Home to stunning Georgian architecture and steeped in history and heritage, Bath remains one of the most thriving areas not just to live, but to invest in. Founded by the Romans as a thermal spa during 60 AD, the 18th century saw the city’s aesthetic evolve into its current neoclassical elegance complete with geothermal springs that have been preserved to this day, marking it as one of the most sought after spaces to purchase property.
A major tourist spot, Bath boasts a diverse collection of attractions as well as two universities, making it a popular place for landlords to let out to visitors and students as well as locals. The higher cost and value of property in Bath, compared to the rest of the UK, makes it the perfect spot for investing in shared accommodation. With such a surging interest in the area and a significant shortage of quality rental properties available, as well as two universities providing a vibrant student accommodation market, Bath has seen a rapid increase in returns from capital growth and annual rent.
Excellent links to Bristol and London have also attracted would-be renters, relocating from the capital in search of a quieter city life, which in turn is prompting more potential investors securing more buy-to-let properties.
With housing in such high demand for both renters and buyers, Bath’s property market is bustling.
Why Invest with Zest?
Zest Invest is a Bath based property search and acquisition service for investors looking to buy in the Bath area. We represent investor buyers across all budgets to ensure that we get you access to the best investment properties and negotiate the lowest possible price for you. We search for property on your behalf, according to your specified criteria, saving you both time and money. We use our expert property market knowledge and negotiating power to make sure that you get the best deal possible.
Unlike regular estate agents who work solely on behalf of the seller or landlord to obtain the best possible price, ‘Zest Invest’ will work solely for you as the buyer, providing unbiased advice throughout. We will search the whole market across all agents, and source property for you not yet on the market. The regular estate agent represents the vendor, and as such is being paid by the vendor to get as much out of you as they possibly can. We have been successfully representing investor buyers since 2009, getting the best properties at the best price. We have successfully negotiated huge savings and knocked anywhere from 3% to 30% off the asking price.
We are involved from strategy, search, negotiation and completion all the way through to the letting and management of your property, offering a second to none personable service with a relationship continuity that no one else can possibly offer. Our experienced property consultants draw on a vast experience of helping investors with their portfolio strategy, finding properties and negotiating sale prices that will save you money.
FAQ
Is now a good time to invest in buy-to-let?
If you’re thinking of becoming a buy-to-let property owner, now is a great time to invest. Buy-to-let offers a stable stream of long-term income, with rental prices currently set to continue to grow. You will also have control of a tangible asset that will only ever increase in value over the long term.
How do I calculate my ROI on property?
So you’ve found the property you want to invest in – how do you know if it’s a good investment? A way to measure this is through calculating the ROI (return on investment) you’ll recieve if you buy and let it out. Your return will depend on a variety of factors including your mortgage repayments, deposit, monthly rental expenses, annual cash flow, and the purchase price, which boil down to the rental yield of the property – how much money you’re receiving, minus your costs. At Zest, we can help you calculate your rental yield, so you can make an informed decision before you buy.
Do I need a special buy-to-let mortgage?
Yes – if you’re looking to rent out your property to tenants, you’ll need to apply for a buy-to-let mortgage. The minimum deposit for these kinds of mortgages are usually 25%, and are normally offered on an interest-only basis. This means landlords will pay the interest each month, but not the capital amount.
What is consent to let?
Consent to let is a legal requirement for any landlord seeking to let out their property on a residential mortgage, rather than a buy-to-let mortgage. In these instances, landlords must get permission from their mortgage lender to let out the property.
How much of a deposit do I need for a buy-to-let mortgage?
The minimum deposit for buy-to-let mortgages is usually 25%, but it can range anywhere from 20% to as high as 40%.
How many buy-to-let mortgages can I take out with one lender?
In general, a mortgage lender will allow for a limit of around three to five buy-to-let mortgages per landlord. However, all lenders will have different caps. A lender may also choose to make their decision based on the amount of money a landlord is requesting to borrow.
Is there a limit to the number of buy-to-let properties I can own?
There is no limit to the number of buy-to-let properties a person can own – there is just the factor of the amount of buy-to-let mortgages to consider. Mainstream buy-to-let lenders will generally place a limit on either the amount of buy-to-let mortgages a landlord can take out, or on the amount of money involved in the process.
What is an HMO?
HMO stands for ‘House in Multiple Occupation’, and it is a term used to define accommodation that is owned by a private landlord and shared amongst multiple tenants. In general this could be used to describe any property that is inhabited by three or more people with shared facilities, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Should I set up a limited company to buy the property through?
This is definitely a possibility. If you’re looking to boost your tax efficiency, renting out a property as a limited company rather than as a private landlord often means you end up paying less corporation tax. However, there are more risks involved in terms of your loan liability, as the director of the limited company will have to guarantee the loan and therefore be liable for any debt. It’s a good idea to research what the best option for you would be as an investor.
Will I need to make alterations to a buy-to-let property?
There are a number of legal requirements involved when renting out a buy-to-let property with regards to gas and electrical equipment, energy information, and the general condition and safety of the accommodation. Depending on the state of the property, repairs and renovations are sometimes necessary prior to renting it out to ensure the space is ready to house people comfortably and without risk. Additionally, upping the aesthetic and allure of a property will also make it more appealing to potential tenants.
What do I have to do about gas appliances in a buy-to-let?
To keep your buy-to-let property a safe space for tenants to rent, there are certain legal requirements that cover everything from gas appliances, fittings, chimneys, and flues to ensure efficiency in durability and minimise risk. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 outline everything landlords need to know to keep in line with the correct safety practices.
What do I have to do about electrical equipment in a buy-to-let?
To be fit for renting, a buy-to-let property must comply with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, which includes regular inspections and tests from a qualified professional at an interval of at least every five years.
What do I have to do about furniture and furnishings in a buy-to-let?
The decision to furnish your buy-to-let really boils down to the kind of tenants you’re going to be looking to attract. Are you wanting students, young people, or workers on temporary job transfer? These are the crowds who will be looking for shorter term lets, who might not own much furniture or have the means to move a large amount of possessions, so it would be ideal to provide them with the necessary basic furnishings they’ll need to live comfortably. If you’re looking for long-term tenants or large families, a pre-furnished accommodation will likely be unnecessary.
What sort of legal agreement should I use with a tenant for my buy-to-let?
In the majority of cases, a safe and secure bet is a shorthold tenancy agreement, which allows for a tenancy of six months to three years. If there are multiple occupants, you’ll have to ensure the agreement makes each tenant liable for the rent and any potential damage they may cause during their time in your buy-to-let property.
What insurance should I have with a buy-to-let?
Buy-to-let properties aren’t covered by normal home insurance, so owners of these homes are advised to apply for a specific landlord insurance policy to protect themselves from certain risks.
How is rental income taxed?
Landlords are usually expected to pay income tax on any profit received from any rental properties they own. However, the first £1000 of income from property rental is tax-free, and is known as property allowance.
What is the tax position if I decide to sell a buy-to-let property?
Buy to let properties are subject to capital gains tax, which is charged at a rate of 28% for higher-rate taxpayers and 18% for basic-rate taxpayers for any growth in value the property has seen over the landlord’s period of ownership.
