Buy-to-let: Is now the right time to invest?

Buy-to-let: Is now the right time to invest?

Changes in government legislation combined with an uncertain Brexit sales market has seen a decline in the enthusiasm by some for buy-to-let investment in recent years. However, the announcement made by Rishi Sunak this summer on the stamp duty holiday, along with ultra-low interest rates and a strong supply of competitively priced properties, suggest that now is the time to start investing again in buy-to-let property.

The sales market has been experiencing what has been termed – a “mini-boom” – post first lockdown, and many of these moves are driven by the need for more space; the family house market has seen the majority of this increase in activity. As a result, this has led to our offices marketing well-priced one and two-bedroom apartments ideal for investment.

Some of the key ingredients to a successful buy-to-let are close proximity to transport and local amenities. To limit the risk, it always helps if you invest in an area that you are familiar. Equally, it can be useful if the property is nearby your main residence, so that you can be on hand in the event of any emergencies.

So with the SDLT deadline fast approaching and reports of backlogs in Land Registry, local government and conveyancing due to the extra demand the scheme has generated, it would be fair to advise buy-to-let landlords to act quickly now to secure their next investment property.

Ralph Evans, Finance Director at Capital Private Finance also comments, “The buy-to-let market is aiding the bounce back within the property sector as landlords potentially benefit from the changes in stamp duty.  Since May we have seen an increased availability of buy-to-let mortgages with those landlords with the larger deposits seeing the most benefit.”

As with any investment, you have to be confident that you are getting the best possible advice and management. At John D Wood & Co. we pride ourselves in offering trusted advice based on our expansive experience and local market knowledge so please contact us.

Author:
Jane Jenrick, Regional Lettings Director
jjenrick@johndwood.co.uk

Here is a selection of buy-to-let properties we currently have on the market