Where are the next BTL investor hotspots?
As a property investor and Buy-to-Let (BTL) landlord, its often difficult to know where the next potential hotspot for your next investment is. Luckily, there's some new research identifying areas where investors are likely to make their next purchase and it looks as though the midlands and north of England are looking pretty popular. Meanwhile, investments are still likely in London and the south, but at a slower rate than the more affordable northern regions.
UK's tax system encourages short-term lets over long-term
The current tax system is beginning to prove more supportive of investors of short-term lets rather than long-term lets, according to property body the Residential Landlords Association (RLA). Recent analysis by The Guardian also highlights that in some areas of England, some 25% of property listings are for short-term lets, suggesting even fewer homes could soon be available for long-term tenants.
Why two-bedroomed properties provide investors with the optimum rental yield
Recent research suggests that if you're a Buy-to-Let (BTL) property investor, then a good place to start your investment journey, is with two-bedroomed properties. Why? Because they provide the optimum rental yield versus investment. Of course, that's not true of every area across the UK, but on average, two-bedroomed properties can deliver the best rental yield for many landlords.
Government BTL Policies Failing PRS
Recent data showing that rents in the UK's private rental sector (PRS) are set to continue rising, while repossession actions are taking on average over six months to complete are being considered as fresh signs that the measures taken by the Government to protect tenants and keep rental costs down, have failed. The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) said that news of further expected rent rises, coupled with additional details including the fact that few people are making use of the Rogue Landlords database, highlight that the Government has made numerous missteps in its attempts to improve the PRS.
Fewer Active UK Landlords in 2019 as the Sector Professionalises
There were fewer active landlords in 2019, while rents rose across the year compared with 2018. However, while the smaller number of landlords operating in the UK highlights there has been a bit of an exodus in recent years, those who remained in the industry are more likely to own multiple properties. That suggests that those landlords who are still investing are expanding their portfolios as the sector shows signs of professionalising.
Private Renters Want to Decorate and do DIY
As the proportion of Britons renting a home in the Private Rental Sector (PRS) continues to rise, it seems the desire for DIY remains strong. Recent research shows that over three-quarters of PRS tenants want to decorate and carry out some DIY on their rental homes, in a bid to make the property more homely.