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Property investment tips, insights, interviews, strategies, area research and industry news.

A line drawing of the skyline of Glasgow featuring its famous landmarks.

The Best Areas of Glasgow to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Oct 31, 2022
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Glasgow is sometimes called Scotland’s second city after the capital, Edinburgh. But in every other way Glasgow is bigger, much bigger – Glasgow has a bigger population, a bigger economy and a bigger property market too. There are lots of reasons to invest.

An old set of house keys.

A Guide to DIY Conveyancing

Oct 21, 2022
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When buying or selling a house it is usual to have a solicitor or conveyancer handle the conveyancing process for you. However it is possible to do your conveyancing yourself. Here we will look at what you need to know about doing DIY conveyancing.

High Wycombe town centre.

The Best Areas of High Wycombe to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Oct 19, 2022
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High Wycombe is a marmite kind of place it seems. It appears in surveys of both good places to live and not-so-good places to live. High Wycombe’s good points are that it benefits from a great location by the Chiltern Hills, has good access to London and low property prices.

Thermal external insulation brick wall and finishing system icon.

Is External Wall Insulation Worth the Investment?

Oct 7, 2022
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External wall insulation is just one of many ways you might consider improving the insulation of your property. In this article we will look at whether external wall insulation is likely to be a good investment or not.

An icon depicting a house with a butterfly roof.

What is a Butterfly Roof? Pros and Cons

Oct 6, 2022
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A butterfly roof is an inverted roof when compared to a more conventional gable roof. With a conventional roof two pitched surfaces rise to meet each other at a central ridge. In this article, we look at the pros and cons.

An icon showing a student mortar board, combined with a house. Represents student housing.

A Guide to Student HMOs for Landlords

Oct 6, 2022
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Student HMOs continue to be an attractive property investment opportunity for landlords. Here’s our guide to student HMOs, including the pros and cons of student HMOs, trends in the student market and what landlords need to know about running a student HMO.

An apartment block on Green Street, Upton Gardens, former site of West Ham football ground, Upton Park, Newham.

The Best Areas of Newham to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Sep 21, 2022
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Newham is a typical East London district. But it has undergone a massive amount of change and regeneration in recent years. One thing about Newham hasn’t changed though: It’s still a very good value part of London for property buyers and investors.

Old, red brick Edwardian houses in Church End, Finchley Central, Barnet, North London.

The Best Areas of Barnet to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Sep 21, 2022
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It could be said that Barnet offers more opportunities to invest in property than any other part of London! Because Barnet has the largest population of any London borough, so the largest number of people looking to buy or rent.

An external view of the front of Chase Farm hospital in Enfield, London.

The Best Areas of Enfield to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Sep 21, 2022
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For investors looking to find good value property investments in London then Enfield could be the answer. Average property prices in Enfield are only around half of those in London’s more expensive boroughs. Here’s our guide to the best areas of Enfield to invest in buy-to-let.

Looking up at two skyscrapers. Photograph taken in Tottenham Hale, Haringey.

The Best Areas of Haringey to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Sep 16, 2022
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Haringey is probably one of the less well known London boroughs. But Haringey has a great accessible location within easy reach of everything that’s going on in London. Haringey also offers some good value property investment opportunities.

A sign at Chingford Station in London, promoting the London Borough of Waltham Forest as the 2019 London Borough of Culture.

The Best Areas of Waltham Forest to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Aug 30, 2022
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The first thing to know about Waltham Forest is that it’s (mostly) not a forest! But Waltham Forest is known for offering more space – and better value – than inner London, alongside great access into the capital.

A photograph of Wanstead village high street.

The Best Areas of Redbridge to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Aug 30, 2022
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Redbridge lays claim to being London’s leafiest suburb thanks to its abundance of parks. Redbridge also has excellent access into central London, with the new Elizabeth Line services taking less than 20 minutes. Redbridge still offers below average property prices too.

A thumbnail of the Union Flag of the UK.

The Best Towns in the UK to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Aug 30, 2022
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So where are the best large towns to invest in buy-to-let in the UK? We’ve considered factors such as the population, economy, property prices and rental yields to come up with some suggestions for some towns that you might want to consider.

A thumbnail of the Union Flag of the UK.

The Best Cities in the UK to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Aug 18, 2022
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So where are the best cities to invest in buy-to-let in the UK? We’ve considered factors such as the population, economy, property prices and rental yields to come up with some suggestions for some cities that you might want to consider.

A modern residential city centre apartment block.

Are City Centre New-Build Apartments Still the Best Investments?

Aug 5, 2022
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On a per square foot basis, city centre apartments are often cheaper than similar property in a suburban area and they often offer good rental yields. However, there are things that every investor should be aware of.

The words 'Mortgage Stress Tests' sit against a textured background.

Mortgage Stress Tests Now Scrapped: What Does This Mean?

Aug 5, 2022
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Mortgage stress tests have been used in mortgage lending for several years but have now been officially scrapped but what this will mean for mortgages and the investor buy-to-let property market.

A graphic with the word 'TAX' featured front-and-centre.

