Buy to Let Advice from A.B.S Lettings

A.B.S lettings is more than a letting agent, we offer a bespoke service for individuals who want to invest into the property market but have little experience or for those who don’t have the time. With over 15 years of finding buy to let properties for investors, we can offer you the help and assistance to find your first investment property or help expand your current portfolio. 

For a very competitive rate A.S.B Lettings will remove the stress of looking for an investment property. We can arrange a consultation with yourself at a time and day which is suitable for you (including evenings and weekends). Once we have elaborated your specifications, we will search for the ideal investment, research the property and the local area. We can arrange viewings, inspections of the properties, update you on the process, place an offer and negotiate on your behalf with Estate Agents. Once the offer has been accepted we can also arrange for a independent financial adviser and a solicitor to contact you in order to complete the legal requirements. Upon completion we can even collect the keys for you and finally offer you full management service on the property.

Below you can find some general advice on buy to let investments: 

Financing your portfolio – there are three standard ways that property investors pay for a property: cash purchase; full repayment mortgage and interest only mortgage. Interest only mortgages are the most popular because they are tax allowable and they help cash flow for those looking to expand their portfolio. 

It pays to shop around for a good value mortgage deal – A.B.S Letting can introduce an independent financial adviser who can shop around and find the best mortgage for you.

Selecting a location – a good investment location is somewhere with plenty of employment opportunities, transport links, and good amenities as these factors create housing demand. Places with average house prices but above average rental prices will bring profitable rental yields if you want reliable income.

Selecting a Property – In order to select the right property, you firstly need to determine your personal investment aims; for example high yields, capital growth or aiming at a specific tenant market. When looking at property itself, try to avoid period properties which often require large amounts of maintenance. For Leasehold purchases, ensure you check the lease length, ground rent and service charge amounts as these can affect your income.

Refurbishments – these are dependent on the condition of the property you buy. Obviously, there is no need for amendments if you purchase a new-build but sometimes it is worth buying a run-down building at a reasonable price in order to increase its capital value.

Furnishing – Furnished property demands are dependent on the tenant type. Small apartments, student lets and HMOs (House of Multiple occupation) are most popular when furnished as people don’t let for as long or they don’t own furniture. Family style properties with 2 or 3+ bedrooms are best left unfurnished as people prefer to bring their own items.