Energy Bills
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has decided to cool energy price concerns by giving a cost of living help to hard-pressed families struggling to pay their bills.
Can Landlords Cope With the Cost of Living Crisis?
Most surveys look at the cost of buying to let from a tenant’s perspective, but rent is not the only cost landlords face.
How to Buy Property at Auction
Buying a home at a property auction is exciting and daunting at the same time, but you could make an expensive mistake if you win the bidding but don’t have your finances in order when the gavel goes down.
Property Experts Predict a 5% House Price Fall
Nationwide had reported the fastest house price gains in 18 years, but annual growth dropped from 14.3 per cent in March 2022 to 12.1 per cent in April
Rocketing Cost of Living Pushes Rents Sky High
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) says buy-to-let rents jumped by 2.4 per cent in the year to the end of March 2022
Buying or Selling a Home With a Sitting Tenant
If you're thinking of buying or selling a home with a sitting tenant, it's crucial to understand what it entails. Our guide covers the essential factors to consider.
Landlords Stake Their Faith in Buy to Let
Property investors added 477 homes daily to their buy-to-let rental portfolios in the first three months of 2022.
Laws Landlords Need to Know About Holiday Homes
Landlords are converting thousands of rented homes into holiday retreats to make more money and suffer less stress
Rents Still Rising at Fastest Rate for Six Years
According to official data for February 2022, buy-to-let rents have risen fastest since December 2016.
House Prices Keep Rising After a Bumper Year for Sellers
House prices are predicted to keep going up after 12 months of hitting record highs, according to data from February 2022.
Buy to Let Rents Rise at the Fastest Rate for Five Years
Buy-to-let rents across the country are rising at the fastest rate for five years, February 2022.
Can Landlords Make Money Buying an Off-Plan Property?
what does buying an off-plan home entail, and are the deals as good as they seem for buy-to-let landlords?
Family Mortgage - the Secret Buy to Let Loans
landlords can rent to relatives without breaching their buy-to-let loan terms with a little-known family mortgage
Soaring Cost of Living Sparks a Rent Squeeze - January 2022
Landlords are riding an economic rollercoaster as the cost of living, house prices, and rents are shooting through the roof in January 2022
Up and Down Rents for London Landlords
Buy-to-let rents across the UK, excluding London, grew 2.7 per cent in December 2021
Rents Nudge Down but End 2021 on a High
asking rents have ploughed through the £1,000 ceiling to reach an average of £1,058 a month - an 8.6 per cent increase in a year, according to November 2021 data.
Bumper 2022 on the Way for House Prices
November 2021 saw prices increase by 7.1 per cent year-on-year, with around £16,000 added to the average home’s value during the past 12 months.
25 Years of Buy to Let and the Clock’s Still Ticking
The year has slipped by, with few landlords realising 2021 is the silver anniversary of buy-to-let mortgages.
Buy to Let Rents Spark Into Action
According to data from November 2021, private rents seem reinvigorated after spending months stuck in the doldrums.
Does Your Buy to Let Make Enough Money?
Working out rental yield and the rate of return on investment (ROI) are essential calculations before deciding to buy or sell a property.
B2R Juggernaut Gearing Up To Battle Buy To Let
A report from November 2021 lifts the veil on build to rent, revealing how far the concept has jumped off the drawing board to provide thousands of homes across the country.
Guild of Landlords Rent Digest – September 2021
Read on for the Guild rent digest for September 2021.
Booming House Prices Set Another Record
record house price high in the same month for the first time since March 2007, says property portal Rightmove in September 2021.
What To Do If A Property Is Down Valued
if you've shaken on the price of a home – a mortgage lender may disagree, and it may be downvalued.
London Rents Rise Slower Than Rest Of UK
While house prices have seen a stamp duty holiday bonanza, rents have hardly increased to August 2021.
