{"id":18324,"date":"2024-04-25T13:29:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-25T13:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/?post_type=knowledge&#038;p=18324"},"modified":"2026-04-20T13:31:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T13:31:29","slug":"buy-to-let-investment-guide","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/buying-and-selling\/buy-to-let-investment-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"What is buy-to-let investment? A guide to buying and selling property"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Investing in property can be rewarding, allowing you to earn monthly income through rent and benefit from long-term property price rises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, depending on your circumstances, you may also need to sell a property in the future. It\u2019s important to sell at the right time to get the best return on your investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"buy-to-let-property-investment-strategies\">Buy-to-let property investment strategies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re new to property investment or a seasoned landlord, research is paramount when choosing a property. You also need to make sure you\u2019re comfortable with the property buying process and what you need to do after you\u2019ve bought one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, if you\u2019re considering selling a property, it\u2019s a decision that shouldn\u2019t be taken lightly. That\u2019s why you need to be fully prepared when it comes to your tax obligations and whether you want to sell with tenants in-situ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This ultimate investment guide has been created to help you identify opportunities when it comes to buying and selling property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#what-is\">What is buy-to-let property investment?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#how-work\">How does buy-to-let work?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#get-into\">How to get into property investment<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#best-areas\">Where are the best areas to buy a rental property?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#tax-considerations\">Tax and financial considerations for buy-to-let investors<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#target-market\">Choosing your target market: from students to families<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#after-buy\">What happens after you buy an investment property?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#how-sell\">How to sell a house \u2013 six steps for buy-to-let investors<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#good-sell\">Is now a good time to sell a buy-to-let property?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#tax-selling\">Tax and financial considerations when selling a buy-to-let<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is\">What is buy-to-let property investment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buy-to-let property investment is when you buy a property with the aim of getting a financial return. Buying a property to live in doesn\u2019t count as an investment, although you may benefit from rising property prices over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the UK, most investors rent their properties out to tenants to earn monthly rental income. This is known as buy-to-let. However, some investors buy cheap properties, renovate them, and sell them on for a profit. This is known as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/buying-and-selling\/property-flipping-uk-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1053\" >property flipping<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"property-investment--how-long-does-it-take-to-buy-a-house\">Property investment \u2013 how long does it take to buy a house?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From initial research and viewings to making offers and reaching completion, here\u2019s an overview of the key steps to buying an investment property:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Set budget and do initial research<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Organise finances, including buy-to-let mortgage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">View properties and make offers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Get an offer accepted<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Instruct solicitors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Complete searches and surveys<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Exchange and completion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Prepare property for rental<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"937\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buying-a-property-timeline.png?w=1024\" alt=\"An infographic showing the key steps to buying an investment property\" class=\"wp-image-18350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buying-a-property-timeline.png 5292w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buying-a-property-timeline.png?resize=800,732 800w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buying-a-property-timeline.png?resize=768,703 768w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buying-a-property-timeline.png?resize=1024,937 1024w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buying-a-property-timeline.png?resize=1536,1405 1536w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buying-a-property-timeline.png?resize=2048,1873 2048w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buying-a-property-timeline.png?resize=150,137 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-work\">How does buy-to-let work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Investing in property is generally seen as a reliable way of earning passive income compared to other investment asset classes such as stocks and shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is because there\u2019s always likely to be demand for rental property. Plus average property prices generally increase over time, but this isn\u2019t guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-property-a-good-investment\">Is property a good investment?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Land Registry data, in the 20 years from January 2000 to January 2020, the average property price in the UK increased by \u00a3147,320 (174 per cent) from \u00a384,620 to \u00a3231,940.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"871\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/average-uk-property-price-over-time.png?w=1024\" alt=\"Graph showing the average UK property price over time\" class=\"wp-image-17700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/average-uk-property-price-over-time.png 5292w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/average-uk-property-price-over-time.png?resize=800,680 800w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/average-uk-property-price-over-time.png?resize=768,653 768w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/average-uk-property-price-over-time.png?resize=1024,871 1024w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/average-uk-property-price-over-time.png?resize=1536,1306 1536w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/average-uk-property-price-over-time.png?resize=2048,1741 2048w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/average-uk-property-price-over-time.png?resize=150,128 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, rental growth has also surged in recent years. Research by Savills shows that average rents grew by over a quarter (26 per cent) between March 2020 and November 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Related guides<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/buying-and-selling\/uk-house-price-predictions-for-next-5-years\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1553\" >UK house price predictions for next 5 years: a landlord\u2019s guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/buying-and-selling\/is-now-a-good-time-to-buy-a-house\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1465\" >Is now a good time to buy a house? A guide for landlords<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although you can earn a good return by investing in property, it does have some potential downsides. