Buy to Let Advice

Buy to Let is a medium to long-term investment say 14 - 20 years and is an investment that should take into account not only rental yield but also capital appreciation. The private rented sector is set to grow 40% over the next decade.

The rental market is not as volatile as the house sales market, it moves more slowly and not in step with property sales, areas differs from one another driven by tenant requirements for entertainment or commuter stations.

Windsor is a good location along the M4 Thames Corridor with rapid access by road and rail to Reading, Heathrow Airport and London.

Certain types of property may be more in demand than others and trends can and do develop. Before buying into a new development talk to a local letting agent who will know the trends and achievable rents.

The following points are taken from the ARLA Buy to Let Charter:

Landlords (Investors)

• Consider Buy to Let as medium to long-term investment that produces rental yield and capital appreciation
• Purchase a property on the needs of the local market, not personal taste
• Be aware that the rental market differs according to supply and demand and can influence achievable rents and occupancy rates
• Seek advice from both professional letting agents and specialised mortgage advisors

Mortgae Lenders

• Should undertake a professional assessment of the forecast of rental income
• They should provide clear information on Buy to Let loans and offer repayment and interest only options

Letting Agents

• Should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the legal requirements, regulations and obligations which apply to landlords, tenants and Agents
• Provide realistic valuations of achievable rents and guidance on supply and demand based on detailed knowledge of the local market
• They should hold professional indemnity insurance, separate client accounts and a client money-bonding scheme
• Be members of a recognised professional body