Labour Sees Red Over Taxing Greedy Landlords
It's party conference time again, with Labour seeing red over rich and greedy landlords making money at everyone else's expense. At least, that's how the rhetoric goes.
Guild of Landlords House Price Digest – September 2021
As the tax breaks were due to conclude at the end of March 2021, likely, March's average house prices were slightly inflated as buyers rushed to ensure their house purchases were scheduled to be complete ahead of this deadline
Guild of Landlords Rent Digest – August 2021
Rents are stagnating for buy-to-let landlords, according to the latest official data. Rent Digest – August 2021.
Guild of Landlords House Price Digest – August 2021
Average house prices shot up by 13.2 per cent in the year to the end of June – the fastest growth homeowners have seen since November 2004. House price digest for August 2021.
How Buy-to-Let Mortgages Work and How to Get One
If you are a landlord looking for a buy-to-let mortgage, you need to know if a property you fancy meets the terms
Guild of Landlords House Price Digest – July 2021
House prices are still rising, according to the latest official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). House Price Digest – July 2021.
Guild of Landlords Rent Digest – July 2021
Rent rises are still stuck in the doldrums and rising at half the inflation rate. This is our rent digest for July 2021.
Millions Of Tenants Happy With Buy To Let Homes
the government’s English Housing Survey for 2019-20
EPC Ratings May Make Landlords Mortgage Prisoners
Landlords may become mortgage prisoners as borrowing against energy-inefficient homes becomes harder as buy-to-let lenders rally to a government call to boost their green credentials and EPC ratings.
Guild of Landlords House Price Digest – June 2021
Fears of house prices falling off a cliff as the stamp duty holiday ends seem unfounded as the deadline day passes. This is our House Price Digest - June 2021.
Guild of Landlords Rent Digest – June 2021
Yearly rent rises have plateaued for the past 18 months of COVID-19 restrictions. This is our rent digest for June 2021.
10 Things a Landlord Shouldn’t Do
Once a property is let, landlords don't have much control over the property they own and must operate following the law
Guild of Landlords Rent Digest – May 2021
According to official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Rents increases are continuing to plateau. Here we had our rent digest in May 2021.
Guild of Landlords House Price Digest – May 2021
The housing market is surging to new levels as prices, demand and sales volumes hit new heights, as shown in this house price digest of May 2021.
Don’t Get Hammered Buying at an Auction
property developers who never seem to fail to pile on the pounds by buying cheap at auction, refurbing and selling for a much higher price within a few months.
Guild of Landlords Rent Digest – April 2021
A survey published in April 2021 of the five-year cost of renting 900,000 homes covering every London suburb shows rents have dropped
Guild of Landlords House Price Digest – April 2021
This is the Guild house price digest for April 2021.
Buy to Let Profit Gap Splits North and South
The buy-to-let profit gap has never looked wider as landlords in the South cash in their investments with profits of more than £100,000 in 2020
Guild of Landlords Rent Digest – March 2021
In this rent digest - March 2021, rent rises have plateaued for the past five months, although a few landlords are putting up price
Builders Ordered To Drop Rip-Off Ground Rents
government watchdog ordering two of Britain’s most prominent house builders to delete rip-off ground rents
Is Buy To Let Still Worth The Bother?
Income tax changes and stricter borrowing rules are leading many property investors to ask if shifting a buy-to-let business from private ownership into a company is worth the bother.
Guild of Landlords House Prices Digest – February 2021
This rent digest looks at the data from several sources for a snapshot of the current market in February 2021.
Guild of Landlords Rent Digest – February 2021
Tenant demand for buy-to-let housing is running at the highest level landlords have seen for five years. This is the Guild rent digest for February 2021.
Lettings Market Rent Digest – January 2021
The lettings market shrank in 2020 as renters turned to buying a home with space to work remotely rather than opting to live close to work in more expensive urban locations.
Leasehold Reforms Benefit Millions of Homeowners
The new law will allow leaseholders to extend their lease by 990 years without continuing to pay ground rent.
