Debt Consolidation Loans: Reducing Financial Stress
Are you tired of trying to remember which monthly payment is due and when? Each with a different amount and a different due date? Do you shiver when you receive a reminder notices in the mail?If so, then applying for a debt consolidation loan might be a good option for you. What exactly is a debt consolidation loan?As the term implies, a debt consolidation loan is a loan from a lending company to pay off all your existing debts. This means that instead of making several monthly payments, you pay just one as a consolidation loan will take care of the rest.It's a very convenient way of managing your personal finance. If you have several debts, and the interest is causing financial stress, you may want to consider a debt consolidation loan as a solution to reduce your financial worries.Debt consolidation loans cover a range of unsecured debts, from credit card debt through to medical and utility bills. The major benefit with this type of loan is the lower interest rate when compared to the interest you pay on each debt individually. This provides you with lower monthly payments and can actually save you money. This is why many people also consider it a great method to get out of debt.You must be aware however, like any other loan or credit solution, debt consolidation loans can have a downside.Consolidation is a secured loan type so you might be required to use your house as collateral.Consolidation loans do not cover high value secured debts like your home loan.Interest rates vary from lender to lender and are calculated on your credit history.Generally a personal finance company will assess whether debt consolidation will actually help you financially or not.A lender will generally look at the following to make an assessment:The total value of your outgoing debtYour current affordabilityng their own home or who cannot afford it.

Buy to let requires special knowledge of the marketplace, mortgage products and insurance options that are open to you. A property investment adviser can help you arrange your mortgage, explain and discuss the different choices you face and how suitable they are for you, get quotations and push through the fulfilment on your behalf. Having someone take care of your mortgage application for you, filling out all the forms, liasing with the lender and going on to complete the process, can be a real relief for some people.

Whatever your objectives (to receive an income, invest for the future), the success of residential property investment depends on consistent high demand from tenants and maximisation of possible rental yields Choose your buy to let property with care, taking the time to research and understand the local demand characteristics and how the market is likely to change over time. You must ensure that your property is in the right location for your target market and furnished to a standard that is more than adequate for the type of tenant you are looking to serve.

Always look at the investment through the eyes of a local lettings agent to assess suitability, even if you live locally to the area in which you are considering buying an investment property. They will help advise on the property type, location, decoration, furnishing, fixtures and fittings that will be required by prospective tenants. Remember that buying an investment property is a business proposition, so you should not let your personal tastes cloud your judgement.

Tenants that are disrespectful to your property and leave it like a rubbish tip, contractors that do shoddy work an overcharge you for it, lots of paperwork, stress, huge time demands, all sorts of insurance expenses and no small amount of risk. Buying a property to let has the potential to include all of these problems as part of the package, so it is definitely not for everyone.

Over the long term, property is almost always an improving asset. Unless you buy at an overly inflated price, let the place fall into disrepair, or some kind of disaster besets the structure of the place, then you should eventually end up with an asset worth considerably more than you paid for it.

If you decide to invest in a property for letting purposes, you should consider the following points which will help you maximise your income:

1. Transport - is the area well served by a variety of local and national transport networks? If not, is there something planned for the future?

2. Safety - is it a crime hotspot and is there a neighbourhood watch scheme?

3. Amenities - is the property within easy reach of shops, schools, colleges, sports facilities, restaurants, pubs and cafes? Is this balanced with public parks and other green spaces?

4. Environment - does the exterior of the property look good and fit with others in the street? Is it near an airport

There are various circumstances in which letting out your property, or part of it, will suit your current needs. It may be that you have inherited a property you do not immediately want to sell. Maybe you have a second home that is not being fully utilised and could make you some money from rental. Perhaps you have been posted abroad in your work and want someone to sit in the property while you are away. Or maybe you want to let a room in your property while you are also living there to generate some extra cash and help pay the mortgage.

Getting Started

Before you sign up with a lettings agent, you should find out about the financial, legal and regulatory matters involved in becoming a landlord.

1. Finance It is imperative that you check with your mortgage lender before letting your property. Write and tell them that you want to sub-let your property. If you do not get their written permission then you could be in breach or your mortgage.

2. Check your Lease If you live in a leasehold property, you will need to check your lease to make sure that you are not breaching its terms by letting your property. There may be fees involved in granting consents. Special conditions may be involved and it will be up to you to make sure your tenant and lettings agent is aware of these.