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">extra tax and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/landlord-insurance\/landlord-covers\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1631\" >insurance costs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">cost of maintaining a property<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">effort and stress of managing a rental property<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">cost of running a property when it\u2019s empty (known as a void period)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Investing in property can be complex and isn&#8217;t for everyone. This article is just a guide and isn&#8217;t advice, so if you have questions, please speak to a professional adviser.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"get-into\">How to get into property investment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First things first, you\u2019ll need to do your research and come up with a strategy. Decisions will need to be made on things like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">property location, size, and type<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">target tenant and number of occupants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">maximum purchase price and projected monthly rental price<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As well as researching the buy-to-let market independently, it could be useful to speak to experienced investors and local\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/tenants\/how-to-choose-a-letting-agent\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"886\" >letting agents<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You could buy an investment property the traditional way through an estate agent, using property websites like Rightmove and Zoopla to look for homes in a specific area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, property auctions are popular with investors because they&#8217;re quick and there\u2019s a good chance of finding a bargain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-buy-a-house--what-you-need-to-know-before-making-an-offer\">How to buy a house \u2013 what you need to know before making an offer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing the right location and type of property is crucial if you want to make a success of your investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are two main ways to make money from buy-to-let property investment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">rental income from tenants (usually paid monthly)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">rising property prices (known as capital appreciation)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most popular ways of working out whether a property is likely to be a sound investment is by calculating its potential yield. A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/rental\/how-to-work-out-rental-yield-for-uk-properties\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1002\" >rental yield<\/a>\u00a0shows the return on a property as a percentage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what locations and property types are likely to generate the best yield?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When choosing an investment location, here are some key points to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">is the average property price affordable, with prices likely to rise over time?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">is there a strong rental market with price growth and high demand from tenants?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">is the area likely to become more or less appealing to tenants in the future?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">do you live close enough to the area to be able to visit the property regularly?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"463\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buy-to-let-investment-4-things-to-consider.png?w=1024\" alt=\"Infographic showing four points to consider when choosing a buy-to-let investment location\" class=\"wp-image-18352\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buy-to-let-investment-4-things-to-consider.png 6792w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buy-to-let-investment-4-things-to-consider.png?resize=800,362 800w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buy-to-let-investment-4-things-to-consider.png?resize=768,347 768w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buy-to-let-investment-4-things-to-consider.png?resize=1024,463 1024w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buy-to-let-investment-4-things-to-consider.png?resize=1536,695 1536w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buy-to-let-investment-4-things-to-consider.png?resize=2048,927 2048w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/buy-to-let-investment-4-things-to-consider.png?resize=150,68 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to benefit from long-term capital gains, a good strategy is to try and identify a future rental property hotspot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Property prices and rents in these areas are likely to be lower, but could rise rapidly in time if the area becomes more appealing to tenants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some of the common signs to look out for include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">businesses moving to the area<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">improvements to transport infrastructure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">regeneration of public areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">new housing developments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best-areas\">Where are the best areas to buy a rental property?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some of the best rental property yields in England can be found in northern cities where average property prices are lower but demand for rental homes is high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our article on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/buying-and-selling\/best-buy-to-let-areas\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1335\" >best buy-to-let areas<\/a>\u00a0has more information on the UK\u2019s HMO property hotspots and the most popular areas by property type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re thinking about investing in London the upfront cost is likely to be higher, although it\u2019s likely you\u2019ll earn more in monthly rental income. Our article on London rent prices has an overview of the cheapest and most expensive boroughs in the capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research from buy-to-let lender Aldermore ranks investment locations based on average yields, lowest number of vacancies, and percentage of the population in the rental market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the top five for 2024:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Ranking<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>City<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>+\/- change<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1.