Guild of Landlords Rent Digest – December 2020
Buy-to-let rents still stand across the country, although some rental hotspots outperform. GRL Rent Digest December 2020.
Guild of Landlords House Price Digest – December 2020
House prices are booming or on the brink of a plunge into the abyss, depending on who you want to take notice of. OBR predict a huge fall
House Prices Winners And Losers
Research published in November 2020 shows how much homes have risen in value since 2000 and highlights the house price hotspots homeowners have gained.
Flipping Great Profits for Home Doer Uppers
Property professionals have turned their hand to flipping homes for profit during the coronavirus lockdown with a sharp rise
Guild of Landlords Rent Digest – November 2020
A rent digest from various sources in November 2020. Rents could fall as landlords in London saw healthy rises shudder to the biggest drop in three years.
UK House Prices Still Rising - October 2020
House prices are still booming, with a 2.5% rise over the year to the end of August, according to official data from October 2020.
How To Save Money On Buy To Let
Landlords are looking to make more from the property but will pay down the buy-to-let mortgage or switch to a holiday let to produce better profits.
What Negative Interest Rates Mean For Landlords
Negative interest rates are on the Bank of England’s agenda as a tool for stimulating the economy. A guide for landlords
Guild of Landlords Rent Digest – October 2020
Rents are still rising across the country despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and jobs, according to official data for October 2020.
Wealthy Tenants Threaten to Take Over Buy to Let
Well-off renters are running the buy-to-let market with an increasing supply of homes on the market and a few competing tenants, according to research from September 2020.
Buying a Property With a Tenant in Situ
If you purchase a property with an existing tenancy, the tenancy is assigned to the purchaser, who becomes the new landlord.
UK Property Prices Surge By 7% September 2020
Property prices soared by more than 7% for September 2020 as Britain’s housing bonanza shows no signs of stopping any time soon.
Watchdog Tackles Leasehold Scandal
A government consumer watchdog wants to stop builders from ripping off leasehold home buyers.
Guild of Landlords Rent Digest – September 2020
here’s a guide to the latest national buy-to-let rental statistics for September 2020.
Selling A Buy To Let With A Sitting Tenant
Learn how to sell a buy-to-let property with a sitting tenant, including how to handle viewings, complete the sale, and manage tax implications.
Guild of Landlords Rent Digest – August 2020
To help with the leg work of looking up all those statistics on different websites, here’s a digest of some of the leading UK rent indices for July 2020.
New Leasehold Deal for Landlords on the Way
lawyers have announced more rights to landlords owning leasehold properties appointed to review the property ownership system in England and Wales
Coronavirus Hits Landlord Plans to Put Up Rents
The coronavirus pandemic's grip on landlords is revealed in data (May 2020) from the letting agent trade body.
Buy to Let Rents Still Rising Despite Coronavirus Impact
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the rental market seems minimal, according to official figures in May 2020
Lawyer Fined £10,000 for Failing Offplan Property Investors
A property lawyer who did not outline the risks of staking cash in off-plan buy to let investments was fined £10,000 by his professional body.
Property Passports Move Closer as Secret Data Revealed
Tracking how landlords keep private rented homes is about to become easier as the government issues every property with a unique reference number.
Landlord Confidence in Buy to Let Falls to Record Low
One of Britain’s leading buy-to-let mortgage lenders has lifted the lid on what landlords think about the lettings market for quarter 1 2020
Auctions Hammered as Lockdown Pushes Sales Online
The coronavirus lockdown has hammered the number of homes going to auction for April 2020.
Lockdown Rents Rise as Tenant Demand Evaporates
Lockdown buy-to-let rents have continued to grow on trend, according to the latest official figures for April 2020.
House Price Gloom for Sellers, but Delight for Buyers
Property experts predict an immediate future for the housing market shrouded in gloom and doom as the coronavirus lockdown lifts.
