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Guides

Property investing guides

Practical, evidence-led answers to the questions investors and landlords ask, organised by where you are and what you want to do next.

5audience guides10in-depth articles3free calculators

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GuideFirst-time investorsMake a sensible first purchase with a realistic budget and clear next steps.2 articles →
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GuideHands-off investorsPut available capital towards a clear property goal, with manageable involvement and ongoing visibility.3 articles →
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GuideLocal buy and hold landlordsMake informed decisions in an area you know, and understand how your existing rentals are really performing.2 articles →
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GuideRefurbish, rent and hold investorsUnderstand the full economics of a project and check whether the finished rental delivers.2 articles →
A long street of red-brick terraced buildings
GuideHMO investorsUnderstand what remains after operating costs and stay organised across a more complex property.1 article →

All articles

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First-time investorsHow much money do you need to buy your first rental property?The deposit is only part of it. Add stamp duty, fees, setup costs and a cash reserve to see the real cash you need for a first buy-to-let.8 min read →
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First-time investorsHow to calculate rental cash flow before buyingWork out rental cash flow before you buy: rent, voids, fees, repairs and mortgage payments, with a worked UK example before personal tax.8 min read →
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Hands-off investorsHow to plan a property investment around your available capitalStart from the cash you have, take off reserves and buying costs, then see what is left for a deposit. A planning guide for hands-off investors.8 min read →
White stucco terraced houses with black railings
Hands-off investorsHow hands-off can a property investment really be?What a managing agent handles, what stays with you as a landlord in England, and how to judge service levels, fees and accountability before handing over.9 min read →
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Hands-off investorsHow to monitor an investment property managed by an agentA simple routine to check agent statements against your bank, spot rising costs, review performance and record decisions on a rental your agent manages.8 min read →
A for sale sign outside a terraced house
Local buy and hold landlordsIs a cheap property actually a good investment?A low price is not the same as good value. Check discount claims, works, tenure, lender rules and running costs before buying a cheap rental property.7 min read →
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Local buy and hold landlordsHow much is your rental property really making?Work out what your rental really makes from your records: income, costs, the full mortgage payment and missing transactions, before personal tax.7 min read →
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Refurbish, rent and hold investorsHow to calculate the full cost of a buy, refurbish, rent projectAdd up every cost of a buy, refurbish, rent project: purchase, works, finance, holding costs, contingency and the months before rent starts.10 min read →
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Refurbish, rent and hold investorsHow to compare a refurbishment forecast with the finished rentalCompare your refurbishment forecast with the finished rental: actual capital in, cash left after refinance, rent and costs, plus lessons for next time.8 min read →
A street of red-brick mansion blocks
HMO investorsHow to calculate HMO cash flow after bills and costsWork out HMO cash flow after bills: room-by-room rent, voids, utilities, council tax, licensing and finance, with an illustrative five-bed example.8 min read →

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Information, not advice. This article is general information. It is not a personal recommendation and does not constitute financial, investment, mortgage, tax or legal advice.