<\/td><td>Bristol<\/td><td>+2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2.<\/td><td>Manchester<\/td><td>-1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3.<\/td><td>Coventry<\/td><td>+7<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4.<\/td><td>Brighton<\/td><td>+10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5.<\/td><td>London<\/td><td>-3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Aldermore<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2023, We asked landlords whether they were planning to buy a property in the next 12 months. Of those who said they were planning to expand their portfolio, the most popular UK regions were the North West, Scotland, and the East of England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The graphic below shows a regional breakdown of the most popular buying locations among existing landlords:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"871\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/BuyingHotspot_Infographic.png?w=1024\" alt=\"Map showing where landlords are buying property in the UK\" class=\"wp-image-18095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/BuyingHotspot_Infographic.png 2540w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/BuyingHotspot_Infographic.png?resize=800,680 800w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/BuyingHotspot_Infographic.png?resize=768,653 768w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/BuyingHotspot_Infographic.png?resize=1024,871 1024w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/BuyingHotspot_Infographic.png?resize=1536,1306 1536w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/BuyingHotspot_Infographic.png?resize=2048,1742 2048w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/BuyingHotspot_Infographic.png?resize=150,128 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tax-considerations\">Tax and financial considerations for buy-to-let investors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you already own a property and buy another one as an investment, you\u2019ll need to pay a three per cent stamp duty surcharge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, if the investment property costs \u00a3350,000, your stamp duty bill would be \u00a318,000 (instead of \u00a37,500 if you were buying the property to live in yourself).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read our comprehensive guide to buy-to-let stamp duty for everything you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other financial considerations you\u2019ll need to make include whether you\u2019ll need a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/landlord-tax\/buy-to-let-mortgage-rates-explained\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1358\" >buy-to-let mortgage<\/a>\u00a0and setting a budget of how much you want to spend on a new property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"target-market\">Choosing your target market: from students to families<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The type of property you buy will depend on the type of tenant you\u2019re looking to target or vice versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, older properties are likely to have more bedrooms so could be suitable for families. New builds are likely to be more\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/landlord-regulation\/what-is-an-epc-rating\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"989\" >energy efficient<\/a>, which could be appealing to young professionals looking to save money on bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to rent your property to three or more tenants from separate households, this is known as a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/landlord-regulation\/hmo-properties-everything-landlords-need-to-know\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"993\" >House in Multiple Occupation<\/a>\u00a0(HMO). Most HMOs\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/landlord-regulation\/hmo-licence-fines-and-other-fines-for-landlords\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"955\" >require a licence<\/a>\u00a0and there are rules on things like\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/landlord-regulation\/hmo-requirements-for-bedroom-sizes\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"981\" >minimum bedroom sizes<\/a>\u00a0that you\u2019ll need to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to rent to students, you\u2019ll need to take a slightly different approach. It\u2019s likely you\u2019ll encounter longer void periods when tenants are at home during the university holidays. As a result, it could be a good idea to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/tenants\/guide-to-landlord-access-rights\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1013\" >visit the property<\/a>\u00a0more regularly to make sure there are no maintenance issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As most students don\u2019t have a regular income, it\u2019s common for landlords to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/tenants\/what-is-a-guarantor\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1566\" >ask for a guarantor<\/a>. This means the rent will still be paid even if the student doesn\u2019t have the money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"after-buy\">What happens after you buy an investment property?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve bought your buy-to-let property, you\u2019ll need to get it ready for tenants. Some of the things you\u2019ll need to do include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">advertising the property<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">making sure it complies with government regulations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/tenants\/tenant-referencing-guide-for-landlords\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"971\" >tenant referencing<\/a>\u00a0and organising a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/tenants\/assured-shorthold-tenancy-agreement\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1325\" >tenancy agreement<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the tenancy, it\u2019s important to do regular inspections. This can help you to spot any maintenance issues before they become serious and make sure tenants are looking after the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And when tenancies end, you\u2019ll need to take the necessary steps to prepare your property for the next set of renters. To make managing a property easier, many landlords choose to work with a letting agent. Read more about\u00a0how much letting agents cost\u00a0and the different services you can use them for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"three-checklists-to-help-you-manage-your-property\">Three checklists to help you manage your property<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/tenants\/pre-tenancy-landlord-checklist\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1006\" >Pre-tenancy checklist \u2013 what to do before renting out a property<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/tenants\/landlord-inspection-checklist-for-buy-to-let-property\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1234\" >Property inspection checklist \u2013 how can you prepare?