Buy to let

Here at Winston Solicitors, we can act for you if you decide to buy property for investment purposes.

How to plan your buy to let purchase

You will need to plan your buy to let purchase carefully. This will involve:

Choosing a mortgage broker/financial advisor

Ask friends or colleagues to recommend a mortgage broker or financial advisor or contact your bank or building society directly. They should be able to discuss the affordable options with you and help you choose the best mortgage to suit you.

Advice for getting a mortgage
Obtaining tax advice
Choosing the right property
Your lender’s requirements
Choosing a surveyor
Existing tenancy agreements
Budgeting for costs and fees
Choosing a conveyancer

Obtaining tax advice

You will be liable to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax at the higher rate if you will own more than one property on completion. Your conveyancer will complete the Land Transaction Return (Stamp Duty Land Tax Form) for you to sign, based on the information that you provide. If you think that you do not need to pay the higher rate, you should obtain specialist tax advice from an accountant or financial advisor.
You should also ask your accountant or financial advisor to provide income tax advice and capital gains tax advice.

Choosing the right property

Think carefully before choosing a property to invest in. Would you prefer a newer property or an older property? An older property might give you the opportunity to add more value.
If the property is let, or is going to be let, to more than three people who are not from the same family, it will be a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). You will need to comply with all the rules and regulations relating to HMOs. Some lenders will not lend on HMOs.

For you conveyancing needs call 0113 320 5000

Check your lender’s requirements

Your lender will impose additional “Buy to Let” conditions, which will include conditions relating to the type of tenancy agreement and the nature of the tenant. For example, some lenders will not lend on HMOs (see above) or on student lets, and many lenders will require short term assured shorthold tenancy agreements. You should check your lender’s requirements with your mortgage broker/financial advisor or your lender.

Choosing a surveyor

Ask friends or colleagues to recommend a surveyor. Your surveyor will be able to carry out a survey and tell you how much rent the property is likely to yield.

Considering existing tenancy agreements

Any existing tenancy agreement must comply with the lender’s requirements. Any deposit paid by the tenant must be registered with an approved deposit protection scheme.
Up to date gas certificates and electrical certificates must be supplied.
All other relevant rules and regulations must be complied with.
Your conveyancer will raise appropriate tenancy enquiries and will discuss the replies with you.

Budgeting for costs and fees

You will need to budget for all the costs and fees relating to your investment purchase, including your survey fees, mortgage broker’s fees (if any), buy to let property insurance, legal fees and stamp duty land tax.

To speak to us about our conveyancing service call 0113 320 5000

Choosing and communicating with your conveyancer

Speak to family, friends and colleagues, to see if they can recommend a good conveyancer. You need to have confidence in your conveyancer. A good conveyancer will ensure that the process is as smooth as possible but will also raise all necessary enquiries. The process will involve form filling, document signing, telephone calls and emails.

You will be speaking to your conveyancer a lot during the process. Your conveyancer will be able to reassure you and address any concerns that you have.

When you are purchasing a property it is advisable to make or update your will to ensure any assets in your estate are distributed as you choose.

Ask for a free conveyancing quote by calling our conveyancing team on 0113 320 5000.

Client feedback

I was delighted with Michelle's knowledge, timeliness and standard of service. Would happily return for any future conveyancing work

Mr Hughes

I just want to thank Leasa at Winston solicitors. She has been absolutely amazing and I could not reccomend enough. Our emails and phone calls always responded to so quickly and she really pushed our sale through I believe if it wasn’t for her we would still be in the process of moving now. Being first time buyers we were a-bit clueless but leasa explained everything so well. I would 10000% use Winston solicitors again and reccomend to anyone and everyone.

Maisi

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding service provided by Winston Solicitors. From the very beginning, their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to supporting me throughout the entire process were clearly evident.One of the aspects I valued the most was their constant support and availability whenever I needed guidance. The team was always approachable, patient, and willing to explain every step in a clear and reassuring manner. This made what could have been a stressful process much easier to manage.Their communication was excellent throughout. I consistently received timely responses, clear explanations, and regular updates about the progress of my case. I never felt uncertain about what was happening, as they made sure I was well informed at every stage. This level of transparency gave me a great deal of confidence and peace of mind.I was also particularly impressed by their efficient use of modern software systems to keep clients updated. The ability to track progress and receive notifications made the entire process smooth, organised, and convenient. It clearly shows their commitment to using technology to improve client experience and ensure everything moves forward efficiently.Another key strength was their support in decision making in my difficult situation. They took the time to carefully explain the available options, outline the possible outcomes, and provide professional advice that helped me make informed decisions. Their guidance was invaluable and demonstrated both their expertise and genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients.Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the service I received from Winston Solicitors. Their professionalism, clear communication, regular updates, and client-focused approach truly set them apart. I would highly recommend their services to anyone looking for reliable, supportive, and efficient legal representation. I am haviing a good propery my own becouse of Winston Solicitors

Mrs Varghese

Leasa was fantastic, she always responded quickly to emails and kept us fully informed throughout the process. I wouldn't hesitate to use Winston Solicitors again for future house sales/purchases.

Amy

I would like to sincerely thank Winston Solicitors for their excellent support and professionalism. Their team was very helpful, understanding, and supportive throughout the whole process.I truly appreciate the time and effort they gave to my case, and they always communicated clearly and respectfully. I felt confident knowing my matter was in good hands.I highly recommend Winston Solicitors to anyone looking for reliable and professional legal support. Thank you again for everything.

Yemane

Excellent customer service, prompt replies to queries and we were kept fully up to date on the whole process. Would highly recommend.

John

Very helpful and responsive on our house sale. Always easy to get hold of and converse with a real person. Also competitively priced. Would definitely use them again and would recommend.

Clare

Our experience with Winston Solicitors during the sale of our family home was excellent. Communication was smooth and given this was our first time selling they were on hand to guide us throught he process. We would highly recommend them for anyone considering.

David