Holiday Let Grants Are Not Tax Avoidance for Wealthy Investors
The rules about second homeowners claiming coronavirus rescue cash for their self-catering businesses seem to be causing some confusion.
Billions Tied Up in Suspended Funds as No One Knows Property Values
Property funds have taken a pasting during the coronavirus lockdown with thousands of investors unable to access hundreds of millions of pounds.
Coronavirus Lock Down May Be on the Way for UK
A strict lockdown threatens Britain after thousands took to parks, beauty spots and open spaces, ignoring social distancing rules at the weekend.
Half of Landlords Ready to Quit Over Stricter Laws and Tax Rules
A leading buy to let lender is expecting private landlords to quit the rental market because they are tired of coping with a flood of new laws and tax rules.
Misled Landlords Set to Win Leasehold Compensation
Landlords are set to pick up a refund from builders that sold them leasehold homes after a business watchdog probe uncovered evidence of dodgy dealings and misselling.
Rents and House Prices Still Rising Across the UK
According to the latest official data, buy to let rents increase by 1.5% across the country in the year to the end of January 2020.
What Tenants Really Want From a Buy To Let Home
Landlords should not waste their money on buy to let extras tenants do not want, says a leading letting agent.
Landlords Need to Ready Homes for Aging Renters
An ageing population means middle-aged people are three times more likely to rent a home than at the turn of the century.
Landlord Short-Stay Switch May Mean Losing 500,000 Buy to Let Homes
Landlords have switched nearly 50,000 private rented homes into short-stay lets
Buy to Let Stands Still, but Tenants Are Getting Older
Buy-to-let has a 19% slice of the UK housing market - but the private rented sector has stood still for the past six years.
Thousands Sign Property Guru Petition Protest
Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for new rules to make offering property training and wealth creation courses stricter.
Nine Reasons Rent Controls Don’t Work
A big debate about capping rents is underway in London and other global cities like New York and Berlin - but a think tank is warning they don’t work.
House Prices Peak, but Growth Rate Is Slowing
Despite the Brexit blues subduing the property market, house prices continued to climb, according to official data in November 2019
Buy to Let Rents Rise - but Number Crunchers Disagree How Much
According to official data, buy-to-let rents jumped 1.4% in 2019.
Lawyers Plan to Make Buying Leaseholds Cheaper
Lawyers are pushing for reforms that would make extending or buying out a lease cheaper for landlords and other home owners.
Surprise Boost as Annual House Price Rises Hit 4%
House prices have started the year with a big jump - according to the latest data from one of the country’s largest mortgage lenders.
What Does Boris Johnson’s Election Victory Mean for Landlords?
A glance through the Conservative manifesto reveals the plans Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his new government have in store for landlords.
Ground Rent Landlords Urged to Take Misselling Action
Landlords saddled with hefty ground rent charges on homes they rent out are urged to sue their conveyancing landlords for giving poor advice.
UK’s Top 25 Buy to Let Hot Spots
According to experts, property investment is all about location, location, and location. The top 25 buy-to-let hot spots are listed below by region.
Half of Landlords Put Up Buy to Let Rents
Renters paid less to their landlords for the first time in October 2019 since the tenant fee ban came into force across England in June.
Smart Contracts Could Be the End of Conveyancing
Buying a house is likely to become cheaper and easier as the government agrees to grant smart contracts valid in law.
House Prices and Buy to Let Rents Still Rising
House prices have dropped by a moderate 0.2% month-on-month, according to October 2019 data.
Stagnant Rents and House Prices Squeeze Landlord Profits
Low investment yields coming from stagnant rents and property prices are squeezing profits for landlords - with those in London suffering the worst.
Average Rent Data Conflicts Are Too Confusing
Conflicting data in October 2019 from a flurry of rent surveys sparks the question of who landlords should believe.
Homes Worth £43 Billion Inherited Every Year
According to research, in October 2019, more people inherit residential property than any other asset.