3. Insurance Your current building and contents policy will probably not be suitable for application in the lettings market. Tenants are perceived to be more careless than an owner/occupier so you will probably be facing an increase in your premium to cover damage.

Lettings Agencies

When and if all these items are in order you can then sign up with a lettings agency. Using an agent will save you time and money in the long run. The agent will have a list of clients looking for a property like yours, or will be able to advertise it if they do not. They will make contacts, arrange appointments and show people around your property, check references and draw up contracts.

Choosing An Agent

1. You may wish to Choose a company which is bonded to a professional body such as the National Landlords Association (NLA) or the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA).

2. Trust your intuition. If you are not comfortable with an agent, its premises, staff and practices, just walk away without committing yourself to anything.

3. Don't base your choice just on what the agent says it can get for you in terms of rental income. The reality may be lower than at first suggested by the agent. If you are unrealistic and too greedy, your property will remain vacant for some time, losing potential earnings.

4. Shop around. Find out what your local agents charge and what you will get for the fee. Don't always go for the cheapest option, but look at the range of services available. These can include discounted insurance or emergency repair insurance and are well worth having as optional extras.

5. Does the agent have an acceptable level of professionalism? Look for well maintained premises, clear advice and literature, a good website, well trained and experienced staff and high profile marketing.

Your Responsibilities as a Landlord

Before your letting agent will begin to act on your behalf, you must normally enter into a legally binding agreement which places a number of responsibilities on you.

These will include:

a) Preparing the property to let by cleaning, tidying, fixing appliances and removing any articles that are not to be used in the property.

b) Providing keys to agent and tenant.

c) Providing building, contents and liability insurance.

d) Ensuring the upkeep of the fabric of the property.

e) Repair of utilities such as plumbing, electricity and heating.

f) Arranging for final gas, electricity or telephone bills to be sent to the current tenants' forwarding address prior to vacating the property to let.

g) Keeping the structure of the property insured for full the reinstatement value (including fixtures, furnishings and other contents where appropriate).

h) Ensuring that all furniture, furnishings, appliances and apparatus left in the property comply with the appropriate health and safety regulations.

i) Provide a landlord's gas safety check certificate for the property and leave a copy with each tenant and the lettings agent.

Legal Responsibilities

Landlords must ensure the safety and maintenance of rented property and their contents so that no injury or damage is caused to the occupants, neighbours or the public. Fulfilling your responsibilities as a landlord during a tenancy can be very time consuming, so you could consider employing a property management company to fulfil these duties on your behalf.

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, you have three main areas of responsibility when you property is let under an assured shorthold tenancy:

1. Structure

Landlords are obligated to keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair. Tenants must not be charged separately for this work although provision for the cost can be incorporated in the rental price. They are responsible for ensuring that the following items and areas are safe and fit for use, as well as making repairs where necessary.

* The structure and exterior of the property.

* Hot water installations, as well as the supply of water itself.

* Basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary or drainage installations.

* Ensuring an adequate provision of lighting, heating and ventilation.

* The treatment of any health-threatening damp.

* Anything else that you mutually agree with the tenant in the tenancy agreement.

2. Gas Safety

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 place a number of responsibilities on landlords of private residential accommodation. This includes ensuring that all gas appliances are maintained and in good order; paying for an annual safety check to be carried out by a tradesman who is registered with CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers); keeping a record of all the safety checks and giving a copy of the safety certificate to the tenant within 28 days of each annual check. You must also ensure that the electrical system and any electrical appliances that you supply such as cookers, kettles, toasters, washing machines and immersion heater are safe to use. However, you are not responsible for any appliances that the tenant is entitled to take at the tend of the tenancy.

3. Fire Safety of Furnishings

You must be able to verify that any furniture and fittings that you supply adhere to the standards set out in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 which set levels of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture. All new and second hand furniture must meet the standards, unless it was made before 1950. Most furniture and fittings covered by these regulations will have a label on if it meets the standards. The only circumstances where these regulations may not apply is where you are letting on a temporary basis whilst working away from home.

Landlord's Rights

You or your agent are allowed access to the property for two main purposes, both of which are usually detailed in the tenancy agreement.

These are to conduct visual reports in order to monitor its condition and ensure that tenants are abiding by the terms of their agreement and to show the property to prospective tenants when the current tenants are moving out. In both cases, 24 hours' notice to tenants is usually required.

Under the Rent Act of 1977, you have the right to seek possession of your property under any of 17 assorted legal grounds. You cannot evict the tenant without a possession order from the court.

