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How to become a buy-to-let landlord (3 min read)

Bricks and mortar have always been a bolthole for people looking to invest their money in a safe place and, despite recent changes to the lettings market, buy-to-let remains a popular investment avenue. If you are looking to become a buy-to-let landlord, then the results can be fruitful – follow our five tips below to start your journey!

Mortgage Matters
The first port of call if you are considering becoming a buy-to-let landlord is the mortgage market; either with your current mortgage provider if you are looking to convert a current mortgage into buy-to-let, or to the general marketplace if you are looking to buy a new property for lettings purposes. Ensure that you shop around for your buy-to-let mortgage as the marketplace is currently extremely competitive in terms of lending, which should help you to obtain favourable rates. If you are converting your mortgage, ensure that your lender has granted you “Consent To Let” before you move any tenants into the property.

Managed or Unmanaged?
With the recent surge in tenant and landlord legislation, managing your own property may seem like a daunting prospect. If this is the case, then look for a reputable estate agent who will manage the lettings process for you – this will take a lot of the stress out of letting a property for you. If you are more confident, then you may want to work with an agent to list your property and find tenants, but then manage those tenants independently – if this is the case then seek as much advice as possible and keep legislation at the top of your list as a landlord.

Landlord Insurance
When it comes to buy-to-let properties, you will need to make sure that you are covered for every eventuality. Specialist landlord insurance is a must, as well as buildings insurance, and if you have furnished a property then contents insurance may also be required. Speak to your chosen estate agent about their recommendations in terms of insurers and remember that spending a little on comprehensive cover may save you a lot in the long run.

Financials
Once you have your buy-to-let mortgage in place, you have your tenants in a fully-insured property and you are reaping the rewards, one of the key steps will be filing your taxes correctly. With buy-to-let being an investment source, you will have to pay specific taxes regarding the property and the profit which you are making from that; speaking to an accountant will help you to get your finances in order. Further to this, you will be able to offset some of your expenses and costs against tax – don’t miss out on these opportunities.

Target Market
It would be easy once you have your investment property in place to then sit back and relax. One of our recommendations would be to keep your finger on the pulse of the lettings market and adapt your property accordingly. Currently, the student lettings market is extremely popular and the potential rental yield extremely high, therefore it could be a good market to position your property within currently. As the economy changes, families may be the driving market in lettings, or indeed young professionals, therefore stay flexible with your offering and you may well be able to increase your portfolio.

Fife Properties Lettings Director, Richard Cook commented: “This is a market that we are leading in and with over 50 years of combined experience and track record it speaks for itself. Letting a property is not for the faint-hearted because it is not about getting the tenant in the property it is making sure you have the right tenant that has undergone proper vetting and after this, it is the 50 pieces of legislation you have to contend with next to make sure you are doing it right. If you are not sure then it pays to get the best advice first on all of the points about and more. This is where we excel.”

Fife Properties currently offer a FREE initial consultation service which not only provides an idea of the current rental value of your property but gives extremely useful advice on maximising your return of investment when renting. To book click the link: https://www.fifeproperties.co.uk/property-valuation/

The best ways to add value to your property

When we decorate our properties, it is often driven by personal preferences in order to make a space fit into our own idea of what is stylish. However, if you are not just looking to decorate a space but to maximise the potential value of your property, then read our guide which explores the best ways to add worth to a home.

Solve existing issues

If you’re thinking of adding value to your property then don’t jump straight to improving the aesthetic of particular rooms in order to gain the much-lauded “wow factor”; instead, make sure that your property is structurally sound. It may have less cosmetic impact, but a house with a leaking roof, subsidence or damp will be severely hindered in achieving a strong asking price due to the perceived costs and effort in fixing the issues. Take the time to assess your property and ensure there are no major defects, and this will give a solid foundation for your property to achieve the best price on the market as buyers will not be scared away by problems, nor will they be able to barter the price down.

Central issue

Take a look at the central heating system in your house – does it look modern and fit-for-purpose or is it on its last legs? If your central heating isn’t quite up to scratch, then replacing this is a sure-fire way to add value to your property as it is another issue which has the potential to put off potential buyers. Although the initial outlay for the central heating refit may seem high, you should more than recover these costs when selling the property as it is another key point which will assure buyers that your property is well-cared for.

