Questions & Answers

UK Based Property Investors

FAQs

Below is some information that we hope will be of some use to you. If you can’t find your question answered please feel free to send us an email with your query to info@btlinvestors.com

 

1. Who is Btlinvestors?
Btlinvestors is a UK based independent consultancy specialising in helping investors acquire residential property portfolios for investment purposes.

2. What do you do?
We assist potential property investors in purchasing property.

We act as a one stop shop providing a comprehensive service encompassing research, negotiation, consultation, financial advice, mortgage services and engaging solicitors. We provide consultation to take you through the process from purchase to completion whether you want to sell-on or let your property.

We believe what we can offer the property investor is a safe, easy and capital efficient way of building up a property portfolio that will allow you to build wealth over the long term.

3. How long have you been established?
Btlinvestors was established in 2007

4. What are the benefits of registering with Btlinvestors?
Registering with Btlinvestors will give you the following benefits;
Free access to e-mail alerts on the latest property opportunities.
Subscription to our monthly newsletter which is packed with tips, news and views on investing in property.
Free financial and property consultation.

5. How do I find out about the opportunities you are offering?
Investors need to register with us to go on our investor database. Once you are on our database we will then e-mail you details of all the property opportunities that we have on offer. These e-mails will have a link to the properties available section of our website where you can download all the details. You can also just visit the properties available section of the website to view the properties that we have available.

6. What types of properties do you source?
We focus on residential properties.

Typical properties that we offer are 2 & 3 bedroom houses in city centres or outer-lying regional areas. These types of properties are often the most suitable for rental purposes because they offer a variety of tenant and are great for reselling. The typical tenant would be a young professional who is not yet on the housing ladder.

 

7. Do I buy the properties in my own name?
In most cases we recommend that you purchase the properties in your own name. The high level of gearing required to purchase properties using our methods is usually only allowed by lenders who will require you to purchase the properties in your own name. While it is possible to purchase properties in a company name there are very few lenders who will allow lending up to a high loan to value.                                                                                        

8. How do I re-mortgage?
Our recommended financial adviser can help with re-financing/ re-mortgaging any existing property you own to release equity at highly competitive rates.

11. I only want to buy near to my home so that I can manage the property. Is this wise?
We encourage clients to broaden their outlook in terms of the locations they buy investment property, especially to achieve higher capital growth. A diverse portfolio of properties also lessens the risk. Property prices can rise in some areas while not in others. We also select established letting agents with local knowledge and a proven track record in property management. We negotiate discounts off their normal fees so all you need to do is sit back and collect the rents. Therefore managing the properties even when you live far away may not be as difficult as you think.

12. Is now a good time to invest?
There is an old proverb that says “the best time to invest was twenty years ago. The second best time is now”. At whatever time you invest along the time cycle, residential property investment is still considered to provide an attractive return when compared with other asset classes. The key to a successful investment strategy is not to overpay for the property in the first place and to optimise the relationship between borrowing, rental yield and capital growth.

13. What happens to fees/deposits if I pay them and decide not to go ahead?
Apart from the 4 day cooling off period reservation fees are not refundable once received.

14. What is the rental yield on a property?
This is the annual rent divided by the purchase price of the property.

15. Should I let my property furnished or unfurnished?
Properties can be let unfurnished or furnished. If you let furnished you could expect a better rental figure than unfurnished. We can assist with furniture packages if necessary.

16. What timeframe should I be looking to invest for?
Generally, we would advise that property investment should be a medium to long term investment. However, sometimes we receive excellent property trading opportunities. Whether you choose to trade property, or hold on to it for longer term capital growth, is completely at your discretion – we will advise what we consider to be the optimal strategy.

17. Can I use my own solicitor and/or mortgage broker?
Yes of course.

18. Will I have to pay tax on any profits?
Unfortunately taxes will have to paid on any profits – there is no avoiding that! However, we can assist with providing property tax experts who can help you to minimise your tax liabilities.

19. Can I manage my own properties?
Absolutely. You are not in any way obliged to use Btlinvestors or letting agents to manage your property.

20. Can I invest in property under a company name?
The answer to this is nearly always yes. However, since every individual circumstance is different, we would always advise you to consult with financial advisers, solicitors and tax experts as to the benefits and limitations that this approach would bring.

21. What is the average tenancy period?
For single tenancies 6 or 12 Months.

22. Who pays Council Tax, service charge and ground rent on these properties?
The tenant is responsible for Council Tax on each property. The landlord must pay for the service charge and ground rent.

23. How much can I borrow?
Typically, a lender will allow you to borrow up to 80% of the value of the property on a buy to let mortgage.

24. Can I have more than one buy to Let mortgage?
Yes – you can take out multiple mortgages with different lenders – but in most cases, it is only possible to have one loan per property. This is because the loan is secured on the title of each property. You can borrow in individual names or jointly.

25. Can ‘non-residents’ get buy to let mortgages?
Yes – Non UK residents (e.g. foreign investors or non UK nationals posted to the UK) can purchase property using the buy to let loan scheme.

26. What is the level of interest charged on a buy to let mortgage?
Interest rates tend to be up to 1% above the Bank of England base rate – although competition is reducing this differential.

27. Interest only or Capital and Interest?
Typically a buy to let loan is taken out on an interest only basis.

28. Does my personal status matter?
In theory a buy to let loan is ‘secured’ on the income and capital value of the property. Therefore the income and credit status of the landlord is not relevant. In practice, these are important points. Generally, any one can get a buy to let loan – but at a cost! The higher the risk, the higher the interest rate. In other words, to get the best possible finance, you should put forward the best possible case for the lender.

 

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