Dos and Don'ts of Buying to Let

DO:

• think of buying to let as a medium to long term investment
• seek advice from a professional letting agent on local market demands
• get your sums right. Will the rent cover borrowings and costs, after allowing for void periods?
• decorate, fit out and furnish to high quality standards, especially kitchens and bathrooms, to attract the best tenants and let quickly every time

DON'T

• let personal taste cloud your judgment. Be sure the property you choose meets market requirements
• purchase anything with potential maintenance problems like a lot of woodwork or large gardens. It will add nothing to the rental value and cost a lot to keep up
• think that the running of an investment property to let can be left to friends or relatives in your absence. Tenants require a full management service
• furnish with second hand furniture or cast-off soft furnishings. These will probably contravene the Furniture and Furnishing Regulations.