Room To Let

There are many thousands of households around the country where a single room in a property is rented out to a lodger. The government has special rules regarding the taxation of income under the rent a room scheme.

This allows you to let part of your home and generate a tax free income of up to ?4,250 per year. This equates to a monthly rent of just over ?350. If you generate more than this level of income, you are taxed on the gross rent you receive in excess of ?4,250. If you are within the rent a room scheme, you lose the right to deduct expenses from your rental income, as it is not considered a commercial venture.

Income for ancillary services such as providing meals or washing can be added to your rental income and incorporated into the rent a room scheme. However, you should check with your accountant that this does not qualify as carrying on a trade, as this would put you outside the bounds of the rent a room scheme.

Letting Your Home

There are many reasons why you may find yourself letting your home to tenants.

Short term lets are popular with homeowners whose work involves them being away from their property for a time but who will eventually return. Some people find it difficult to sell their property at the price they really want to achieve, yet need to move for one reason or another. Rather than accept a lower price than is sought, or leave an unsold property empty (which isn't going to help the value at all), some people opt for a short let.

Letting for a period of three months can cover the costs of keeping the property whilst your agent tries to sell it. It covers the cost of your mortgage and certainly helps the appearance of the property.

High class exclusive homes dominate the short term letting market, with both flats and houses being popular. Not only are they generally high quality properties in upmarket areas, but the most successful are also presented with an attractive d?cor and furnished to a high standard. However, if your property does not fit this bill, it does not mean you won't be able to find a short term tenant. Excellent location, proximity to useful transport links, pleasant grounds or some other appeal can make your home attractive to certain tenants.

If you are letting your home and eventually want to move back into it, make sure:

a) you have a professional inventory carried out, especially if yours is an expensive home.

b) you sign a legally binding licence agreement that allows you to regain possession of your home should the tenant decide that they like too much.

c) you take a large deposit from the tenant to cover any damage.

d) tell your mortgage lender and household insurance provider what you are doing. Even with a short term let, you still have much the same obligations as a normal landlord, as regards fire safety, gas appliances and so on.

Let To Buy

Let to buy is a relatively new phenomenon where you buy a new home and let your old one. As long as the rental income on your existing property will pay your old mortgage, lenders who offer this type of loan will usually offer you a mortgage for the new property based on the normal income multiples, even though you already have an existing property. This means that you end up with two mortgages at normal owner-occupier rates, therefore avoiding the slightly more expensive buy-to-let mortgages.

This is worth investigating if you are downsizing or if you want to move away from an area for a period of time, but not give up the property. It may be a home that has been in the family for a long time, or you may have a particular affinity for an area. You no longer want to live in the property, but nor do you want to lose it for good, either. In such circumstances let to buy can be a good option. You get the benefit of retaining your asset, whilst someone else pays the mortgage for you, as well as having money left over.

Buy To Let

This is an increasingly popular investment where you buy a property specifically to let it to other people such as students, key workers and people who either don't want the responsibility of owning their own home or who cannot afford it.

Buy to let requires special knowledge of the marketplace, mortgage products and insurance options that are open to you. A property investment adviser can help you arrange your mortgage, explain and discuss the different choices you face and how suitable they are for you, get quotations and push through the fulfilment on your behalf. Having someone take care of your mortgage application for you, filling out all the forms, liasing with the lender and going on to complete the process, can be a real relief for some people.

Whatever your objectives (to receive an income, invest for the future), the success of residential property investment depends on consistent high demand from tenants and maximisation of possible rental yields Choose your buy to let property with care, taking the time to research and understand the local demand characteristics and how the market is likely to change over time. You must ensure that your property is in the right location for your target market and furnished to a standard that is more than adequate for the type of tenant you are looking to serve.

Always look at the investment through the eyes of a local lettings agent to assess suitability, even if you live locally to the area in which you are considering buying an investment property. They will help advise on the property type, location, decoration, furnishing, fixtures and fittings that will be required by prospective tenants. Remember that buying an investment property is a business proposition, so you should not let your personal tastes cloud your judgement.

Tenants that are disrespectful to your property and leave it like a rubbish tip, contractors that do shoddy work an overcharge you for it, lots of paperwork, stress, huge time demands, all sorts of insurance expenses and no small amount of risk. Buying a property to let has the potential to include all of these problems as part of the package, so it is definitely not for everyone.

