The stamp duty holiday for a large part of 2021 created a buyer’s market - in fact some estate agents were desperate for more properties to sell.  But as we all know trends change and as property prices rise the pendulum may swing the other way.

However, a smart property investor doesn’t look at the overall property prices, but seeks out the juicy deals that aren’t within...

THE QUESTION

I’ve had an offer on a flat/bedsit accepted. The estate agents floor plan shows the total floor space as 26.8m².  Will this be a problem when I apply for a BTL mortgage? Am I right in thinking lenders have a minimum 30m² minimum figure?

The other option is to decorate throughout and sell it on.  Are residential mortgages easier to acquire on flats this size making...

The last year has changed the property world - and yet, despite predictions of doom and gloom, it’s remained buoyant and property is still a first class investment with prices increasing.

The past couple of years have demanded a level of flexibility from the property industry and, in general, most property businesses have risen to the challenge.  There have been more virtual viewings...

THE QUESTION

I have seen a 20-30% BMV opportunity that is nearby and being sold at auction. What is the best and quickest way to purchase the property and ensure that, when I either flip the property or re-finance, it’s re-financed at the market value? The property is in good order and does not need any refurbing.
Do I need to keep the property for a certain amount of time before the...

If a property is advertised as CASH BUYERS ONLY do you skip past it or take a closer look?
If you’re in the fortunate position of having enough cash to buy properties outright you’ll know that there are some great bargains to get. Cash buyers never pay full price!
However, if your cash pot isn’t there yet, you may see properties tagged CASH BUYERS ONLY as not for you.

In a...

THE QUESTION
Can I get a BTL mortgage on a house that’s got a small kitchen, one upstairs and one downstairs? It wasn’t converted into two recognised flats, its only where husband and wife wanted to have two separate living areas in the house.
THE ANSWER
With pretty much any standard BTL lender the answer is ‘No’, and there’s a very simple reason for this.
Typically...

If you want to get into property you’ll find that to get started you either need a hefty nest egg to invest or you need to tick the mortgage lenders boxes.  Usually, they want you to:

•  Own at least one property already (usually your own home)
•  Ear more than £25,000 a year
•  Have a clean credit history

If you can’t tick all these boxes, you’ll reduce...

THE QUESTION

I’m starting out in property and I was wondering, is there any way of using a BTL mortgage to do the BRRR strategy? I know the correct way would be using cash or a bridge, but I was hoping there could be another way? I would appreciate any help/advice cheers.

THE ANSWER

When you say the correct way is to use cash or bridging, then you know that BTL lenders won’t lend if...

"I’m often asked for advice by new investors or people thinking about getting into property.  The most frequently asked question is ‘which is the right strategy for me?"

Unfortunately, there is never a definitive answer to that question!  The best strategy for anyone is hugely dependent on a number of factors relating to their personal situation.  So before you start...

"I’m starting out in property and I want to do the Buy-Refurb-Refinance (BRR) strategy. I know the correct way would be using cash or a bridge, but I was hoping that I could use a normal Buy-to-Let (BTL) mortgage - is this possible?"

When you say the correct way is to use cash or bridging, then you know that BTL lenders won’t lend if you declare your intent to redeem their mortgage...