Renters Don’t Want To Buy Their Own Homes
The future of buy-to-let is rosy, according to research in September 2019 that suggests tenants don’t want to buy homes of their own.
Rent Rises Stuck in a Rut for Four Months in a Row
The official data from the Office for National Statistics reveals rents increased an average of 1.3% for the 12 months to the end of August 2019
Best Buy-to-Let Hotspots for Landlords. (August 2022)
Britain’s biggest university towns and cities dominate the list of hotspot places to rent out buy-to-let homes (August 2022).
Landlord Campaigners to Join Forces
Buy to let’s longest-running landlord rivalry is ending with the merger of two property campaigning groups.
Auction Homes a Third Cheaper Than the Average Property
Homes under the hammer are selling for around a third less than the price of an average property in the UK.
Buy to Let Confidence Falls to a New Low
Landlord confidence in renting out property as a business has plunged to a new low in 2019.
Static Buy to Let Rents Are Stuck in a Rut
Buy-to-let rents are stuck in a rut as the latest official figures show little or no movement for six months in 2019.
600,000 Landlords Set to Quit Buy to Let
Hundreds of thousands of landlords are thinking about quitting buy-to-let due to the increasing time and costs involved with renting a home.
New Faces Take Over Housing in Johnson Minister Shake-Up
Former journalist and TV presenter Esther McVey is Boris Johnson’s new housing and planning minister.
Buy to Let Rent Rises Running Out of Steam
According to the Office for National Statistics, average rents were up 1.3% over the year to the end of June 2019.
Rents Rising as London Recovers From Slowdown
Buy-to-let landlords have seen rents rise 1.3% in a year, according to May 2019 data.
Over 50s Plan to Unlock Cash Tied Up in Homes for Retirement
The over 50s plan to spend the cash locked in the value of their homes rather than leave the money to loved ones when they die, according to a June 2019 report
P2P Investors Holding £160m in Loans as Lender Collapses
Property peer-to-peer funding platform Lendy has collapsed leaving investors holding around £160 million in outstanding loans.
Features Tenants Are Willing to Pay More Rent For
Landlords and letting agents thinking tenants want the best house for the cheapest rent - but are willing to pay more for the right property.
Landlords Ease Impact of Tenant Fee Ban by Raising Rents
Buy-to-let rents are going up so landlords can cover letting agent costs when a tenant fee ban starts, claims a property expert.
Buy to Let Warning for Armchair Landlords
Profitable buy to let is over and amateur landlords ought to get out while they can, according to the boss of a leading build-to-rent firm.
Cost of Living Is Highest for Private Renters
Renters have a higher cost of living than homeowners, according to official data from 2018.
Landlords See Another Disappointing Rise in Rents
Private tenants have seen their rents go up by just 1.2% in the past year, according to data in March 2019.
Lords Call for Landlord Tax Breaks to Improve Housing
Giving landlords extra tax breaks to improve the homes they rent out would boost the plight of any declining seaside towns that are struggling to upgrade
Buy to Let Rents Still Slowly Rising for Landlords
The cost of renting a buy to let home rose by 1.1% in the 12 months to the end of February 2019.
Council Pays £100,000 to Settle Landlord Slander Claim
Landlord Rod Bloor has won a £100,000 payout from a council after claiming staff doubted his honesty to prospective tenants.
Landlords Can Pick From More Than 2,100 Mortgages
The number of mortgage products for landlords has reached a landmark high as lenders show how desperate they are to grab a piece of the buy-to-let action.
London’s Rental Market in a Nutshell
London letting and estate agents Foxtons are telling landlords what type of property not to buy, even though the advice could knock their sales.
Buy to Let Rents Still Stuck in a Rut
Buy-to-let rents changed little in 2018, according to the latest official data.
Buy to Let Yields Plunge to 3-Year Low
Buy to let yields for property investors have slumped to a three-year low, according to new data from a leading lender.