Over the long term, property is almost always an improving asset. Unless you buy at an overly inflated price, let the place fall into disrepair, or some kind of disaster besets the structure of the place, then you should eventually end up with an asset worth considerably more than you paid for it.

If you decide to invest in a property for letting purposes, you should consider the following points which will help you maximise your income:

1. Transport - is the area well served by a variety of local and national transport networks? If not, is there something planned for the future?

2. Safety - is it a crime hotspot and is there a neighbourhood watch scheme?

3. Amenities - is the property within easy reach of shops, schools, colleges, sports facilities, restaurants, pubs and cafes? Is this balanced with public parks and other green spaces?

4. Environment - does the exterior of the property look good and fit with others in the street? Is it near an airport o

eptable level of professionalism? Look for well maintained premises, clear advice and literature, a good website, well trained and experienced staff and high profile marketing.

Your Responsibilities as a Landlord

Before your letting agent will begin to act on your behalf, you must normally enter into a legally binding agreement which places a number of responsibilities on you.

These will include:

a) Preparing the property to let by cleaning, tidying, fixing appliances and removing any articles that are not to be used in the property.

b) Providing keys to agent and tenant.

c) Providing building, contents and liability insurance.

d) Ensuring the upkeep of the fabric of the property.

e) Repair of utilities such as plumbing, electricity and heating.

f) Arranging for final gas, electricity or telephone bills to be sent to the current tenants' forwarding address prior to vacating the property to let.

g) Keeping the structure of the property insured for full the reinstatement value (including fixtures, furnishings and other contents where appropriate).

h) Ensuring that all furniture, furnishings, appliances and apparatus left in the property comply with the appropriate health and safety regulations.

i) Provide a landlord's gas safety check certificate for the property and leave a copy with each tenant and the lettings agent.

Legal Responsibilities

Landlords must ensure the safety and maintenance of rented property and their contents so that no injury or damage is caused to the occupants, neighbours or the public. Fulfilling your responsibilities as a landlord during a tenancy can be very time consuming, so you could consider employing a property management company to fulfil these duties on your behalf.

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, you have three main areas of responsibility when you property is let under an assured shorthold tenancy:

1. Structure

Landlords are obligated to keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair. Tenants must not be charged separately for this work although provision for the cost can be incorporated in the rental price. They are responsible for ensuring that the following items and areas are safe and fit for use, as well as making repairs where necessary.

* The structure and exterior of the property.

* Hot water installations, as well as the supply of water itself.

* Basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary or drainage installations.

* Ensuring an adequate provision of lighting, heating and ventilation.

* The treatment of any health-threatening damp.

* Anything else that you mutually agree with the tenant in the tenancy agreement.

2. Gas Safety

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 place a number of responsibilities on landlords of private residential accommodation. This includes ensuring that all gas appliances are maintained and in good order; paying for an annual safety check to be carried out by a tradesman who is registered with CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers); keeping a record of all the safety checks and giving a copy of the safety certificate to the tenant within 28 days of each annual check. You must also ensure that the electrical system and any electrical appliances that you supply such as cookers, kettles, toasters, washing machines and immersion heater are safe to use. However, you are not responsible for any appliances that the tenant is entitled to take at the tend of the tenancy.

3. Fire Safety of Furnishings

You must be able to verify that any furniture and fittings that you supply adhere to the standards set out in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 which set levels of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture. All new and second hand furniture must meet the standards, unless it was made before 1950. Most furniture and fittings covered by these regulations will have a label on if it meets the standards. The only circumstances where these regulations may not apply is where you are letting on a temporary basis whilst working away from home.

Landlord's Rights

You or your agent are allowed access to the property for two main purposes, both of which are usually detailed in the tenancy agreement.

These are to conduct visual reports in order to monitor its condition and ensure that tenants are abiding by the terms of their agreement and to show the property to prospective tenants when the current tenants are moving out. In both cases, 24 hours' notice to tenants is usually required.

Under the Rent Act of 1977, you have the right to seek possession of your property under any of 17 assorted legal grounds. You cannot evict the tenant without a possession order from the court.

Room To Let

There are many thousands of households around the country where a single room in a property is rented out to a lodger. The government has special rules regarding the taxation of income under the rent a room scheme.

This allows you to let part of your home and generate a tax free income of up to ?4,250 per year. This equates to a monthly rent of just over ?350. If you generate more than this level of income, you are taxed on the gross rent you receive in excess of ?4,250. If you are within the rent a room scheme, you lose the right to deduct expenses from your rental income, as it is not considered a commercial venture.

