Why should I use a letting agent at all?
Because it will make your life easier! For instance, Northumbrian Estates is a mine of information and can tell you what rents easily and what doesn’t. At Northumbrian Estates we will assist you in finding reliable tenants given our wide coverage and links with key local employers. When the property is let, the majority of Buy to Let landlords instruct Northumbrian Estates to be responsible for the property, collect the rent on their behalf, oversee property inspections and generally protect your investment. Always, always make sure your letting agent is a member of ARLA. This is your assurance of best business practise to protect your investment.

Why is it worth visiting Northumbrian Estates before I purchase a Buy To Let property?
One of the most common mistakes when Buying to Let is to lose sight of the fact that you are making an investment rather  than a choice of where you would like to live! That recently completed luxury property might seem a great idea, but in reality  its rental value simply might not add up. Depending on the area, several smaller properties may well let faster and achieve higher  yields than one larger house. As ever, location is paramount. Northumbrian Estates will save you hours of time and more importantly, could also
save you from making a very expensive mistake!

Can Northumbrian Estates advise on investment and mortgages?
No! Northumbrian Estates adheres strictly to the regulations set out in the Financial Services Act that preclude us from advising you on financial matters. However, when it comes to advice on what to rent, where and how to maintain your Buy to Let investment, you couldn’t be in better hands than Northumbrian Estates.

How can I protect my investment?
If successful investment is all about risk management, appointing a recognised and established specialist such as Northumbrian Estates is a prudent first step. We can also provide further safeguards such as a specially negotiated and exclusive Rent Protection and Legal Fees Insurance, which protects you against non-payment of rent. It is probably the lowest priced and yet comprehensive scheme on the market.  This is crucial as many standard household insurances do not cover all letting eventualities and in extreme cases unfortunate Buy to Let landlords may find themselves uninsured in the event of a claim.

Is there any legislation I should be aware of?
Legislation is becoming ever more complex as letting becomes an increasingly popular investment option and the number of  Assured Shorthold Tenancies continues to rise. Northumbrian Estates makes every effort to keep its landlords fully up to date with news of legislation that is being debated now and which has recently been passed.

What are property 'hot spots'?
Whereas you may read of an overall trend in property values and rental yields in the press, ‘Hot Spots’ crop up in areas of higher than average demand. One of the advantages of seeking Northumbrian Estates’ advice about Buy to Let properties is that we have a unique perspective on emerging trends.

What about tax?
Northumbrian Estates specialises in letting only, however we can recommend third party tax accountants we have dealt with for many years to advise on the most efficient route to pursue from tax deductible operating costs through to the viability of setting up a Limited Company as an umbrella to hold your properties.

Will Buy To Let get a boost from the changes in pension plans in April 2006?
Changes in legislation from April 2006 – A Day - will give investors far more flexibility in planning for their future. Self Invested Pension Plans or SIPPS as they are known, will allow the purchase of property. Legislation is still being finalised, but property will be free from tax on rental income and capital gains. Investors will also be entitled to tax relief on contributions paid into the pension scheme. Your accountant or IFA will have further information.

What is an HMO?
An HMO is a "House in Multiple Occupation" meaning a building that falls within one or more narrow definitions. Call us on 0191 240 0222 for more information.