Buy To Let Solicitors
Our specialist buy-to-let conveyancing solicitors are here to help
With an increase in demand for rental properties, purchasing a buy-to-let property is still seen as one of the most popular investment opportunities you can make. However, while a rental property could bring in regular additional income, it can also come with its own set of unique challenges.
Whether you’re a first-time investor, or already have a portfolio of properties, we can support you through the complexities of buying or selling a buy-to-let property.
Wherever you are on your journey, our legal advisors can help. Call us today on 0330 024 0333 or use the button below to complete our contact form.
Our Buy To Let Team
How Our Buy To Let Experts Can Help
Liaising with interested parties
We will be the point of communication with your buyer’s solicitors, mortgage provider, estate agents, HM Land Registry, and any other relevant interested parties.
Handling transfer of funds
Our team will ensure all funds are transferred between the buyer and seller at the right time so the transaction completes within the timescales agreed.
Legal responsibilities of owning a buy-to-let
The team will highlight the legal rights and responsibilities you face as a landlord.
Legal documentation
We will take care of drafting and reviewing all the legal documentation and contracts for the sale or purchase of your buy-to-let property.
Tax advice
We will advise you on your stamp duty land tax (SDLT), and any other tax obligations, as well as handling any payments with the HMRC.
Remortgaging
If you’re looking to rent out your current home, we can liaise with your lender to change the existing mortgage on the property to a buy-to-let mortgage.
Why Choose Us?
As we’re a full service firm, we’re excellently positioned to support and advice on additional matters, such as any disputes that may arise with future tenants.
Our team of residential conveyancing solicitors is always on hand via phone or email, but we have offices located across the UK if you'd rather have that face-to-face contact.
You will have a single point of contact so the process flows as seamlessly as possible.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Buy To Let Frequently Asked Questions
The vast majority of buy-to-let mortgages are provided on an interest-only basis (although some are available as a repayment mortgage). This means you will only pay the interest each month on the loan, not the capital amount, and will therefore have to repay the loan in full at the end of the mortgage term. It’s essential that you have a long-term plan in place for how you will pay off the loan in full, whether this is through charging enough rent to cover the cost, or selling the property for a profit and using the proceeds.
Each lender will have its own criteria but generally, to obtain a buy-to-let mortgage, you’ll likely need to already own your own home (either outright or with a mortgage) and have a good credit rating. However, you may still be able to apply for a buy-to-let mortgage even if you don’t already own a property. Lenders may also insist on you meeting a minimum income threshold, as well as being within specific lower and upper age brackets.
While the idea of renting out a property for extra income obviously brings advantages, it also comes with disadvantages too. If you have a period where your property is empty with no tenants, not only will you have to cover the cost of the buy-to-let mortgage payments, you also have the responsibility for the upkeep of the property, such as utilities, maintenance etc. If your buy-to-let property is a second home you’ll also have to pay extra stamp duty – this is currently 3% on top of the standard stamp duty land tax rates.
A lender will want to ensure your rental income will cover the cost of the buy-to-let mortgage; therefore, the amount you can borrow will be linked to the amount of rental income you expect to receive.
A relative cannot live in a property that has been purchased with a standard buy-to-let mortgage – under the conditions of this type of mortgage your property must be rented out to someone you do not know. However, you can apply for a family buy-to-let mortgage if you intend to rent out your property to relatives, such as a son or daughter.
How The Buy To Let Process Works
Not everyone is aware of how the process of engaging Buy To Let solicitors works, so we’ve provided an overview below to give you some peace of mind
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The first stage is to get in touch with us using the button below – you will then be assigned to one of our Buy To Let specialists. Alternatively, you can reach us on 0330 024 0333.
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You’ll then receive a free 15-minute consultation within 24 hours via Zoom or telephone to discuss the issues you’re facing.
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You are then provided with a transparent breakdown of our costs and, if you would like to proceed, we send you a pack of onboarding documents
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Following this, we will guide and support you through the process of achieving a resolution that works for you and your family.
Free Checklist
Key requirements for a buy-to-let mortgage
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Credit rating – you should have a good credit rating, showing that you don’t already have too many liabilities such as other loans or credit cards.
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Existing homeowner - some lenders require that you already own your own home (either with a mortgage or outright). However, this isn’t always the case and first-time buyers may still be able to apply for a buy-to-let mortgage.
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Minimum earnings – some lenders may have a requirement for you to have a minimum income that is separate from the rental income from the proposed buy-to-let property. Although every lender is different, this is usually around £25,000 a year.
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Age requirements – Although some lenders will have a maximum age requirement (this is usually around 75 years of age), some will also have a minimum age requirement
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Deposit – again, every lender will have different requirements, but it’s usual for a lender to require a 25% deposit for a buy-to-let mortgage.
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Projected earnings – the amount a lender is willing to lend you will depend on how much rental income you’re expecting to receive from your buy-to-let property. The lender will want to ensure the rental income can cover the cost of the buy-to-let mortgage repayments, plus a little extra too.
Our Other Buy To Let Services
Family law
Our team of family solicitors is carefully structured to ensure that you get the right level of legal, commercial and specialist support for the wide variety of legal issues that face modern families. With our adaptable, astute and creative approach, we ensure your family’s interests are protected in troubled times.
Wherever you are on your journey, our Buy To Let specialists are here to answer any questions you might have
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team, please fill out the enquiry form. We will aim to reply to your query within 2 hours
Need to talk to someone sooner? You can call use at the number below
Call Us: 0330 024 0333
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