Understanding Taxation for Buy-to-Let Limited Companies 

Aug 2, 2022
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If you are running (or setting up) a buy-to-let limited company tax rules differ from those if you are owning buy-to-let properties in your own name. Here’s a guide to understanding tax for buy-to-let limited companies.

Text says, CGT, Capital Gains, Tax.

Capital Gains Tax on Property: A Guide for Buy-to-Let Landlords

Aug 2, 2022
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Landlords are liable for Capital Gains Tax when they sell a buy to let property. Here’s a guide to how much Capital Gains Tax you have to pay when you sell a buy-to-let property and how landlords may be able to cut their Capital Gains Tax bill.

An icon or generic logo for an imagined property company.

Setting Up a Property Company: Key Considerations for Landlords

Aug 2, 2022
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A property company is a company set up specifically to own property, such as a buy to let or a property development. Instead of owning a property directly a property investor owns the company and the company owns the property.

The logo for the government of the United Kingdom.

Fixing Our Broken Housing Market: A Housing White Paper

Aug 1, 2022
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The policy paper Fixing Our Broken Housing Market is a housing White Paper. It sets out the Government’s plans to reform the housing market and boost the supply of new homes in England.

Cleared land, previously used for commercial purposes, now awaiting development. A brownfield site in Bracknell, England.

What is a Brownfield Site?

Jul 22, 2022
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In simple terms brownfield land is a piece of land which has previously been built on. Brownfield land is usually considered to be land that is not presently in use either fully or partly.

A green field with spring flowers.

What is a Greenfield Site?

Jul 20, 2022
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Greenfield sites may offer more flexibility to build what you want to build and more design flexibility, subject to obtaining planning permission. They are in some ways a blank canvas for your property development plans.

A model building is surrounded by architectural plans.

What is a Planning Performance Agreement?

Jul 6, 2022
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A planning performance agreement is an agreement that is made between an applicant who applies for planning permission and the local planning authority. It sets down a framework for how the planning application will be handled and what timescales will apply.

Logo for the Joint Contracts Tribunal or JCT.

What is the Joint Contracts Tribunal and What Does It Do?

Jun 27, 2022
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The JCT is an organisation which produces contract documentation for building and construction projects. These include standard forms for both main and sub-contracts, homeowner contracts plus agreements, collateral warranties and associated guidance documents.

An icon of a legal document, representing a Collateral Warranty.

What is a Collateral Warranty?

Jun 22, 2022
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In the construction industry collateral warranties are used in building projects. They are used to create a contractual link between parties who do not directly have a contract with each other.

The logo for the government of the United Kingdom.

The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022: Main Points for Investors

Jun 15, 2022
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The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 is a new law affecting leasehold property ownership. Here’s more information on the what the Leasehold Reform Act could mean for landlords and buy-to-let investors in the UK.

View of Battersea Reach, a riverside residential building development in Wandsworth.

The Best Areas of Wandsworth to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Jun 14, 2022
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Wandsworth has some hidden gems that offer good value for buy-to-let investors. Plus some huge regeneration projects that promise to make the Wandsworth property market even more up and coming in the future.

Shops on Station Road in Upminster, Havering.

The Best Areas of Havering to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Jun 7, 2022
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The first step to successfully investing in property is to know where you are investing. So where is Havering, we hear you ask? Havering is a borough on the eastern side of London. The largest town in Havering is Romford.

An illuminated high street of Harrow on the Hill with a passing bus and cars in motion.

The Best Areas of Harrow to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Jun 6, 2022
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Harrow is one of London’s most popular residential areas, yet house prices in Harrow remain comfortably under the capitol’s average. This makes this London borough increasingly attractive to London-centric property investors.

A man stands outside Hounslow West underground tube station.

The Best Areas of Hounslow to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Jun 6, 2022
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Hounslow is one of the best connected places in all of London, with great connections by road, train and plane. And yet, for property investors, Hounslow also has some of London’s cheapest property prices, too.

Vauxhall bus station and underground staton, Lambeth, London.

The Best Areas of Lambeth to Invest in Buy-to-Let

May 19, 2022
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Lambeth sits just across the River Thames from Westminster, the West End and the City of London. That’s helped to make this once-overlooked South London suburb a property hotspot in recent years.

A 3D rendering of a city, representing tokenised real estate.

A Beginners Guide to Tokenised Real Estate

May 10, 2022
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The concept of tokenised real estate is fairly new to the property world. However some people believe it could be the next big thing in property. Here’s our simple beginners guide to tokenised real estate.

A hand holds the icon of a house with an EPC rating drawn in the centre. Concept icon for an energy efficient house.

Optimising Your Buy-to-Let for Energy Efficiency

May 9, 2022
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Rising energy prices and the risks of climate change mean energy efficiency is more important today than ever. Here’s what landlords and property investors need to know about optimising their buy-to-lets for energy efficiency.

A house flooded by rising water.

Flooding: Is Your Buy-to-Let at Risk?

Apr 26, 2022
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When you own or buy a buy-to-let property there are several risks to consider but one you must consider is flood risk. The Environment Agency estimates that around 5.2 million properties in England, or one in six properties, are at risk of flooding.

