Buy-to-let property investments have the profit potential to assist in creating financial freedom for anyone that desires it. People have always needed a safe place to stay, a kind of shelter, a space to call their own. This need is central to the success of the buy-to-let investment strategy.
As an investment model, it has withstood the test of time and is widely regarded, by high net-worth individuals the world over, as the best way to retain and grow funds.
By combining profitability with the power of leverage and compounding, investing in buy-to-let property, when implemented properly, is arguably one of most accessible investments available to people from all walks of life.
Buy-to-let property investments have the profit potential to assist in creating financial freedom for anyone that desires it. There are however
certain fundamentals which need to be met for this type of investment to
be executed safely.
The road map to buy-to-let property
Click on the links below and find out what you need to know about investing in a buy-to-let property.
1. Where to start?
When deciding on whether to invest in a property, these are the 2 first important points to consider:
- Know your target market; and
- Select your investment property carefully.
Read our complementary article: Buy-to-let guide: Where to start?
2. The financial aspects of investing in property
Learn about:
- Investment structures
- Tax on rental income
- Finance
- Capital growth
- Cash-flow.
Read our complementary article: Buy-to-let guide: The financial aspects of investing in property
3. The metrics used for evaluating property investments
- Gearing
- Return on investment (ROI)
- Gross yield
Read our complementary article: Buy-to-let guide: The metrics used for evaluating property investments
4. Costs to take into account when running the numbers
Make sure you are aware of all the running costs and maintenance costs, such as:
- Finishes and renovating costs
- Property Maintenance
- Insurance
- Safety & security measures
- Monthly service fees
Read our complementary article: Buy-to-let guide: Costs to consider when running the numbers
5. Managing tenant relationships professionally
How to manage your own rental. There are a few things you need to be cognisant of:
- Use a legally compliant written lease agreement.
- Rental should be set at a fixed sum and escalations should be reasonable.
- Handle deposits professionally.
- Deposits are usually set at 1 months’ rental.
- Never allow the tenant to use the deposit as the last month’s rent.
- Invoices and receipts are legal requirements.
- Inspect and document the condition of the property.
- Do semi-regular inspections of the rental property.
- Try to resolve disputes with your tenants amicably.
Read our complementary article: Buy-to-let guide: Managing tenant relationships
6. Education, teamwork and exit strategies
Property investor education is as essential as building a team of professional advisers and having a good exit strategy for every investment
Read our complementary article: Buy-to-let guide: Education, teamwork and exit strategies