Extra space

Adding additional living space will always attract potential buyers as this offers them versatility in the way in which they will use the property; however, before you convert that loft or garage then we would recommend doing a little research. A converted loft can add thousands to the asking price of your property, so it is certainly something to consider – before you undertake this do take a look at similar properties in your area and do some investigation as to what the top selling price has been lately. There will be a ceiling price to the properties in your area, and therefore before you add a room, make sure that there is the potential to recoup the cost in the asking price of the property.

Decoration

If you’re looking to add value to your property without any major outlay, then picking up the paintbrush could be the answer. Freshen up any paint that has seen better days around the house and do the same in the bathroom, checking on any sealants to ensure they are crisp and clean. Clean up a few simple defects and potential buyers will see your property in an entirely different light, willing to pay more for a home that they perceive to be in excellent condition. This should extend to the frontage of your home, so ensure lawns are mowed and outside areas look cared for.

Kitchens and bathrooms

That old saying that homes are sold due to their kitchens and bathrooms is true, to an extent. Having a modern kitchen and bathroom will add considerable value to your property, as well as generating much more interest from potential buyers. If you don’t want to invest in a brand-new kitchen and bathroom, then update your current spaces in order to make them more sellable. Kitchen cabinets can be painted to modernise them, and changing the door handles to something sleeker will also help to create the feeling of a newer space in the kitchen. In the bathroom, refresh the paint on the walls, keeping it as neutral as possible, and ensure that the space is bright and airy – add mirrors to make the space feel bigger, and use accessories to add colour into the space.

Fife Properties Group Office Owner, Jim Parker commented, “A different take on the typical advice and some of these top tips can be done at an inexpensive price which can completely revitalise your property so it’s often worth doing when selling to enhance the buyer experience as it often translates to a higher offer” Fife Properties currently offer a FREE initial consultation service which not only provides an idea of the current value of your property but gives extremely useful advice on maximising the value when selling. To book click the link: https://www.fifeproperties.co.uk/property-valuation/

Fife Properties Estate & Letting Agents wins ‘Best in County’ award at The ESTAS

Fife Properties Estate & Letting Agents wins ‘Best in County’ award at The ESTAS again for the 9th year, the most prestigious estate & letting agent awards in the UK

The Glenrothes, Leven and Cupar based agency received the ‘Best in County’ title for the Kingdom of Fife at the prestigious ESTAS 2019. The award was announced by Phil Spencer, the TV property expert at a lavish luncheon & ceremony at the Grosvenor House, Park Lane London attended by 1,000 of the UK’s top property professionals.

The awards, celebrating their 16th year determine the best estate and letting agents in the UK based purely on feedback from customers who are asked a series of questions about the service they have received from their agent, over 45,000 surveys were completed by customers during the competition.

Phil Spencer, who has hosted the ESTAS every year since their inception in 2003 said: “The ESTAS encapsulates what your typical agent is trying to do, which is to provide honest, transparent service for their clients. These awards are special because shortlisted and winning firms are selected purely on the service they deliver. Real feedback from real customers experiencing real service, I don’t think there can be a greater honour in the industry than to receive an award based on that mantra.”

Estate and letting agents were recognised in counties around the UK. Regional and national Grand Prix Awards were also announced for the Best Single Agent Office in sales and lettings.

Simon Brown Founder of The ESTAS said: “At The ESTAS we’re proud to say we believe in old fashioned values like customer service. We know how hard it is to deliver it and that’s why we put the spotlight on property firms who are committed to providing excellent service. The ESTAS review and awards platform brand help agents generate consumer trust.”

Richard Cook, Lettings Director of Fife Properties said “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised at this year’s ESTAS again and this is the 9th time we have been Fife’s No.1 Letting Agent. It means so much to us as we know it’s our customers who have judged our performance over all our offices in Fife. We take our levels of customer service very seriously because we know clients have a choice. We have always been very proud of the personal service and this proves we are delivering what we promise.”

Jim Parker, Managing Director of Fife Properties said “It’s a great achievement to be awarded the top letting agent for the 9th time by our customers but over 95% of the ones that voted in the Estate Agents category rated us as excellent or amazing. Again, confirming why more and more customers recommend us to their friends and family.”