A graphic with text that says, 'Net Zero'.

Net Zero Carbon Housing: A Guide

Apr 26, 2022
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Net-zero carbon housing is often connected with a number of other terms such as eco-housing, sustainable housing, low energy housing or Passivhaus. These are not necessarily the same as net zero carbon housing, however.

Text says USRNs.

What is a Unique Street Reference Number (USRN)?

Apr 26, 2022
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In simple terms, a USRN or Unique Street Reference Number is a kind of identifier and one that is used specifically for rights of way. A USRN is a unique numeric identifier for every street in Great Britain. A USRN is also a kind of geocode.

The Billing Better logo.

Rising Energy Prices: A Guide for Landlords

Apr 25, 2022
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You will have read in the news, energy prices are increasing by 54% as of the 1st of April 2022. This article aims to explain how the increase in energy price affects you as a landlord as well as the options your tenants have.

The company logo for GetGround.

Why Investing in Property Via a Limited Company Makes Better Sense

Apr 25, 2022
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Against the backdrop of a global pandemic and inflation reaching a forty year high, the need for property investors to seek out better ways of making their buy-to-let investments work efficiently is most certainly on the rise.

An illustration of a businessman holding back a giant punching hand.

Challenging Your Council Tax Bill

Mar 21, 2022
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If you think your Council Tax bill is too high then it may be possible to get it cut. Here’s how to request a change to your Council Tax band to reduce your bill and even claim back money on payments that you have already made.

Circle design with written text that says, 'UPRNs'.

What are Unique Property Reference Numbers (UPRNs)?

Mar 21, 2022
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UPRNs or Unique Property Reference Numbers have the potential to revolutionise property. UPRNs could change the way we buy, sell, rent, let, invest and work with property. Here we will look at what UPRNs are and what they can be used for.

The Face of Walsall, a sculpture in Walsall town centre.

The Best Areas of Walsall to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Mar 21, 2022
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Walsall benefits from a great location at the heart of the West Midlands alongside some very good value property prices. Here’s more about the very best areas of Walsall to invest in buy-to-let.

The word Basildon in white on a blue background.

The Best Areas of Basildon to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Mar 21, 2022
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Basildon is a rare find in property terms. It’s near enough to London to be commutable yet far enough away from London to have much more attractive property prices. Here’s how to find the best areas of Basildon to invest in buy-to-let.

An icon graphic showing a computer with a house on the screen. Represents a property portal.

A Guide to the UK’s Property Portals

Mar 1, 2022
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Every year millions of people use online property portals to help them find a property to buy or rent their next investment property. But there are now several different property portals to choose from. Here we’ll look at the main UK property portals and what each has to offer.

Looking up at a historic, listed building.

The Pros and Cons of Owning a Listed Building

Feb 25, 2022
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A listed building can be an exciting and rewarding property to own. But owning a listed buildings can also present many problems. Here we look at what a listed building is and at the pros and cons of owning one.

An aerial view of Dudley town centre as the sun goes down. Dudley Castle is visible in the foreground.

The Best Areas of Dudley to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Feb 25, 2022
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Most people bypass Dudley in favour of the bright lights of nearby Birmingham. But Dudley has a lot to offer: There’s a £1 billion investment programme aimed at regenerating the town alongside a new tram line to transform local travel. Dudley also has property over 25% cheaper than the national average.

An A-frame ladder in the middle of a room that is being redecorated.

What is a Licence to Alter? Home Improvements to Leasehold Property

Feb 24, 2022
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If you’re planning home improvements in a leasehold property (typically, a flat) you may need what is known as a licence to alter. In essence, it is simply official written permission from the landlord (leasehold owner) to carry out refurbishments on the property.

An aerial view of Hastings and St Leonards seafront in the late spring.

The Best Areas of Hastings to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Feb 20, 2022
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Hastings is famous for a couple of things. One of them is the battle of 1066 and the other is for being that rare beast: a cheap place to buy and invest in property in the South East. A traditional seaside town on the English Channel coast, today we examine this buy-to-let hotspot.

Mist hangs over the lake in Abington Park, Northampton.

The Best Areas of Northampton to Invest in Buy to Let

Jan 31, 2022
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Northampton, located in the Nene Valley in the East Midlands, enjoys below average house prices and is one, property investors should watch. The area appeals to London commuters who want access to London but also want to benefit from lower prices and a more rural location.

The town centre of Solihull on a sunny afternoon in late September.

The Best Areas of Solihull to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Jan 25, 2022
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Solihull calls itself the ‘town in the country’ and is often thought of as a place that offers the perfect mix of both town and country living. But does that make Solihull a perfect mix for property investors and buy-to-let landlords too?

Red brick terraced housing, shops and businesses with a large domed mosque in the background. Photograph of Charlotte Street in Blackburn.

The Best Areas of Blackburn to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Jan 21, 2022
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In times of fast-rising property prices, Blackburn remains a cheap property hotspot. For the price of one house in an average UK town, property investors can buy two in Blackburn. Here’s the lowdown on the best areas of Blackburn to invest in buy-to-let.