We are, behind the scenes, pulling some material together for those taking baby steps into buy-to-let; accidental landlords etc. Here's a taster...

BTL Basics

Identify the profit potential of buy-to-let. BTL is a slow and steady investment opportunity. You use rents to cover the mortgage and other outgoings. You profit from the capital appreciation at the end of the borrowing term.

So, you need a BTL property that can (a) let easily to cover your borrowings and (b) increase most in value over the next five, 10 or 15 years. To generate a decent return on your long-term investment, you need to buy where prices are sure to rise substantially over five, 10, 15 years or more. Capital appreciation is the key. It's worth stressing this.

Wherever you buy must be a buy-to-let (BTL) hotspot where demand for rented property regularly meets and exceeds the supply of that rented property; now and in the future. The location should ideally also be in a capital appreciation hotspot that will rise steadily in value over many years. Get the first right and the second wrong, and you'll have less to show for it down the line. Get the first wrong and the second right and you won't even get down the line.