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/tenants\/end-of-tenancy-checklist-for-landlords\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1035\" >End of tenancy checklist \u2013 here\u2019s what you need to do<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-sell\">How to sell a house \u2013 six steps for buy-to-let investors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There might come a time when you choose to sell a buy-to-let property. This could be for several reasons, including needing to free up cash or pursuing other investments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2023, our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/buying-and-selling\/landlord-report-2023\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1472\" >survey of almost 1,500 landlords<\/a>\u00a0found that almost one in ten (nine per cent) had sold a property in the previous 12 months while a quarter (25 per cent) were planning to sell a property in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Popular reasons for wanting to sell included new legislation such as the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/landlord\/rental-reforms-plans-to-scrap-section-21-evictions-paused\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1502\" >Renters\u2019 Reform Bill<\/a>, plus rising interest rates and mortgage costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"420\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-selling-property.png?w=1024\" alt=\"A landlord explains why government reforms have forced them to sell their buy-to-let property\" class=\"wp-image-18356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-selling-property.png 6792w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-selling-property.png?resize=800,328 800w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-selling-property.png?resize=768,315 768w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-selling-property.png?resize=1024,420 1024w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-selling-property.png?resize=1536,629 1536w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-selling-property.png?resize=2048,839 2048w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-selling-property.png?resize=150,61 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re considering selling a rental property, here are six steps to follow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Get a property valuation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you sell, it\u2019s important to get an idea of how much your property is worth. You can get an instant online valuation, but it\u2019s also worth getting a market appraisal from several local agents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Instruct an estate agent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s no legal requirement to sell your property through an estate agent, but most sellers choose to do so for ease and security. Make sure you choose a firm that knows the local market and has sold similar properties in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Hire a solicitor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to help you with the legal side of the sale, and to transfer the ownership. Remember that there will be a charge for this, so make sure that you get a range of quotes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Prepare for property viewings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether your property is occupied or not, it will need to be in a suitable condition for viewings. As you would when selling your own home, make sure it\u2019s clean and tidy, plus consider fixing minor issues and some light redecoration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Negotiate offers and contracts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have an offer, you\u2019ll need to decide whether to accept, reject, or negotiate. As well as the price being offered, it\u2019s important to consider whether the buyer is part of a chain and the timeframe in which they\u2019re looking to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Exchange and complete<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019re committed to a sale, you\u2019ll exchange contracts. This is the point at which the sale becomes legally binding. After this comes completion, when payment is accepted, keys change hands, and the ownership is legally transferred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"774\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/selling-a-property-timeline.png?w=1024\" alt=\"An infographic showing the six steps to selling a buy-to-let investment property\" class=\"wp-image-18359\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/selling-a-property-timeline.png 5292w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/selling-a-property-timeline.png?resize=800,605 800w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/selling-a-property-timeline.png?resize=768,580 768w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/selling-a-property-timeline.png?resize=1024,774 1024w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/selling-a-property-timeline.png?resize=1536,1161 1536w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/selling-a-property-timeline.png?resize=2048,1548 2048w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/selling-a-property-timeline.png?resize=150,113 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-about-selling-with-sitting-tenants\">What about selling with sitting tenants?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It may be more complicated to sell your buy-to-let property if it currently has tenants in it. However, it\u2019s still possible, and is preferred by many sellers as you can continue to receive rental income while the property is on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re selling an occupied property, you\u2019ll need to explain this to your tenants as soon as possible. Tell them why you\u2019re selling and reassure them that their tenancy agreement still stands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When selling a tenanted property, there\u2019s a chance you\u2019ll be selling to another landlord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this instance, be prepared for the buyer to carefully examine the terms of the existing tenancy, and the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/tenants\/what-is-a-sitting-tenant-and-what-are-your-rights\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1194\" >sitting tenants<\/a>\u00a0themselves \u2013 they may, for example, want to carry out their own referencing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to sell a tenanted property unoccupied, you\u2019ll need to make sure you give tenants a legally compliant&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/tenancy-agreements-a-guide-for-landlords\/ending-a-tenancy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Section 21 eviction<\/a>&nbsp;notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"good-sell\">Buy-to-let: is now a good time to sell a house?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether it\u2019s the right time to sell your rental property will depend on your personal circumstances. For example, you may need to raise money for another business interest or maybe you no longer want to be a landlord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to selling a property, external factors you\u2019ll need to consider include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">average property prices in your area<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">supply and demand of rental homes in your area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If average property prices in your area are healthy, it\u2019s likely the value of your rental property has increased. And if there\u2019s high tenant demand for rentals and a lack of supply, it\u2019s likely other investors could be looking to buy property in your area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If, based on the above, it doesn\u2019t feel like a good time to sell, it could be worth holding on to your property for a bit longer to make sure you maximise your return on investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"where-are-landlords-looking-to-sell\">Where are landlords looking to sell?