Income for ancillary services such as providing meals or washing can be added to your rental income and incorporated into the rent a room scheme. However, you should check with your accountant that this does not qualify as carrying on a trade, as this would put you outside the bounds of the rent a room scheme.

Letting Your Home

There are many reasons why you may find yourself letting your home to tenants.

Short term lets are popular with homeowners whose work involves them being away from their property for a time but who will eventually return. Some people find it difficult to sell their property at the price they really want to achieve, yet need to move for one reason or another. Rather than accept a lower price than is sought, or leave an unsold property empty (which isn't going to help the value at all), some people opt for a short let.

Letting for a period of three months can cover the costs of keeping the property whilst your agent tries to sell it. It covers the cost of your mortgage and certainly helps the appearance of the property.

High class exclusive homes dominate the short term letting market, with both flats and houses being popular. Not only are they generally high quality properties in upmarket areas, but the most successful are also presented with an attractive d?cor and furnished to a high standard. However, if your property does not fit this bill, it does not mean you won't be able to find a short term tenant. Excellent location, proximity to useful transport links, pleasant grounds or some other appeal can make your home attractive to certain tenants.

If you are letting your home and eventually want to move back into it, make sure:

a) you have a professional inventory carried out, especially if yours is an expensive home.

b) you sign a legally binding licence agreement that allows you to regain possession of your home should the tenant decide that they like too much.

c) you take a large deposit from the tenant to cover any damage.

d) tell your mortgage lender and household insurance provider what you are doing. Even with a short term let, you still have much the same obligations as a normal landlord, as regards fire safety, gas appliances and so on.

Let To Buy

Let to buy is a relatively new phenomenon where you buy a new home and let your old one. As long as the rental income on your existing property will pay your old mortgage, lenders who offer this type of loan will usually offer you a mortgage for the new property based on the normal income multiples, even though you already have an existing property. This means that you end up with two mortgages at normal owner-occupier rates, therefore avoiding the slightly more expensive buy-to-let mortgages.

This is worth investigating if you are downsizing or if you want to move away from an area for a period of time, but not give up the property. It may be a home that has been in the family for a long time, or you may have a particular affinity for an area. You no longer want to live in the property, but nor do you want to lose it for good, either. In such circumstances let to buy can be a good option. You get the benefit of retaining your asset, whilst someone else pays the mortgage for you, as well as having money left over.

Buy To Let

This is an increasingly popular investment where you buy a property specifically to let it to other people such as students, key workers and people who either don't want the responsibility of owning their own home or who cannot afford it.

Buy to let requires special knowledge of the marketplace, mortgage products and insurance options that are open to you. A property investment adviser can help you arrange your mortgage, explain and discuss the different choices you face and how suitable they are for you, get quotations and push through the fulfilment on your behalf. Having someone take care of your mortgage application for you, filling out all the forms, liasing with the lender and going on to complete the process, can be a real relief for some people.

Whatever your objectives (to receive an income, invest for the future), the success of residential property investment depends on consistent high demand from tenants and maximisation of possible rental yields Choose your buy to let property with care, taking the time to research and understand the local demand characteristics and how the market is likely to change over time. You must ensure that your property is in the right location for your target market and furnished to a standard that is more than adequate for the type of tenant you are looking to serve.

Always look at the investment through the eyes of a local lettings agent to assess suitability, even if you live locally to the area in which you are considering buying an investment property. They will help advise on the property type, location, decoration, furnishing, fixtures and fittings that will be required by prospective tenants. Remember that buying an investment property is a business proposition, so you should not let your personal tastes cloud your judgement.

Tenants that are disrespectful to your property and leave it like a rubbish tip, contractors that do shoddy work an overcharge you for it, lots of paperwork, stress, huge time demands, all sorts of insurance expenses and no small amount of risk. Buying a property to let has the potential to include all of these problems as part of the package, so it is definitely not for everyone.

Over the long term, property is almost always an improving asset. Unless you buy at an overly inflated price, let the place fall into disrepair, or some kind of disaster besets the structure of the place, then you should eventually end up with an asset worth considerably more than you paid for it.

If you decide to invest in a property for letting purposes, you should consider the following points which will help you maximise your income:

1. Transport - is the area well served by a variety of local and national transport networks? If not, is there something planned for the future?