The common mistakes made by first-time buyers and how to avoid them

There’s no denying that purchasing your first property can be an incredibly exciting process. Everything from your first viewing to deciding which bread bin goes best with your new kitchen can feel like a thrill, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a multitude of things to avoid as you look to buy your first home.

But don’t fret! We’ve outlined the most common mistakes that first-time buyers when looking for the property of their dreams, and what your best practise should be instead.

Seal an agreement in principle
First thing’s first; get an agreement in principle from your lender in place first. The importance behind getting this step resolved is that it will give you an idea of how much your mortgage provider will allow you to borrow, and given that they’re often valid for 30-to-90 days, you should have the best part of three months to search for the right home before you need to get the agreement re-evaluated.

The benefit of getting what’s also known as a mortgage promise in place is simple; should you find a home you love and need to act fast, there’s no guarantee that you can find a loan big enough for you to buy it. With that in mind, figuring out the amount of money that you have at your disposal is vital.

Check your credit score
Another simple thing, but one that is also frequently missed. Checking your credit score prior to applying for a mortgage can save you a large potential headache; if you have a poor credit score then you run the risk of your mortgage application being rejected, which will cause further damage to your score. An early check of your score prior to applying for a mortgage can allow you to correct errors and get your credit rating in a healthier place.

Do your sums!
The process of buying a home is about much more than the price of a property; you have to factor in valuations, house survey costs, legal fees and conveyancing. These financial hits can seem unreasonable, but again, they’re vital to making sure that the property you’re buying is in good condition. With that in mind, make sure that you have enough money for these vital parts of the purchasing process, too.

What’s going on locally?
We all have certain criteria for the area that we’ll be moving into when it comes to choosing a home. Are there good schools nearby? What about shops or park space? Are the transport links sufficient for your work or other needs?

Research the local area; find out if this place will meet your needs and provide what you require in order to enjoy your life. If you’re able, spend a bit of time walking around and getting a feel for the place. Moving home can be an emotionally overwhelming process, so the more you know about your new area, the more settled you’ll feel once you move in.

Ask questions and don’t be afraid to get advice
It’s important to know what you want out of a home prior to conducting viewings, and it certainly does not hurt to have an idea of what questions you’d like to ask before you start visiting properties. Ask the sellers why they’re thinking of leaving, for example, or how long they’ve lived at the property, whilst testing out things like taps, windows and lights.

Beyond that, seek professional advice from an impartial mortgage broker. This is key, as a broker can assist you with setting up a financial plan, help you to find a good deal on a mortgage and get the ball really rolling on the buying process.

Fife Properties Group Office Owner, Jim Parker commented: “All great advice for first-time buyers. The key is to get the best advice and most importantly the best mortgage advice. Our mortgage partners can search the whole of the market for the best deals, some of which are only available to them and are better deals than the banks own branches can do!”

Fife Properties currently offer a FREE mortgage initial consultation service. To book click the link: https://www.fifeproperties.co.uk/contact/

Read our tips to increase your kerb appeal

Any estate agent will tell you that making a good first impression is key when presenting your home for sale. Potential buyers and renters are always extra vigilant when it comes to viewing properties, from the front gate to the back garden, meaning it’s even more important to present your home in its best light from the off. But even if you’re not looking to sell up, there’s something to be said for sprucing up the front of your home.

One of the best ways to do that is to maximise your kerb appeal, which refers to how striking your home is when viewed from the road. When you think about searching for properties online, how likely are you to click on details for a home if the lead photograph is rather drab? The homes that perform the best on property websites like Zoopla and Rightmove are the ones that can grab the attention from the off.

Thankfully, maximising your kerb appeal doesn’t have to break the bank!

1) Front and centre

The front door is always a good place to start, especially as it’s one of the first things that people see when it comes to your home. UPVC doors can be cleaned easily enough with the right product, and if you’ve got a wooden door, why not consider a fresh lick of paint? You can also bring your garage or front gate into the equation for a bit of colourful synchronicity.

Giving your letterboxes and door handles a polish shows good attention to detail, but if they’re looking a little tired, don’t be afraid to replace them.

