Published: 11/01/2026 By William Taper

Are you thinking about a buy-to-let investment

There are many things you will need to consider. I will highlight some that will help make sure your investment is more profitable long term and reduce the risk of voids. Please feel free to contact me, William Taper, if you would like more information or even for just a chat about the market

Some areas attract tenants more readily than others

Research your area and know your area the demographics. Many streets are not as great as they may first appear. Get some local knowledge, an agent you can trust can help you when you are looking at investing. Zoopla, Rightmove are proving good research tools for many, however, local knowledge from agents is very hard to beat.

Type of property

What type of property are you intending to buy? 1/2 beds flats for professionals, or 4 bed houses for sharers? 1 beds are always in high demand and in many respects they are easier to let and easier to maintain. More likely to find in 2 + beds that the the occupancy can mushroom into many people living there. This really is one reason why regular inspections are vital. Above a commercial property? If it is close to a tube and in a great location, would you look at it? If not why not? Good yields. We are expects in this and can advise you.

Proximity to transport

5-10 minutes from a tube. Some applicants are very particular on this. One applicant we had said 4 mins walk was too far away from the tube. Some applicants (particularly non-native Londoners) in West London she away from the use of the mainline train such as Barnes and Chiswick, as it is not a tube. Being close to a tube station seems to be a safety blanket for many tenants. The Overground is becoming more popular with tenants. We have seen a massive jump in Kensal Rise and Honor Oak lettings. Sell the lifestyle and the commute. Universities, transport links and so on can make a big difference.

Education facilities

Timing onto market is vital. If you are going for the student market make sure the property is ready to market in and around June. We have many Imperial Students looking in Hammersmith, Shepherds Bush, Fulham etc for large houses to rent. Houses get snapped up in July through to September. If you are looking to rent to a family, proximity to schools is also important. Be aware of what your target is and what they want.

Timing to market (break clauses)

As above, be aware when the busier times are and when you will have a lot of applicants looking particularly if you are targeting the student market. People move all year round, but there are busier and quieter times so when looking at putting in break clauses try to avoid the property becoming vacant from Nov to January.  If your property is managed they can advise you on this.

How is the building and communal areas going to affect your cost and desirability of your buy-to-let investment

Be aware of the cost of your service charges and the reserve fund contributions. Many landlords fail to take into account the service charge when looking at yields. If you are buying in a block, be careful to understand the service charge accounts and how much there is in the reserve fund. For example is there is a lot of plant (lifts, communal boilers, air con units etc) that costs a lot to maintain, is an old building that has not been maintained properly and will need a lot of money spent on it in years to come. Will the communal areas attract or deter tenants? It is a good idea also to check the place out at night. Are their gangs with dogs, people smoking in the communal hallways? Is their lots of rubbish in alleyways etc. All of this will affect the desirability and ultimately the yield of your flat.

Speaking with a local estate agent before buying a property is vital

This is very pertinent for buy-to-let investors. Here are a few key questions that should be asked, they generally differ from the standard questions that a house hunter would think of. At Willmotts we are happy to help share our knowledge to ensure that investors have a full understanding before making an offer.
 

Is the property leasehold or freehold?

Willmotts recommend buy-to-let investors check whether the property is freehold or leasehold. As they should factor in any extra costs such as annual service charges and ground rents which could impact yield. Also, what is the size of the Sinking Fund in the building, which may be in place to cover for potential future works. Also check how long the lease is, the shorter the lease the greater the cost it is to extend it. If the lease is under 70 years most lenders will not give a buyer a mortgage.
 Is the area in demand and has the property been let beforehand?

Investigate the rental history, has the property been rented before if so what is the demand like. Does the local area cater for students, young professionals or families? Is there a local university or hospital?  If letting to professionals you should look to be close to transport links into commercial areas. Hammersmith has great transport links, restaurants & gyms. For families W6 has great local education facilities, state and independent schools. Connectivity and services in an area is important for future lets.
Will the property fall under the new Hammersmith and Fulham HMO laws?

From June 5th 2017 Hammersmith & Fulham will bring in new Private Landlord licensing that could affect the rental of your property. In some cases even a studio flat will need to be licensed if it is on a particular street. House of multiple occupancy laws are designed to safeguard tenants from illegal landlord practises. It is important to make sure you abide by this new code; there are specific criteria for the types and tenant and property. Willmotts have a depth of knowledge in this area and constantly keep our clients in the loop.
 

What is most important for you?

Stress free rental options, a good yield or capital growth? A buy-to-let purchaser of a five-bedroom property in Hammersmith could obtain a gross yield between 4% and 5%, but the hassle of finding several sharers, coping with the tenants politics and fall-outs, coupled with the wear and tear may put off some buyers. If maximising yield is not the main goal and capital growth is, the simplicity of letting the property and minimising costs may be what suits you. For example we have clients in Hammersmith and West London, who are just looking for the best yield that can be currently obtained from their investment, where a return above 3% would do.
 Is your investment long term?

Potential market growth is often overlooked. Longer term if costs are covered and the yield of the property is not as important. Having the best and a happy tenant in your asset for as long as possible is key. Sit back hassle free and enjoy the natural market growth.
What is the energy efficiency like?


If you would like to discuss buy-to-lets or any other residential issue please do not hesitate to call Willmotts for help with all your property needs, 020 8222 9958  info@willmotts.com

#buytolet #propertyrental #propertyinvestment #willmotts #propertyexperts #estateagents #charteredsurveyors #blockmanagement #estatemanagement #propertymanagement #commercial #commercialproperty #commercialagency #buildingsurveyor #buildingconsultants #willmotts1856 #guildproperty #tenants #landlords #lettings #landlordadvice #hammersmith #propertymarket #proudguildmember #lease #leasehold #freeholder #mortgage #FTB #firsttimebuyer