DO - Visit the area and research the local rental market to get a feeling for demand and the likely rental values.

      DO – Ensure you purchase in the best location, convenient for the local facilities.

      DO - Using a Property Search Specialist to make sure you get the best selection of property from which to make a decision.

      DO - Consider a buy to let property as a medium to long-term investment.

      DO - Either buy new or re-furbish and decorate to a high standard. Good quality bathrooms and kitchens will attract the best tenants and help you to let quickly every time.

      DO – Make sure you do a full inventory of house contents.

      DO - Make sure your sums add up. Try to ensure that the rent will cover mortgage payments and other costs, even if you have periods without tenants.

      DO - Employ a professional management team and get the contract checked by your lawyer.

      DO - Market your property using an online rental agency.

      DON'T - Buy anything with intensive maintenance problems. Large gardens use a lot of water, add little to the rental value and will cost you a lot to maintain.

      DON'T - Allow your personal taste to over influence your purchasing decision and ensure the property you choose matches the requirements of rental clients.

      DON'T - Forget to maintain the correct local 'all risks' insurance.

      DON’T – Forget to allow an annual budget for repairs, re decoration and other maintenance work.

      DON'T - Leave the running of your property to chance when you are away. Tenants will need a proper management service.

      DON'T - Use second hand furniture or old soft furnishings.

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Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage secured on it. All loans are subject to status. Written quotations are available directly from the lender on request.