Property Finance guides for UK landlords
Mortgages, yields, cash flow and financing a rental portfolio.
Bridging finance for landlords
Bridging finance offers landlords short term, high interest loans for property purchases or renovations. It is typically used when speed is critical and a long term solution, such as a buy to let mortgage, is not yet in
8 min read
Budgeting for compliance and EPC upgrade costs
Compliance is predictable if you plan it. Build an annual figure per property and a separate capital plan for energy upgrades.
4 min read
Buy to let in a limited company: pros and cons
Company ownership fixes the finance cost restriction but adds corporation tax, extraction tax, higher mortgage rates and real administration.
4 min read
Buy to let mortgage types explained
Buy-to-let mortgages are specifically designed for properties rented out, distinct from residential mortgages. Landlords must choose between interest-only, capital repayment, or hybrid options.
7 min read
Buy-to-let stress testing and affordability
Lenders assess buy-to-let borrowing using an interest coverage ratio at a stressed rate, not the pay rate. Understanding the calculation tells you what you can actually borrow before you offer.
4 min read
Buying a tenanted property: due diligence checklist
Buying a property with existing tenants requires careful due diligence to avoid legal and financial pitfalls. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist for landlords.
7 min read
Calculating rental yield correctly
Understanding rental yield is crucial for assessing a buy-to-let property's profitability. This guide explains how to calculate both gross and net rental yield correctly, highlighting essential expenses to include.
7 min read
Interest rates and buy to let cashflow
Buy-to-let cashflow is highly sensitive to interest rate changes, directly affecting mortgage costs and overall profitability. Effective financial planning is crucial to maintain a healthy investment.
8 min read
Landlord bank accounts and bookkeeping
This guide provides essential information for UK landlords on setting up appropriate bank accounts and maintaining accurate bookkeeping records, vital for compliance and financial management.
6 min read
Landlord insurance: cover, cost and tax treatment
Standard home insurance does not cover a let property. Getting the cover right is cheaper than discovering a gap after a claim.
4 min read
Portfolio landlord mortgage rules
Navigating portfolio landlord mortgages requires understanding specific lending criteria, especially for those with multiple buy-to-let properties. This guide outlines the key rules and considerations for landlords in 20
6 min read
Refurbishment spend and return on investment
Strategic refurbishment can significantly boost a buy-to-let property's value and rental yield. This guide covers planning, budgeting, and legal compliance for optimal return on investment.
7 min read
Rent guarantee insurance: is it worth it?
Rent guarantee and legal expenses cover pays rent during arrears and funds possession proceedings, but only if the tenant was referenced to the insurer's standard and you follow the claim conditions exactly.
4 min read
Stamp duty on additional property: the surcharge explained
The additional property surcharge applies on top of standard rates, with special rules for replacing a main residence and for company buyers.
4 min read
Buy-to-let mortgage interest relief explained
Individual landlords can no longer deduct mortgage interest from rental income before tax; instead they receive a basic rate tax credit.
6 min read
Remortgaging a buy-to-let property: what to check
Remortgaging can release equity or secure a better rate, but lenders apply rental cover tests that differ from residential affordability checks.
5 min read
Service charges and ground rent for leasehold buy-to-lets
Leasehold flats carry ongoing service charge and ground rent costs that reduce net yield and can affect the mortgage and letting process.
5 min read
Managing and budgeting for void periods
Void periods erode annual yield more than almost any other single factor, so minimising them and planning for the inevitable gap both matter.
5 min read