Buy to Let Investors Chase Missing £68m Paid to Developer
Insolvency experts are warning buy to let landlords to be cautious about staking money against buyer funded developments
Auction Homes Go at Knock Down Prices
Fewer homes are going under the hammer at property auctions - but those that sell are at knock-down prices.
Landlords See Buy to Let Rents Stagnate for Months
According to official data (November 2018), rent rises have remained for the past five months.
Buy to Let Rents Rise 1.5% in a Year (November 2018)
Private tenants were paying an average of 1.5% more in rent than a year ago, according to November 2018 data.
Flats for Singles May Be the Future of Buy to Let
The future of buy-to-let could be one-bedroomed homes or more studio flats as official data forecasts the number of singles will increase over the next two decades.
Buy to Let Rents Rise by 2.1% in a Year
According to a study, rents across the country rose by 2.1% in October 2018 compared to a year before.
Property Fraud Nets £20 Million From Investors
Fraudsters running a property Ponzi scheme conned 800 would-be investors out of almost £20 million.
How Buy to Let Profits Can Fund Uni Tuition Fees
Investing in buy to let to help children through university is proving profitable with landlords.
Letting Agents See More Tenants but Have Fewer Homes to Rent
Data shows that tenant demand for private rented homes hit the highest in 2018.
Buy to Let Will Bounce Back in Five Years, Predicts Bank
an increasing drop in buy-to-let mortgage approvals since 2013, which rose to 27% in 2017 as a readjustment to new tax and financial regulations gripping the market.
Buy to Let Rents Stuck in a Rut
According to official figures, the cost of renting a buy-to-let home stands still. Rents paid by private tenants increased by 0.9% in the year to the end of July 2018
Buy to Let Landlord Confidence on the Rise
Landlord confidence in the state of the buy to let market is rising in 2018 - but the underlying indicators are wildly different between regions.
Buy to Let Rents Stagnating, Say Official Figures
According to official statistics, buy-to-let rents stagnated in April 2018.
Buy to Let Rents Up 1.8% in a Year
According to statistics, buy-to-let rents increased by 1.8% to an average of £924 a month in the 12 months to the end of June 2018.
Tax Changes Lead to Fewer Buy to Lets and Higher Rents
Fewer landlords are buying properties to rent with buy to let mortgages, according to 2018 figures from lenders.
Happy Tenants Seem at Odds With Housing Campaigners
Millions of private renters disagree with housing campaigners about the state of their buy to let homes.
Buy to Let Improvements Can Be a Waste of Money
Landlords wanting to upgrade their rentals properties often make the wrong decisions about how to spend their cash.
London Buy to Let Rents Fall for First Time in 8 Years
According to official figures, buy-to-let rents nudged up by 1% in the year to the end of May 2018.
Tenants Reveal What They Want From Buy to Let Homes
According to a report, renters have a checklist in mind when they hunt for a buy-to-let home.
It’s Official! Landlords Are Fleeing Buy to Let
According to official figures, the number of private rented homes has dropped by 46,000 as landlords flee the buy-to-let market.
House Price Uncertainty Continues as Values Drop
House prices have steadily dropped during 2018, according to the UK’s leading mortgage provider.
MPs Want to Confiscate Homes From Criminal Landlords
Ministers and councils are not doing enough to stamp out rogue landlords who should have their rental homes confiscated, urges a group of influential MPs.
Buy to Let Rent Rises Slipping Towards Stagnation
According to official figures, private rents for buy-to-let landlords stagnated in 2018.
Crooked Letting Agent Conned Victims Out of £400,000
A disgraced letting agent who conned £400,000 out of friends and clients has been ordered by a judge to repay £130,000 to his victims.
Property Trumps Pensions for Generating Wealth
According to a study, property investment will make more money than a workplace pension.
Introducing Buy to Let Finance for Landlords
Introducing buy-to-let finance for landlords. Mortgages are available for residential, commercial, HMOs and mixed-use.
