Pros and Cons of Buy to Let – Is it still a sensible and profitable option?

According to the Communities and Local Government Department, there has been a substantial increase in the number of people opting for house renting rather than buying, in the last ten years. Indeed, figures show that the number of private renters has risen from 2.15 million in 2004 to nearly 4 million in 2013. It is believed that this number will grow even more by 2018. Whatever the reasons are for people choosing to rent their homes, these reasons may be beneficial for those who decide to engage in a Buy-To-Let business. Despite the fact that this line of work is in the most essential respects, an income support, what shines is not always a diamond. That is to say, before becoming a proficient landlord, there are pros and cons that need to be considered.

 

Needless to say, the main purpose of Buy-To-Let activity is that of buying a house at a certain price and then renting that property at a rate that will cover costs and produce a profit. This applies when the house is obtained through a mortgage, thus the rent asked to tenants must be higher than the monthly re-payments of the debt. Before starting or expanding your property portfolio, it is necessary to do some homework on a few things, so that you can get the best deal on the market.

 

First off, do a little research on the area where your potential house is located. Ask yourself simple questions such as; “Is it a promising area? Where would people like to live? Who are my target tenants? Is there any good transportation, and/or schools nearby?” It may sound tedious, but once you have the answers to these questions, not only will choosing a house become easier, you will also feel more comfortable about your future income. Nonetheless, one issue that landlords must take into account seriously is the fact that the property may sit empty for a while before finding the right tenants. Having some savings before getting your mortgage might be a good idea, so that you can start re-paying your debt when your house is still unoccupied. 

 

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According to the Communities and Local Government Department, there has been a substantial increase in the number of people opting for house renting rather than buying, in the last ten years. Indeed, figures show that the number of private renters has risen from 2.15 million in 2004 to nearly 4 million in 2013. It is believed that this number will grow even more by 2018. Whatever the reasons are for people choosing to rent their homes, these reasons may be beneficial for those who decide to engage in a Buy-To-Let business. Despite the fact that this line of work is in the most essential respects, an income support, what shines is not always a diamond. That is to say, before becoming a proficient landlord, there are pros and cons that need to be considered.

 

Needless to say, the main purpose of Buy-To-Let activity is that of buying a house at a certain price and then renting that property at a rate that will cover costs and produce a profit. This applies when the house is obtained through a mortgage, thus the rent asked to tenants must be higher than the monthly re-payments of the debt. Before starting or expanding your property portfolio, it is necessary to do some homework on a few things, so that you can get the best deal on the market.

 

First off, do a little research on the area where your potential house is located. Ask yourself simple questions such as; “Is it a promising area? Where would people like to live? Who are my target tenants? Is there any good transportation, and/or schools nearby?” It may sound tedious, but once you have the answers to these questions, not only will choosing a house become easier, you will also feel more comfortable about your future income. Nonetheless, one issue that landlords must take into account seriously is the fact that the property may sit empty for a while before finding the right tenants. Having some savings before getting your mortgage might be a good idea, so that you can start re-paying your debt when your house is still unoccupied.

 

Some other problematic situations emerge when tenants fail to pay the rent. How can a landlord guarantee his income in a safe and legal way? The best option would be the Rent Guarantee Insurance, available from specialist providers. This way, if a tenant’s circumstances change unexpectedly, meaning they become unable to meet their rental commitments, this insurance can protect you from being out of pocket.

 

But if you are really struggling to keep the stress under control, or if you have just had enough of the problems and inconveniences, finding an Estate Agency to look after your property might be the best option that you have available. Without a doubt, they have good connections with plumbers, electricians and other workers so you don’t have to worry about repairs. In addition to this, you can also save time and pressure on you regarding viewings and advertising; they do the job for you. However, keep in mind that hiring an estate agent costs money. Having said that, do the math before deciding to having one.

 

All in all, beginning a Buy-To-Let business can still be a profitable option if you consider the pros and cons before taking the plunge. Gain as much information as you can and compare both sides of the coin to ensure you are not left in a Buy-to-Let nightmare.

 

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