Buying a new house is an exciting time, but saving up for the deposit is slightly less fun. Managing to save enough money to scrape together the money, the mortgage company need, plus any extra needed for fees and furnishings, means that getting a big enough lump sum can take a while.

The most crucial measure is to ensure your money is working as hard as possible for you and bringing the greatest returns possible from the accounts on the market. A good place to start could be to compare savings at moneysupermarket to get an idea of the interest rates currently available on the market.

When you plan on buying the property will determine what kind of savings account is the most suitable. Accounts where the money is not instantly accessible provide the greatest returns and generally stipulate a notice of anything between 7-90 days before a withdrawal is made. Read more »

As a result of modern legislation, fewer landlords get away with leaving their tenants in unsuitable and badly maintained accommodation. A range of rules and regulations now protect the rights of tenants, with an aim of fairness on both sides. To be clear: these rights apply, regardless of whether they’re set out in a tenancy agreement.

If you’re a landlord, simply being aware of tenants’ rights is not enough – you must be willing and able to act on them to stay on the right side of the law. One way to protect yourself is to get landlord insurance to cover you for a whole range of repairs and household problems. It could well turn out to be the financial safety net that encourages you to get things sorted sooner rather than later.

There’s a wide range of tenant’s rights, but there’s a handful you need to pay real close attention to, such as:

• Giving your tenants the freedom to live in your property undisturbed
• Keeping the property in a good state of repair
• Giving your tenant access to details of their tenancy agreement at any time
• Protecting your tenant from unfair eviction at all times

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While property investment can be a risky endeavour, long term buy to let properties represent a potentially safe and strong investment opportunity, if chosen with consideration. We have collected some of the factors to consider before choosing a buy to let investment.

1. Research the market

Whether you are investing in a buy to let property in the UK or abroad, your first step should be to research the market well. Research the area, and learn the basics of buy to let investments, consider if buy to let investments are suitable for you, and if they are the best way to invest your money.

2. Choose a good location

As with any other type of property investment, your success will greatly depend on your chosen location. You will first have to research the economic, demographic and social situation of the area. Also think about the future of the location. Improving economy, new developments, business investments planned for the future are all positive signs, as they will mean future property appreciation, and a stable property investment. Economic growth also means growing employment levels, and thus a good rental market. You should also consider the stability of the real estate market and the growth potential of rental yields. Read more »

Whenever I get asked by anyone how to invest in property, I respond with a series of questions:

* What are your financial aims? In other words what are you after? Are you seeking an income, capital or both?

There is a big difference between wanting to retire in 2 years so you can live off your investment income and wanting to help your children with tuition expenses in 12 years.

* Will you need to borrow money and how much risk are you willing to take?

* Will you consider investing overseas, and if so, where will you invest – Europe, the Far East or the Middle East.

* What level of risk are you willing to take?

* What happens if you need your money back quickly? Read more »