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If you are looking for a mortgage or re-mortgage for a buy to
let property then look no further. At Professional Mortgage
Services we have access to the whole of the market including a
complete range of specialist mortgage providers offering highly
attractive schemes.

We undertake to find you the best possible mortgage to suit your
individual circumstances.
The maximum loan
available with Buy to let mortgages is 89% however the maximum
loan may be restricted depending upon the rental income
achievable. Please contact us for further details.*
*Higher Lending Charges may apply.
There are 3
main factors to consider with buy to let mortgages:
-
Rent Potential - the decision as to whether or not a
mortgage will be offered is usually based on the rent you will
earn as well as your income. In some cases your income is not ever
considered.
- Interest Rate - buy
to let mortgages have slightly higher interest rates.
-
Larger Deposit - typically a minimum of 15% to 25% of the
property's value is required as a deposit.
Becoming
a private landlord should not be seen as an easy way of making
easy money. It can be riskier and more complicated. It can also be
very time consuming, more than most forms of investment, and there
is no guarantee that house prices will continue to rise. That
said, having a second property to let to tenants could reap
considerable financial rewards over time.
When buying a second property to let you will need to decide
whether your primary objective is income or
capital growth. In other words, are you looking to make a
profit month on month or are you looking to make a profit through
increased equity from the second property as it increases in value
over time? The decision may affect the type of property you
purchase, and the location.
When you manage a property
there are many costs involved in addition to the monthly mortgage
repayments. As a guide, you should be aiming to achieve a gross
rent of about 135% of the rental property's interest only mortgage
repayments in order to cover your costs should anything go wrong.
These additional costs include:
-
Property upkeep - maintenance costs for the property.
-
Letting agent's fees - letting agents charge around 10%
of the monthly rent for finding and vetting tenants with an
additional cost of around 5% if you require a full management
service.
- Ground rent / service charges
- applicable to leasehold properties.
-
Legal insurance - to cover costs from evicting tenants in
the event of non-payment, very important, as this can be very
expensive.
- Insurance - building
insurance and contents insurance for the items provided as part of
the rental agreement.
- Furnishings
- the purchase of any furniture. If the property is to be let
furnished, make sure you are covered for this by your home
insurance.
- Gas / electrical appliances
- cost of maintaining appliances and ensuring they comply with any
regulations such as safety tests.
-
Decorating costs - the property may require work ranging
from painting, to a new bathroom suite before it is suitable for
letting to tenants.
When choosing a property to let
it is wise to take advice from local letting agents to determine;
what type of properties are in need, and in which parts of the
town is best or most wanted. They can tell you if there is a
University in the town, and if students are looking for somewhere
to live. The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA)
state that a property needs to be in the right area, close to
transport and other facilities, and in good condition.
When choosing a letting agent to act on your behalf it is very
sensible to choose one that is a member of the ARLA. The reason
being, all members of the ARLA must join in a bonding scheme to
protect rent and tenant's deposits. The bond provides total
compensation of up to £2 million a year.
There are a
number of tax issues that need to be looked at in order to
maximise your tax position, such as being able to offset your
maintenance costs, letting agent fees etc as well as any interest
paid on a buy to let mortgage against your tax.
The Financial Services Authority does not regulate most Buy to Let
Mortgages.
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