sally lloyd

We have done our Brexit, now in Spain. The final property of 3 is almost sold. it was a difficult decision as we had fabulous long term tenants in all, but to survive we had no choice.
Now renting out holiday lets here, enjoying the sun and meeting some fabulous guests, knowing that if they misbehave we can just chuck them out and to top it all we are yielding about 15% as opposed to the pittance we were getting before.... Read More

Why not advertise it before you start work and then ask prospective tenants what they would like. I have done that a couple of times, as tenants usually have to give a months notice and love it if they can have a say on decor etc. Doesn't cost anything to advertise early but could save a fortune... Read More

I remember a while back somebody saying that you van now get equity release on btl properties. Is that product still about if so could it ne used to pay off the mortgage.... Read More

Hi Gary,
Thank you for your reply. Yes I used a solicitor but only for basic searches so I thought it's my own stupid fault but from other comments on a separate post I think I may be able to contact them as estate agent should have done searches and vendor should have declared it so will see what I can do.... Read More

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Hi Kevin.
I have a similar problem . I bought a 3 bed flat but when I went to morgage it this year found out on the plans it's a one bed and no landlord permission or building regs. My solicitor has suggested I get landlords permission first then when I go to sell there is an insurance against there being no building regs however she said not many mortgage companies will accept it. So I am getting people into to see what needs to be done for it to get through building control. Do not alert building regs as if they come round and say it's unacceptable they might make you revert it back. So if it's too expensive to do I'm just going to keep renting it then go to a cash sale when the time is it. It is totally my own fault as to save costs I didn't get all the searches done so don't have recourse to my solicitor.... Read More

it would concern me that if the home wasn't managed to a high standard that it could be closed down (as a few have in the past) we have some empty ones here in hastings. What happens to your investment then? I feel it is a very risky business as there is alot of bad practise around. They pay peanuts and often get monkeys as staff. Some will employ anyone. A home here in hastings has offered a job to my spanish workaway he's from a banking background with no experience and hardly speaks english - worrying !! I have worked in the care industry myself and all I can say is I hope that I never end up in one.... Read More

thankyou... Read More

Hi Mark,

I was wondering does having a lodger give a commercial aspect to your home?... Read More

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That is what is so fantastic about this site. is that you can ask simple questions without feeling embarrassed and ultimately save yourself a lot of mistakes/hard work and money as I have. I am sure that when he was a newbie he would have valued a site like this( he probably lost a few quid by being too proud to ask the simple stuff) and i hope as I get more experienced I will be able to give valuable input to help the next generation of newbies. I really appreciate the fact that experienced landlords share their invaluable experience. Thank you so much every one. Life isn't always about what you can get out of something it's also about what you can give.... Read More

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Hi James,

You also have to consider how much the properties will deteriorate when left empty. Damp and condensation destroy everything if left unlived in sometimes for just a few months just think about 6 years. Oh and vermin love empty properties.... Read More

search for green deals on the internet and give them a ring. there are all sorts of deals going on. I have my own plumber coming in so can't get a grant .you have to use a recommended plumber by them, but you can claim for up to £270 off your boiler but i think if any of your tenants receive benefits they can get it done for free.

What i have got though is free loft insulation from british gas. as the house had none at all.... Read More

Thanks everyone. I have sent an email to my solicitor and will let you know what she says.... Read More

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Hi mark no probs, don't think you would need employers liability as they just buy the services of other professionals who are self employed. They defo wouldn't need food hygiene as they starve you to death LOL

If you ever get the chance try a detox, you won't believe how alive and fantastic you will feel afterwards, lots of people lost loads of weight too.... Read More

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