Could A Landlord Be the Ideal Buyer for Your Property?

Buy-to-let investors are capitalising on current market conditions and snapping up properties at a greater rate than they were a year ago. 

If you’re looking to list a property on the market, then you’ve probably already given some thought to who your target buyer might be. 

Perhaps you can picture a family with young children moving in? 

Or maybe it’s a professional or downsizing couple who might make the perfect property match? 

But there’s another group, one that often gets overlooked, that could in fact be just right for you – and that’s landlords. 

Buy-to-let investors have always had a presence in the sales market. But in recent months, they have become more active. 

In July, landlords were responsible for 14% of property purchases*. (A year ago, this figure was 12%). 

So what’s driving this? With demand for rental properties continuing to outstrip supply** and rents remaining resilient, some landlords think now is the time to expand their portfolios. 

With housing supply in the property market at a high, savvy buy-to-let investors are seizing the opportunity. 

For some sellers, this could be good news. 

• As landlords aren’t looking to move into the property themselves, they are chain-free. 

• In some cases, they’re also cash buyers, meaning there are no mortgage approval delays. 

• While landlords often seek properties in a reasonable condition, they don’t typically look for a luxury finish as they know the home will be subject to wear and tear. 

So what do landlords look for in an investment property? 

• Light, bright, neutral décor that appeals to a wide range of tenants. 

• Low-maintenance properties. Landlords don’t want to invest in a home that will require frequent call-outs due to issues arising. 

• Good energy efficiency rating. Under the current rules, all rentals will need an EPC rating of C by October 2030. To avoid costly retrofitting, landlords might prefer to invest in a property that already has a high EPC rating. 

• Proximity to transport links, restaurants and bars, and amenities. 

• Realistic pricing. As experienced players in the property market, landlords understand the art of the deal. According to the July figures, the average landlord paid at least 10% below the initial asking price. 

If you’re looking to sell a property, let us devise a cracking marketing strategy for you. 

And if your home is already listed, but you feel the sale has gone stale, we can advise on how to get the transaction back on track. 

*Source: Hamptons. 

**There are on average nine applicants for every available let on the market. Source: Propertymark.