This two-minute read includes some handy tax advice for landlords. Our tax system is often criticised for being complicated and unwieldy, but by following two simple rules you can take the stress and hassle out of filing a return. Rule Number 1: Do your homework Raise your hand if you find the subject of tax dull? You’re not alone, many people cite tax as a conversation killer (right up there with...
In this three-minute read, we compare the different types of buy-to-let mortgages. When choosing the right buy-to-let mortgage, landlords face a key decision: go with an interest-only deal or opt for a capital repayment arrangement. Both options have their pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look. Interest-only mortgage Your payments only cover the interest on the loan and have no impact on the...
Star Trek fans,look away now. “It’s a home,Jim, but not as we know it.” The original phrase(we’ve replaced life withahome)didn’t even feature in the popular sci-fi show,apparently, but we’re digressing. If you’re interested in what life will be like in the homes of 2050,keep reading. A report commissioned by the respected industry organisation the National House Building Council (NHBC) sees...
In this two-minute read, we have a quick look at what you need to consider when becoming a landlord. Before becoming a landlord, you need toconsiderhow you want to buy yourrentalproperty. There’s lots of tricky tax stuff to consider and changes to tax relief over the last few years mean that becoming a landlord might not be as profitable as you first think. So, what should you do? Should you buy a...
This two-minute read looks at ways to get through January without resorting to a tipple. If you’re one of the millions of Brits who vowed to stay off the booze this month, hang in there – you’ve only 11 more days to go! Congratulations on making it this far, and remember, if your resolve is starting to wobble, you’re not alone. Many people find that as the dark nights of January roll on, it gets...
In this two-minute read, we explain why being a landlord is a 24/7 job. One of the best things about going on holiday is that once you’ve packed your bags and locked the front door, you can breathe a sigh of relief. After months of hard work and stress, you can finally relax, unwind, and recharge – unless, of course, you’re a landlord. If you manage a rental property, you’re always on...
This three-minute read looks at the issues around selling an empty home. Most estate agents will tell you that to secure a goodpropertysale, it’s best to market a home fully furnished. But to quote the Rolling Stones,‘You can’t always get what you want’. Whether it be due to a death in the family or a sudden change in circumstances, sellers sometimes find themselves with an empty property to...
In this two-minute read,we look at the differences betweenlandlords and property investors. What’s the difference between a landlord and a property investor?Aren’tthey the same thing? Does one rent out properties and the other sell them on?If these questions have got you scratching your head, read on. Long term vsshort term Keeping it simple, a landlord makesa regular income from renting propertiesto...
In this three-minute read, we take a look at the most common rules and regulations that London landlords need to remember. Being a landlord is a tricky business. There are more than 200 different pieces of legislation covering the how, why, and when of managing a rental property (and that long list is constantly being added to). Here are just four that landlords are often not getting quite right. Deposit...
This three-minute read looks at the benefits of cultivating houseplants and how to get started. Houseplants add colour and freshness to work and living spaces – and deliver a host of health benefits. As this week is Houseplant Week UK,let’s look at the do’s and don’ts of cultivating indoor plants. Reasons to green your scene If you take good care of your houseplants, they’ll...