2) Plot your path to success

The path to your front door or outdoor paving stones can get dirty with ease, so applying some TLC, whether that’s with a pressure washer or a good ol’ bucket of warm water and a scrubbing implement will instantly help your outside space.

If you have paving stones, then keeping your weeds in check is also a shrewd move; pulling out the week killer for large front porches, paths or driveways will make things look far neater.

Gravel is a feature of many a home, and it’s also one that’s easily refreshed with a bit of colour. Locate some similar stones to your current palette and use a rake to spread them together and you’ll be surprised by how much it refreshes the approach to your front door.

3) Plant an impression

A simple touch, but an effective one. Adding some greenery around your front door suggests to the naked eye that you take care of your property and look after your home, so look into some potted plants to go outside your front door. Hanging baskets are another option if ground space is limited.

4) Window dressing

The windows on your front room are another area where little touches can make a big difference. Have a look into replacing your curtains or blinds with lined alternatives for a tidy appearance, or, if your windows aren’t providing you with sufficient insulation, you could even look at replacing them altogether.

5) Night Lights

Finally, take a look at the area around your front door at night and imagine how much more welcoming it could be with a bit of light. An outdoor power supply will help if you’re looking to install something akin to a classic-style lamp, but you needn’t go overboard; a solar-powered light is easy to install, charges itself during the day and won’t cost you extra!

Fife Properties Group Office Owner, Jim Parker commented, “Some of these top tips can be done at an inexpensive price which can completely revitalise your properties kerb appeal so it’s often worth doing when selling to enhance the buyer experience as it often translates to a higher offer” Fife Properties currently offer a FREE initial consultation service which not only provides an idea of the current value of your property but gives extremely useful advice on maximising the value when selling. To book click the link: https://www.fifeproperties.co.uk/property-valuation/

The UK has the cheapest agent fees in Europe

For most of us, the purchase of a property will be the biggest single expense which we ever have to cover, and the fees associated with this are often touted as expensive. However, a recent report has shown that fees in the UK are the lowest in Europe and therefore the old myth of expensive fees has been debunked, with other parts of Europe up to five times more expensive than the UK.

The average commission paid on the sale of a property in the United Kingdom is 1.2%, according to analysis from GetAgent, which is lower than all other European countries, with Denmark and Ireland next cheapest at 1.25% and 1.75% respectively. On the other end of the scale is Romania with an average fee of 6% – five times more than the UK.

“I think it’s fair to say that estate agents in the UK have a tough time of it when it comes to justifying their fees, with the predominant opinion being that they charge too much for the service provided,” said Colby Short, GetAgent’s chief executive officer.

“This really isn’t the case and as this research shows, the UK is actually home to the lowest estate agent fees in the EU and therefore you could argue, the best service as well. Of course, the price of property means there is a degree of relativity and the 6% commission you might pay in Romania will be a lot lower due to the lower cost of getting on the ladder,” he pointed out.

“So while you consider if three to four thousand pounds is a justifiable spend when selling a property for hundreds of thousands, remember you could be paying upward of ten thousand if you were to live in another area of Europe,” he added.

Fife Properties Group Office Owner, Jim Parker commented, “Choosing an Estate Agent to sell your house will probably be one of the most important things you will ever do. While fees are important what is equally important is the end result. Having an Estate Agent that can demonstrate the ability to achieve more than the asking price on a consistent basis could far outweigh trying to save a few hundred pounds in fees at the beginning.”

Fife Properties currently offer a FREE initial consultation service which not only provides an idea of the current value of your property but gives extremely useful advice on maximising the value when selling. To book click the link: https://www.fifeproperties.co.uk/property-valuation/

Property investors unfazed by Brexit

As we’re now finally closing in on 29th March, our scheduled departure date from the European Union, there is anticipation as to what Brexit will look like. In terms of property development, however, a recent study has shown that the majority of property investors are unfazed by the political upheaval and remain steadfast in their faith in the British property market.

A recent global survey carried out by SevenCapital, a leading property developer, has found that 85% of individuals who are currently investing in property around the world are investing in the UK’s property market, in spite of the Brexit furore whipped up by news headlines.