Tenants Paying More Rent, but Rate of Rising Slows
The cost of renting a private home is rising, but the rate of increase is slowing, according to October 2017 official statistics.
London Downturn Drives Buy To Let Rents Down
Rents for private homes across the country rose by 1.6% in the year to the end of September 2017
Stricter Buy to Let Borrowing Rules for Portfolio Landlords
Tougher buy-to-let borrowing rules come in for buy-to-let portfolio landlords from the end of September 2017.
Landlords Need to Treat Buy to Let as a Business
Buy-to-let landlords need to take a more professional approach to run their properties.
Red-Tape Tangle That Ties Buy to Let Landlords in Knots
Landlords and letting agents are often accused of working in an unregulated market – but their critics fail to realise more than 145 property laws tie their businesses in red tape.
Property Wealth Puts Landlords Among Britain's Richest
According to a report, property investors are among the country's wealthiest individuals.
Running Holiday Lets Is Not a Business, Rules Tribunal
HMRC has fiercely contested claims from the estate of a holiday lettings partnership that the venture was a business.
Property Pensions Likely to Generate Most Money for Retirement
Investors expect a property pension to make them the most money for retirement - but do not expect their investment to provide an income when they stop working.
Buy to Let Set for Change as Build to Rent Corporates Move in
According to research, build-to-rent corporates are about to make a huge dent in buy-to-let.
One in Five Homes Are Now Buy to Lets, Says Government
Buy-to-let has mushroomed from 10% of homes in the 1990s to grab a 20% share in the latest English Housing Survey from the government’s Office of National Statistics.
Buy to Let Property Companies and Fake News
According to commentators, thousands of buy-to-let landlords have set up property companies to sidestep the mortgage interest tax relief measures starting in April.
House Prices Drop for First Time in a Year
House prices have dropped for the first time in a year, according to one leading mortgage lender.
Is Commercial Investment Worth The Bother?
Tax changes lead property investors to investigate if commercial property is a better investment than buy-to-let.
If You’re A Landlord, You Should Feel Wealthy
Landlords do not have to earn a fortune to feel wealthy, according to the bank behind Britain’s biggest buy-to-let lender.
Buy To Let Borrowing Upset On The Cards For Landlords
Portfolio landlords face another financial upset as the Bank of England tightens up the rules for buy to let mortgage lending.
What That Airbnb Ruling Says About Letting A Leased Home
Nemcova v Fairfield Rents, the Upper Tribunal clearly explained how renting a home as a holiday could breach the terms of conditions of owning a leasehold property.
Do BICT Trusts Work for Buy to Let Landlords?
Lawyers argue beneficial interest company trusts allow landlords to avoid the new mortgage interest finance rules starting in April 2017 – but do they work?
Where’s Hot And Where’s Not For Buy To Let
Peer-to-peer property funders have drawn up a list of places with the best and worst buy-to-let returns for landlords.
Buy To Let Unaffected By Brexit, Say Letting Agents
According to letting agents, the first post-Brexit snapshot of the buy-to-let market passed off with a good bill of health.
Britain’s Top Buy To Let Hot Spot Cities
Property investors and developers often look at buy-to-let hot spots to determine the best place to purchase an investment country – but they may not be where they believe.
Losing Buy To Let Tracker Legal Fight Costs Lender £27.5 Million
West Bromwich Building Society has lost a court case over varying mortgage interest rates for buy-to-let landlords whose loans tracked the Bank of England base rate.
Good Neighbours Win Squatter’s Rights Battle
Neighbours warring over who owned a patch of grass verge outside their homes have run up legal bills of close to £250,000.
The Price Is Right Hopes New Official House Value Index
Britain gets the first independent, official house price index this month. The inaugural UK House Price Index was due for publication on Tuesday, June 2016
Buy To Let Renters Put Landlord Finances At Risk
Millions of tenants have no financial safety net to cover their rent costs should they lose their jobs or become too ill to work, according to a report.