2. Safety - is it a crime hotspot and is there a neighbourhood watch scheme?

3. Amenities - is the property within easy reach of shops, schools, colleges, sports facilities, restaurants, pubs and cafes? Is this balanced with public parks and other green spaces?

4. Environment - does the exterior of the property look good and fit with others in the street? Is it near an airport

ual safety check to be carried out by a tradesman who is registered with CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers); keeping a record of all the safety checks and giving a copy of the safety certificate to the tenant within 28 days of each annual check. You must also ensure that the electrical system and any electrical appliances that you supply such as cookers, kettles, toasters, washing machines and immersion heater are safe to use. However, you are not responsible for any appliances that the tenant is entitled to take at the tend of the tenancy.

3. Fire Safety of Furnishings

You must be able to verify that any furniture and fittings that you supply adhere to the standards set out in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 which set levels of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture. All new and second hand furniture must meet the standards, unless it was made before 1950. Most furniture and fittings covered by these regulations will have a label on if it meets the standards. The only circumstances where these regulations may not apply is where you are letting on a temporary basis whilst working away from home.

Landlord's Rights

You or your agent are allowed access to the property for two main purposes, both of which are usually detailed in the tenancy agreement.

These are to conduct visual reports in order to monitor its condition and ensure that tenants are abiding by the terms of their agreement and to show the property to prospective tenants when the current tenants are moving out. In both cases, 24 hours' notice to tenants is usually required.

Under the Rent Act of 1977, you have the right to seek possession of your property under any of 17 assorted legal grounds. You cannot evict the tenant without a possession order from the court.

Room To Let

There are many thousands of households around the country where a single room in a property is rented out to a lodger. The government has special rules regarding the taxation of income under the rent a room scheme.

This allows you to let part of your home and generate a tax free income of up to ?4,250 per year. This equates to a monthly rent of just over ?350. If you generate more than this level of income, you are taxed on the gross rent you receive in excess of ?4,250. If you are within the rent a room scheme, you lose the right to deduct expenses from your rental income, as it is not considered a commercial venture.

Income for ancillary services such as providing meals or washing can be added to your rental income and incorporated into the rent a room scheme. However, you should check with your accountant that this does not qualify as carrying on a trade, as this would put you outside the bounds of the rent a room scheme.

Letting Your Home

There are many reasons why you may find yourself letting your home to tenants.

Short term lets are popular with homeowners whose work involves them being away from their property for a time but who will eventually return. Some people find it difficult to sell their property at the price they really want to achieve, yet need to move for one reason or another. Rather than accept a lower price than is sought, or leave an unsold property empty (which isn't going to help the value at all), some people opt for a short let.

Letting for a period of three months can cover the costs of keeping the property whilst your agent tries to sell it. It covers the cost of your mortgage and certainly helps the appearance of the property.

High class exclusive homes dominate the short term letting market, with both flats and houses being popular. Not only are they generally high quality properties in upmarket areas, but the most successful are also presented with an attractive d?cor and furnished to a high standard. However, if your property does not fit this bill, it does not mean you won't be able to find a short term tenant. Excellent location, proximity to useful transport links, pleasant grounds or some other appeal can make your home attractive to certain tenants.

If you are letting your home and eventually want to move back into it, make sure:

a) you have a professional inventory carried out, especially if yours is an expensive home.

b) you sign a legally binding licence agreement that allows you to regain possession of your home should the tenant decide that they like too much.

c) you take a large deposit from the tenant to cover any damage.

d) tell your mortgage lender and household insurance provider what you are doing. Even with a short term let, you still have much the same obligations as a normal landlord, as regards fire safety, gas appliances and so on.

Let To Buy

Let to buy is a relatively new phenomenon where you buy a new home and let your old one. As long as the rental income on your existing property will pay your old mortgage, lenders who offer this type of loan will usually offer you a mortgage for the new property based on the normal income multiples, even though you already have an existing property. This means that you end up with two mortgages at normal owner-occupier rates, therefore avoiding the slightly more expensive buy-to-let mortgages.

This is worth investigating if you are downsizing or if you want to move away from an area for a period of time, but not give up the property. It may be a home that has been in the family for a long time, or you may have a particular affinity for an area. You no longer want to live in the property, but nor do you want to lose it for good, either. In such circumstances let to buy can be a good option. You get the benefit of retaining your asset, whilst someone else pays the mortgage for you, as well as having money left over.

Buy To Let

This is an increasingly popular investment where you buy a property specifically to let it to other people such as students, key workers and people who either don't want the responsibility of owning their own home or who cannot afford it.