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of those who said they were planning to sell a property in 2024, the most popular UK regions were the South East, Wales, and the South West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The graphic below shows a regional breakdown of the most popular selling locations among buy-to-let investors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"871\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/SellingHotspotInfographic.png?w=1024\" alt=\"A map showing the locations where landlords are planning to sell buy-to-let properties in the UK\" class=\"wp-image-18361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/SellingHotspotInfographic.png 2540w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/SellingHotspotInfographic.png?resize=800,680 800w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/SellingHotspotInfographic.png?resize=768,653 768w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/SellingHotspotInfographic.png?resize=1024,871 1024w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/SellingHotspotInfographic.png?resize=1536,1306 1536w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/SellingHotspotInfographic.png?resize=2048,1742 2048w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/SellingHotspotInfographic.png?resize=150,128 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tax-selling\">Tax and financial considerations when selling a buy-to-let<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you come to sell a buy-to-let property, the main financial consideration is likely to be capital gains tax (CGT). You\u2019ll be liable to pay CGT if you sell your property for more than you originally bought it for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CGT allowance for the 2024-25 tax year is \u00a33,000 \u2013 this means you\u2019ll pay tax on any gain over \u00a33,000 you make when selling a buy-to-let property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, the rate of CGT for selling a buy-to-let property for the 2024-25 tax year is 18 per cent for basic rate taxpayers and 24 per cent for additional and higher rate taxpayers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/capital-gains-tax\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1361\" >guide to capital gains tax<\/a>\u00a0for more information and use the government\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tax.service.gov.uk\/calculate-your-capital-gains\/resident\/properties\/disposal-date\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">CGT calculator<\/a>\u00a0to get an idea of how much you might need to pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"302\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-capital-gains-tax.png?w=1024\" alt=\"A landlord explains why a high capital gains tax bill is preventing them from selling their buy-to-let property\" class=\"wp-image-18363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-capital-gains-tax.png 6792w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-capital-gains-tax.png?resize=800,236 800w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-capital-gains-tax.png?resize=768,226 768w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-capital-gains-tax.png?resize=1024,302 1024w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-capital-gains-tax.png?resize=1536,452 1536w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-capital-gains-tax.png?resize=2048,603 2048w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/landlord-pull-quote-capital-gains-tax.png?resize=150,44 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"buying-or-selling-do-your-research\">Buying or selling? Do your research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whatever stage of the buy-to-let journey you\u2019re at, doing your research before making any big decisions can set you up for a bright future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As well as taking your time and assessing the property market, it can be beneficial to speak to other landlords and rental market experts before buying or selling a property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Done properly, buy-to-let investment can provide you with a healthy passive income stream while owning a valuable asset for the long-term. And when you do decide to sell, you could be in line to receive a solid return on your investment if your property has increased in value over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-upsell-001\" class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-get-set-with-tailored-landlord-cover\">Get set with tailored landlord cover<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Over 200,000 UK landlord policies, a 9\/10 customer rating, and claims handled by an award-winning team. Looking to switch or start a new policy? Run a quick\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/landlord-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1608\" >landlord insurance\u00a0<\/a>quote today for covers such as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/landlord-insurance\/accidental-damage\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1609\" >accidental damage<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/landlord-insurance\/tenant-default-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1640\" >tenant default<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/landlord\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Investing in property can be rewarding, allowing you to earn monthly income through rent and benefit from long-term property price rises. However, depending on your circumstances, you may also need to sell a property in the future. It\u2019s important to sell at the right time to get the best return on your investment. Buy-to-let property [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":50329,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[332,114],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[20],"class_list":["post-18324","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-and-selling","category-landlord-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is buy-to-let investment? Buying and selling property guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is buy-to-let investment and how do you get started? Find out everything you need to know from buying a property all the way to selling.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/buying-and-selling\/buy-to-let-investment-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Buying and selling properties \u2013 a guide for buy-to-let investors\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Find out everything you need to know about buying and selling investment properties.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/buying-and-selling\/buy-to-let-investment-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Simply Business UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-20T13:31:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/04\/BuyingandSelling-scaled.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"837\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"What is buy-to-let investment? A guide to buying and selling property\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"14 minutes\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"Conor Shilling\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/buying-and-selling\/buy-to-let-investment-guide\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/buying-and-selling\/buy-to-let-investment-guide\/\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Conor Shilling\",\"description\":\"Conor Shilling is a professional writer with over 10 years\u2019 experience across the property, small business, and insurance sectors. 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