New Buy To Let Mortgage Rules For Consumer Landlords
Buy-to-let landlords may not have noticed but the new European Mortgage Credit Directive is now in force
Property Scammers Dupe Investors Out Of £9 Million
Property investment companies that scammed more than £9 million from almost 500 hopeful investors failed to show any profit.
Claims of 100% Returns Held to Be Misleading
A property firm’s advertising claiming investors could make gains of up to 100% in 18 months on homes in London’s fashionable Docklands was declared as misleading
How Holiday Lets Can Keep Property Tax Bills Down
Landlords facing financial hardship when new mortgage interest finance rules could move to holiday lets
Runaway Rents Hit 15-Year High
Runaway rents are defying the cost of living crisis as they surge to the highest level in 15 years.
How Will A 0.5% Mortgage Rise Hit Your BTL Business?
High earners paying income tax at 40% will have their mortgage finance relief on buy to let cut in half by 2020.
Hugely Rising Service Charge Found To Be Lawful
Signing an agreement for service charges and ground rent that increases by a fixed amount each year was a gamble for tenants
How Yield Helps Investors Stack Up A Buy To Let Deal
Stacking up a deal to figure out whether a letting property is worth the time and bother of buying and doing up is a regular exercise for landlords.
Landlords Urged To Weed Out Cannabis Farms
Landlords and letting agents are on the front line of weeding out cannabis farms as criminal gangs increasingly turn rented homes into drug factories.
High Court Steps In To Stop Property Scammers
Consumer watchdogs have stepped in to try and recover £880,000 investors handed over to suspected property fund scammers.
Landlord Blues: Dealing with Tenants from Hell
This book is essential for anyone interested in taking a peek at what life is like for landlords or anyone who thinks buy-to-let could be their way out of the rat race.
Landlords Urged to Speak Out Against Renters Reform
MPs are putting government plans to reform the private rented sector under a microscope and want landlords and property professionals in England to chip in with their take on the proposals.
Private Land, Car Parking and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, section 54 will make clamping on private land an offence but charging the keeper of the vehicle will be allowed.
Buy to Let Rents Rising at Fastest Ever Rate
New official data says tenants are paying the highest ever private rent as payments demanded by landlords rise at a record rate.
Land Registry Property Alert Helps Owners Protect Their Property
The Land Registry provides a Land Registry Property Alert, which helps property owners against fraud.
House Prices Hit Record, but a Slowdown Is on the Way
House prices have leapt 13 per cent in a year (May 2021), but these golden times for homeowners and property investors are drawing to a close.
12th Tory Housing Minister Tries Revolving Doors
Who is Marcus Jones, the new politician warming the seat at the Ministry of Housing?
Crossrail and HS2 Boost for House Prices
Billion-pound infrastructure schemes like Crossrail and HS2 are pushing house prices as they reach across the country.
Rents Rising at Fastest Rate for Six Years
The cost of renting is still rising despite the cost-of-living crisis squeezing tenant budgets.
Airbnb Ban on the Way for Second Homes?
<p>Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove wants to heap more woe on second homeowners and landlords with a plan to ban letting out properties on hotel websites like Airbnb.</p>
Is Your Home Earning More Than You?
Homes earn more than their owners as double-digit price rises to grip the market amid fears of a slowdown as the cost of living crisis bites.
How Much Has Your Home Earned in 50 Years?
Landlords follow investment advice advocated by author Mark Twain that’s ‘buy land, they’re not making it anymore'
Soaring Cost-of-Living Squeezes Rent Affordability
Tens of thousands of private tenants are struggling to keep pace with the rising cost of living as rent and bills increase to take an ever-larger share of their earnings.
Related Services
Buy to Let Finance for Landlords Including HMO
There are many more options other than standard Buy to Let (BTL) lenders. Commercial lenders have a good appetite for residential property investors, particularly those with portfolios.