Buy to Let

The Rental Market.

Overall, there is a shortage of good quality rented accommodation, and a growing and more transient population. As a result, overall occupancy and rents are on the rise.

Various other factors are increasing demand for rented accommodation. Constrained house builders are building fewer new homes. Banks are not lending as freely – in particular to the first time buyer market.

Student Rentals.

The student market is very large, and growing. Over the past decade, the number of students attending university has risen seven times faster than the provision of student accommodation.

Demand for HMO student accommodation in prime areas has risen to an all time high. Rents have risen as a result.

HMO.

Housing and Multiple Occupancy (‘HMO’) safety laws came into effect in Scotland in 2000 and across the rest of the UK in 2006. These regulations affect properties let to three or more people.

Rents in larger traditional properties have risen by as much as 45%, as the new HMO laws have caused many traditional landlords to exit that market, creating a shortage of stock.

Top Investment Tips.

• Buy traditional over new build
• Choose prime areas
• Select a city with large student demand
• Consider Scotland over England, in the current market
• Target the booming Student Market