The industry experts and financial counselors predict a solid future for buy-to-let businesses. Of course, like any investment, there are risks to be taken. And the buy-to-let business makes no exception; this kind of investment doesn’t offer guarantees, but for those who have more faith in bricks and mortar than stocks and shares, we offer some valuable tips:

1. Research the market

This is probably the best advice that anyone could give you, and it’s logical, too! If you are new to the buy-to-let business, the first question you should ask yourself would be: “what must I know about the market”?

You must also calculate the risks, as well as the benefits. You have to take into account some factors: try to know more about the area where you want to buy; is it a good area? Does it have potential?

Here’s a tip: visit http://www.landlord.co.uk for upto date tips and changes to the buy to let market

First of all, you have to make sure that buy-to-let is the investment you want. You must have a certain “feeling” for these things, where you’re in the real estate investment business. Because if you don’t, then maybe you should consider investing your money in other businesses. If you know someone who has entered the buy-to-let market, ask them about their experiences, try to find out what made them successful in this business.

Or, we would be most pleased to assist you with buy to let advices; enter the forum on our site and you’ll be able to chat with other investors in this business.

2. Choose a promising area

Now, this is strongly related to the first tip, researching the market. It must be a promising area. And when I say promising, it does not mean most expensive or cheapest. Promising means a place where people would like to live and this can be for a variety of reasons. So, find in your town an area that has a special something. For example: in an economical developed region, find the area that has good transport possibilities. Or, try to invest in areas where there are good schools for children, and some interesting things that attract young families. Find the best places where students would want to live.

The internet can be of great help, since there are many sites especially for real estate business. Have a look at the rental market and homes to buy in your town on www.landlord.co.uk

3. Do some math calculations

Now you’re probably thinking: what’s math have to do with the real estate business? Well, the answer is: everything!

So, you’ve searched the market, found the best areas, now it’s time to do some calculations. So sit down, relax, take a pen and a paper and write down the cost of the houses you are interested in, and then the rent you are estimating to get. Make some profitableness calculations!

Traditionally buy-to-let lenders want rent to cover 125% of the mortgage repayments, although some are relaxing this, and interest rates are higher. Most of them are also looking for a 15% deposit, which protects them against falling prices.

Will your investment work out? What will happen if the property sits empty for a month or two? Landlord.co.uk mortgage calculator will help you with the math calculations.