Buy to let requires special knowledge of the marketplace, mortgage products and insurance options that are open to you. A property investment adviser can help you arrange your mortgage, explain and discuss the different choices you face and how suitable they are for you, get quotations and push through the fulfilment on your behalf. Having someone take care of your mortgage application for you, filling out all the forms, liasing with the lender and going on to complete the process, can be a real relief for some people.

Whatever your objectives (to receive an income, invest for the future), the success of residential property investment depends on consistent high demand from tenants and maximisation of possible rental yields Choose your buy to let property with care, taking the time to research and understand the local demand characteristics and how the market is likely to change over time. You must ensure that your property is in the right location for your target market and furnished to a standard that is more than adequate for the type of tenant you are looking to serve.

Always look at the investment through the eyes of a local lettings agent to assess suitability, even if you live locally to the area in which you are considering buying an investment property. They will help advise on the property type, location, decoration, furnishing, fixtures and fittings that will be required by prospective tenants. Remember that buying an investment property is a business proposition, so you should not let your personal tastes cloud your judgement.

Tenants that are disrespectful to your property and leave it like a rubbish tip, contractors that do shoddy work an overcharge you for it, lots of paperwork, stress, huge time demands, all sorts of insurance expenses and no small amount of risk. Buying a property to let has the potential to include all of these problems as part of the package, so it is definitely not for everyone.

Over the long term, property is almost always an improving asset. Unless you buy at an overly inflated price, let the place fall into disrepair, or some kind of disaster besets the structure of the place, then you should eventually end up with an asset worth considerably more than you paid for it.

If you decide to invest in a property for letting purposes, you should consider the following points which will help you maximise your income:

1. Transport - is the area well served by a variety of local and national transport networks? If not, is there something planned for the future?

2. Safety - is it a crime hotspot and is there a neighbourhood watch scheme?

3. Amenities - is the property within easy reach of shops, schools, colleges, sports facilities, restaurants, pubs and cafes? Is this balanced with public parks and other green spaces?

4. Environment - does the exterior of the property look good and fit with others in the street? Is it near an airport

ir property for a time but who will eventually return. Some people find it difficult to sell their property at the price they really want to achieve, yet need to move for one reason or another. Rather than accept a lower price than is sought, or leave an unsold property empty (which isn't going to help the value at all), some people opt for a short let.

Letting for a period of three months can cover the costs of keeping the property whilst your agent tries to sell it. It covers the cost of your mortgage and certainly helps the appearance of the property.

High class exclusive homes dominate the short term letting market, with both flats and houses being popular. Not only are they generally high quality properties in upmarket areas, but the most successful are also presented with an attractive d?cor and furnished to a high standard. However, if your property does not fit this bill, it does not mean you won't be able to find a short term tenant. Excellent location, proximity to useful transport links, pleasant grounds or some other appeal can make your home attractive to certain tenants.

If you are letting your home and eventually want to move back into it, make sure:

a) you have a professional inventory carried out, especially if yours is an expensive home.

b) you sign a legally binding licence agreement that allows you to regain possession of your home should the tenant decide that they like too much.

c) you take a large deposit from the tenant to cover any damage.

d) tell your mortgage lender and household insurance provider what you are doing. Even with a short term let, you still have much the same obligations as a normal landlord, as regards fire safety, gas appliances and so on.

Let To Buy

Let to buy is a relatively new phenomenon where you buy a new home and let your old one. As long as the rental income on your existing property will pay your old mortgage, lenders who offer this type of loan will usually offer you a mortgage for the new property based on the normal income multiples, even though you already have an existing property. This means that you end up with two mortgages at normal owner-occupier rates, therefore avoiding the slightly more expensive buy-to-let mortgages.

This is worth investigating if you are downsizing or if you want to move away from an area for a period of time, but not give up the property. It may be a home that has been in the family for a long time, or you may have a particular affinity for an area. You no longer want to live in the property, but nor do you want to lose it for good, either. In such circumstances let to buy can be a good option. You get the benefit of retaining your asset, whilst someone else pays the mortgage for you, as well as having money left over.

Buy To Let

This is an increasingly popular investment where you buy a property specifically to let it to other people such as students, key workers and people who either don't want the responsibility of owning their own home or who cannot afford it.