Andy Foote, director at SevenCapital, said: “These figures demonstrate that people generally recognise that there are bigger factors to consider over Brexit when it comes to the overall trends in the UK property market. Realistically, it’s the fear and the perception of Brexit that will have any effect, rather than the physical act of leaving the EU.”

“Ultimately, if the market were to take a dip after Brexit, seasoned investors will know that this would more likely be a catalyst for the inevitable swing back. The property market is a prime example of well-known cyclical patterns, growing through recovery and emerging stronger than previous peaks. In other words, if it takes a dip, as it did 10 years ago, it will recover and come back stronger.”

The survey of “High Net Worth Individuals” (HNWIs) – defined as earning more than £100,000 per year – has shown that property remains as popular as ever for global investors, with 59% investing in property, second only to stocks and shares. Out of those who responded, more than 30% of those from within the United Kingdom confirmed they were investing in UK property and, furthermore, almost a quarter actually cited Brexit as one of their reasons to invest.

With cities such as Birmingham performing impressively well post-Brexit vote, with property prices growing 16%, the investment possibilities remain strong. Moreover, the rental yields being posted by the likes of Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool are amongst some of the highest around the country at between 5 – 10%.

Overall, the sensational headlines which Brexit has provided have been utilised well by the media as a means to engage people. However, when we look at the statistics it is evident that there are further far-reaching events which weigh more heavily on the property market, such as interest rates. With property investment remaining encouragingly high across the United Kingdom, first-time buyer activity at unprecedented levels and the pound being predicted by Goldman Sachs to be the highest-performing G-10 exchange rate this year, the property market is set for a strong and stable year ahead.

What property type has the best rental yield?

With property renting still booming, and the so-called “generation rent” of 25 to 34-year olds still firmly entrenched in the rental market, it would seem that investing in rental property is still a safe bet for consistent returns. If you are thinking of investing or diversifying your investment portfolio, which is the best property type to invest in for the best yields?

Recent research from Yieldit shows that three out of the top five highest-yielding properties are houses with three bedrooms or more, producing net yields of up to 11%. This would indicate that properties which can house multiple tenants or larger families make a smart investment choice, as these properties are more frequently freehold rather than the less desirable leasehold, as well as having no service charges. Research from Mortgages for Business also supports this notion of HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) giving the best rental yield with these properties bringing in the highest rental yield in 2016 and 2017 at 8.9%.

Houses as a property type produced average net yields of 6.4%, followed by studios at 5.3 % and apartments at 4.9%. When looking at investment data for apartments, the Yieldit data showed that for rental yields, apartments with fewer bedrooms actually command a higher net yield – the inverse of houses. The data showed that the average one-bedroom apartment produced a yield of 5.4%, compared to 4% for a two-bedroom apartment.

“Deciding on what type of property to invest in is one of the biggest choices a landlord has to make. Houses suitable for families remain a popular choice, and yields can be significantly higher when you remove costs like ground rent, service charge and self-manage – however, it’s important to note that this type of property might require more work and unexpected maintenance costs could affect annual returns,” says a Yieldit spokesman.

Fife Properties Group Office Owner, Jim Parker commented, “Being a Landlord is not for the fainthearted however I personally have been doing this for over 25 years and Fife Properties has been voted the No.1 Letting Agents in Fife for 8 years at the UK ESTAS awards by their existing landlords. This is a track record that no other agent has replicated plus we have all the experience to navigate a landlord from their purchase decision to full property management while protecting their investment”

To book a FREE Initial Consultation click on the following link: https://www.fifeproperties.co.uk/property-valuation/

“You will not be disappointed.”

What can we expect from the property market in 2019?

2018 has been a year of ups and downs in the property market, with the overriding factor being the imminent break from Europe. As we move in to 2019 and March 29th (the official date of Brexit), there remains a certain level of uncertainty in the market, however this should be tempered with cautious optimism when looking at the gains that property could make in the post-Brexit period.

 

Interest rate uncertainty

Something which is currently subject to extreme uncertainty throughout 2019 is interest rates, with the Bank of England having already increased rates last year for only the second time in over a decade. On the one hand Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, has indicated that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will continue to gradually increase the base rate next year. However, Carney has tempered this intended rise in base rates by stipulating that in the event of a disorderly Brexit the MPC would be prepared to similarly cut rates in order to support the economy.

Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, says: “It looks set to be an intriguing year. We expect interest rates to end the year around 1% and mortgage rates will reflect this.”

 

Competitive mortgage market

During the course of 2018, the competition in the mortgage market has become rife with more offers available and more options to entice buyers into the market than ever before. Looking to 2019, there is no indication that this competition between lenders will subside, making mortgages more accessible to a wider market. Currently, there are 1,459 cashback incentives available on residential mortgages which is nearly two-and-a-half times more on offer than in 2011, according to Moneyfacts.

David Hollingworth, of L&C Mortgages, offered: “This year has been very, very competitive with mortgage lenders pushing hard to attract borrowers. I don’t see a reason why that would change in the new year and it might just be a tighter market with even more intense competition.”

 

First-time buyers

2018 saw an unprecedented number of first-time buyer transactions in the property market, with numbers reaching an 11-year high. With the news from the Budget that the Help to Buy scheme will be extended a further two years, many potential purchasers should also join the property market in 2019. Often, saving for a deposit is the chief hurdle for those wanting to buy a home, however with the availability of deals for people borrowing 95% of their home’s value soaring to 304 different mortgage options, this hurdle is now being circumvented by the mortgage industry. With more mortgages with lesser deposits available, as well as shared ownerships and purchase schemes offered, we should see first-time buyers once again on the rise throughout the course of the new year.

 

Remortgaging

With lenders in stiff competition with one another and low interest rates still present, many agree that 2018 has been a good year to remortgage and 2019 will continue to offer favourable conditions for those looking to capitalise.

Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts, says: “Throughout 2018 the mortgage market has had to absorb the base rate rise back in August, which has inevitably pushed the average standard variable rate to its highest level in almost ten years. This has meant the incentive to remortgage has probably never been greater.”

Fife Properties Group Office Owner, Jim Parker commented, “It is a great time to consider switching mortgage providers by getting a FREE up to date valuation from us and speaking to our mortgage partners who have always provided great deals” To book a FREE valuation and mortgage consultation click on the following link:

https://www.fifeproperties.co.uk/property-valuation/

UK property market set to revive next year after Brexit

With Brexit negotiations in Brussels reaching their crescendo, the reality of Britain leaving Europe is now truly upon us, and for the property market, it seems that this could lead to something of a revival.

During the drawn-out periods of consternation and uncertainty around Brexit, sellers and buyers alike have shown some restraint in their interactions with the market, and this pent-up demand is set to boost activity next year.

“People with important and costly decisions to make tend to pause and reflect, waiting for a time when the outcome is more predictable. The ongoing machinations of the Brexit process for the last two years are no exception, so it is little wonder that the property market has become increasingly subdued as time has gone on” said Richard Watkins, the land and planning director for Aston Mead.

“What’s more, despite the risks involved in the current challenging market conditions, we expect that come April 2019, those hoping to trade up will find that the gap in sale values and onward purchase prices will be the narrowest it has been for half a decade. So there continue to be real opportunities out there” he concluded.

First-time buyers will be buoyed by the two-year extension to the Help to Buy scheme offered by the government in the recent Budget and, with house prices growing at a steadier rate than in historical years, people looking to take their step on to the property ladder will surely benefit from the post-Brexit period.

Despite the well-publicised Brexit uncertainties, the property market has remained relatively stable this year and endured the period of political instability better than most predictions initially forecast. However, 2018 has still seen some slowdown in property transactions throughout the year, and therefore the notion of a post-Brexit revival will be good news for many. With the demand for properties now at an all-time high, and new-builds unable to keep up with this vociferous appetite by the masses to own a home, buyers and sellers should benefit equally after March 2019.

Fife Properties Group Office Owner Jim Parker said, “People move because of their circumstances so even if we see a slowdown just now it will speed up later. If you are selling though and wondering when to do this the answer is NOW. Waiting any longer will only leave you exposed to a higher risk as uncertainty over Brexit continues and there is nothing to gain by waiting any longer. There isn’t going to be a jump in prices even though it’s a favourable outcome”. To book your FREE initial consultation on selling your home with one of our specialist agents tap the link:

https://www.fifeproperties.co.uk/property-valuation/

 

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