I met with a first time investor this week to discuss her plans with buy-to-let properties. She asked me a question which I get asked a lot by people new to letting property: “Will my property let?”

My answer to her was that every property will let.  It is more a case of what type of Tenant she would like to attract.

Factors such as the area or particular road you buy in and what the condition of the property is like will dictate whether you get the pick of Tenants or not.

A beautifully presented modern two bedroom house, for example, in Badgers Copse is likely to achieve a handsome monthly rent of £895pcm.  After a few days of marketing and a block viewing you should have three or four interested parties to cherry pick from. So there is a high chance of you having a nice professional couple renting on a long term basis, paying their rent on time and looking after your property.

Another two bedroom house in a less desirable road or in need of internal upgrades will not achieve the same rent.  That said, however, someone will rent it.  They may not be as high calibre as the Tenants wishing to rent the property in Badgers Copse but there will definitely be someone out there for it.

Of course, well maintained properties in great order will let more easily and it is generally easier to achieve higher rent levels.  But in some areas it doesn’t matter how special the inside of the property looks, there will always be a ceiling to the rent you can achieve in that road or area.  In some cases it will take a year or more to get back the money you spend on a nice new shiny kitchen and bathroom back in rent.  So you need to work with your Letting Agent and let them guide you as to how far to take any upgrade in order to maximise your return.  Providing that the property complies with legislation and is safe there will always be a Tenant for it.

If you are considering purchasing a Buy-To-Let property and would like some guidance as to what to buy or how to maximise your return please get in touch on 01489 570011 or at james.hill@brooklettings.co.uk.