Buy to let requires special knowledge of the marketplace, mortgage products and insurance options that are open to you. A property investment adviser can help you arrange your mortgage, explain and discuss the different choices you face and how suitable they are for you, get quotations and push through the fulfilment on your behalf. Having someone take care of your mortgage application for you, filling out all the forms, liasing with the lender and going on to complete the process, can be a real relief for some people.

Whatever your objectives (to receive an income, invest for the future), the success of residential property investment depends on consistent high demand from tenants and maximisation of possible rental yields Choose your buy to let property with care, taking the time to research and understand the local demand characteristics and how the market is likely to change over time. You must ensure that your property is in the right location for your target market and furnished to a standard that is more than adequate for the type of tenant you are looking to serve.

Always look at the investment through the eyes of a local lettings agent to assess suitability, even if you live locally to the area in which you are considering buying an investment property. They will help advise on the property type, location, decoration, furnishing, fixtures and fittings that will be required by prospective tenants. Remember that buying an investment property is a business proposition, so you should not let your personal tastes cloud your judgement.

Tenants that are disrespectful to your property and leave it like a rubbish tip, contractors that do shoddy work an overcharge you for it, lots of paperwork, stress, huge time demands, all sorts of insurance expenses and no small amount of risk. Buying a property to let has the potential to include all of these problems as part of the package, so it is definitely not for everyone.

Over the long term, property is almost always an improving asset. Unless you buy at an overly inflated price, let the place fall into disrepair, or some kind of disaster besets the structure of the place, then you should eventually end up with an asset worth considerably more than you paid for it.

If you decide to invest in a property for letting purposes, you should consider the following points which will help you maximise your income:

1. Transport - is the area well served by a variety of local and national transport networks? If not, is there something planned for the future?

2. Safety - is it a crime hotspot and is there a neighbourhood watch scheme?

3. Amenities - is the property within easy reach of shops, schools, colleges, sports facilities, restaurants, pubs and cafes? Is this balanced with public parks and other green spaces?

4. Environment - does the exterior of the property look good and fit with others in the street? Is it near an airport

ng their own home or who cannot afford it.

Buy to let requires special knowledge of the marketplace, mortgage products and insurance options that are open to you. A property investment adviser can help you arrange your mortgage, explain and discuss the different choices you face and how suitable they are for you, get quotations and push through the fulfilment on your behalf. Having someone take care of your mortgage application for you, filling out all the forms, liasing with the lender and going on to complete the process, can be a real relief for some people.

Whatever your objectives (to receive an income, invest for the future), the success of residential property investment depends on consistent high demand from tenants and maximisation of possible rental yields Choose your buy to let property with care, taking the time to research and understand the local demand characteristics and how the market is likely to change over time. You must ensure that your property is in the right location for your target market and furnished to a standard that is more than adequate for the type of tenant you are looking to serve.

Always look at the investment through the eyes of a local lettings agent to assess suitability, even if you live locally to the area in which you are considering buying an investment property. They will help advise on the property type, location, decoration, furnishing, fixtures and fittings that will be required by prospective tenants. Remember that buying an investment property is a business proposition, so you should not let your personal tastes cloud your judgement.

Tenants that are disrespectful to your property and leave it like a rubbish tip, contractors that do shoddy work an overcharge you for it, lots of paperwork, stress, huge time demands, all sorts of insurance expenses and no small amount of risk. Buying a property to let has the potential to include all of these problems as part of the package, so it is definitely not for everyone.

Over the long term, property is almost always an improving asset. Unless you buy at an overly inflated price, let the place fall into disrepair, or some kind of disaster besets the structure of the place, then you should eventually end up with an asset worth considerably more than you paid for it.

If you decide to invest in a property for letting purposes, you should consider the following points which will help you maximise your income:

1. Transport - is the area well served by a variety of local and national transport networks? If not, is there something planned for the future?

2. Safety - is it a crime hotspot and is there a neighbourhood watch scheme?

3. Amenities - is the property within easy reach of shops, schools, colleges, sports facilities, restaurants, pubs and cafes? Is this balanced with public parks and other green spaces?

4. Environment - does the exterior of the property look good and fit with others in the street? Is it near an airport or sewage farm? Does it back onto a railway line? Is it overlooked by pylons or mobile phone masts?

5. Neighbours - no one wants to live next door to noisy neighbours and barking dogs. find out what people who live locally are like and make sure they fit the same profile of the people you want to rent your house to - professionals, families, students.

If you choose your property and your tenants carefully, you are most of the way towards becoming a successful landlord.

This is meant as a general guide and should not be seen as legal advice.