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Property investment tips, insights, interviews, strategies, area research and industry news.

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Stamp Duty Wales Free Calculator: Land Transaction Tax (LTT)

Sep 11, 2025
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If you are buying a residential property in Wales, you can calculate the stamp duty (Land Transaction Tax) payable instantly using our free land transaction tax calculator. Updated with current homeowner and investor rates.

A 3D image of a cartoon mini lounge in an apartment

Does Your HMO Need a Communal Lounge? & What Size Should It Be?

Sep 9, 2025
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With HMOs, the issue of communal spaces comes up a lot. It is our view that a lounge will ultimately increase returns. The reason is simple, happy tenants who get on with one another, are more likely to stay.

A shower and a toilet in an en suite bathroom.

Which is more Preferable in an HMO: En-Suite Bathrooms or Bigger Bedrooms?

Sep 2, 2025
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If you’re thinking about converting a property into an HMO, you’re going to have to think hard about the layout and if en-suite bathrooms are worth the extra cost.

Vintage TV. Should I provide a television for my professional tenants. HMO

Do I Need To Provide a TV and TV Licence in my HMO?

Sep 2, 2025
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A question that comes up a lot with regard to furnishing is whether or not a landlord should include a TV and TV licence for their HMO.

The logo for the London tube.

The Best Up and Coming Commuter Towns Near London

Aug 28, 2025
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London is expensive. There is no denying it, for both property buyers and tenants. Yet some areas within the London commuter belt can offer a good opportunity. These areas benefit from well-paid London workers who are maybe priced out of the centre of the City, but are willing to travel.

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Capital Gains Tax on Property: What you Pay and When

Aug 28, 2025
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Landlords are liable for Capital Gains Tax when they sell a buy to let property. Here’s a guide to how much Capital Gains Tax you have to pay when you sell a buy-to-let property and how landlords may be able to cut their Capital Gains Tax bill.

People shaking hands during a negotiation

How Joint Venture Property Investing Works: Real Life Case Studies

Aug 27, 2025
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Property investment takes serious money to get started with average deposits over £70,000. But joint venture finance offers a proven pathway to build wealth through partnerships, combining your skills with a partner’s capital to create equity without traditional deposits.

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What Does a Long Term Let Mean? and How Long Are They For?

Aug 25, 2025
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A long-term let is a residential property rented for 6+ months as someone’s permanent home, typically under assured shorthold tenancies of 6-12 months. These are the most common rental agreements in the UK, offering landlords consistent income and tenants security of tenure, though each comes with specific advantages and disadvantages to consider.

A wooden house sits next to a pile of coins on a table surface. Image represents house value.

How Much is My House Worth?

Aug 25, 2025
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If you’re selling your house, or even thinking about selling your house, then the starting point is to get a realistic value on what it is worth. Here we look at how.

An A-frame ladder in the middle of a room that is being redecorated.

What is a Licence to Alter? Making alterations to a Leasehold Property

Aug 24, 2025
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If you’re planning home improvements in a leasehold property, you may need what is known as a licence to alter. In essence, it is simply official written permission from the landlord (leasehold owner) to carry out refurbishments on the property.

Typical features of Edwardian house design.

Edwardian House Designs, Styles, Features and Problems to Look Out For

Aug 24, 2025
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Edwardian houses have character, history, warmth and make fantastic family homes. They are also often primed for refurbishment that will add value.

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What is a Residual Method of Valuation?

Aug 24, 2025
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Land and property can be valued on the basis of its market value, ie. its value as a piece of land or property which may be based on the value of comparable property. However, the residual method of valuation works by assessing a value based on its developed value less the cost of developing it.

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What is a Unique Street Reference Number (USRN)?

Aug 24, 2025
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In simple terms, a USRN or Unique Street Reference Number is a kind of identifier and one that is used specifically for streets and rights of way. A USRN is a unique numeric identifier for every street in Great Britain. A USRN is also a kind of geocode.

A set of house keys set on a table on top of an architect's illustration

How to Carry Out Due Diligence When Investing in Property?

Aug 24, 2025
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When it comes to investing in property you will have heard the term ‘due diligence’ a lot – but what does it actually mean?

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The Best Sources of Free (& Paid) Property Data

Aug 11, 2025
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Before you invest in property or make other important decisions getting the right property data can help you avoid problems and spot hidden opportunities.

An illustration of a hand passing another hand some house keys. Image represents selling an HMO.

How to Sell Your HMOs Quickly

Aug 9, 2025
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If you are thinking of selling an HMO then you should know that the process is not the same as selling an ordinary property. An HMO, or house in multiple occupation, is a unique kind of property and so selling one needs a special approach.

Skyline of terrace houses

UK Rental Market 2025: The Areas Tenants Love & Expert Analysis

Aug 8, 2025
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The UK rental market has tripled in size, with over a third of households now renting. Manchester leads as the most renter-heavy city (62%), while Stockport boasts the highest tenant satisfaction (91%). Discover which cities tenants love most.

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An Introduction to Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements (ASTs)

Aug 7, 2025
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The what, when, how and why of using assured shorthold tenancy agreements (ASTs) in England for Landlords.

the country of Wales highlighted on a satellite map

Rent Smart Wales – How to Register as a Landlord

Aug 6, 2025
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The why, how, when and costs required to register with Rent Smart Wales as a landlord.

A pile of architectural drawings.

What is a General Permitted Development Order?

Aug 6, 2025
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A General Permitted Development Order is a legal order which specifies the types of development for which planning permission is granted.

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10 Tips For Reducing The Risks Of Investing In Property

Aug 5, 2025
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Property investment involves risks at several levels and you might even lose the money you put in to your purchase if you buy at the wrong time of the cycle. Here we look at how to reduce (and avoid altogether) the most common risks.

An image of a brick wall representing off the wall bidding.

What Is Off The Wall Bidding?

Aug 5, 2025
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At property auctions ‘off the wall bidding’ is where an auctioneer invents a bid to drive bids towards the reserve price. It’s often seen as a cheat but it’s entirely rational and fair.

An example of a butterfly roof.

What are Butterfly Roofs? and the Pros and Cons to Installing Them?

Aug 4, 2025
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A butterfly roof is an inverted roof when compared to a more conventional gable roof. With a conventional roof two pitched surfaces rise to meet each other at a central ridge. In this article, we look at the pros and cons.

Old warehouses reflected in the water at Gloucester Quays, Gloucester, UK.

What is a Building Preservation Notice?

Aug 4, 2025
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A Building Preservation Notice is an official notice which can be issued to legally prevent any work being done, or changes being made, to a specific building. Issued under Section 3 of the Planning Act 1990 it is usually used where it is believed that the building is at risk.

Rear garden of a four bedroom detached house with glass conservatory and link detached garage.

What is a Link-Detached House?

Aug 4, 2025
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You’ll probably have a good idea about what a detached house or a semi-detached house is but do you know about link-detached? Here’s what a link detached house is and what you need to know about buying, owning and selling this type of house.

A row of traditional houses in the UK

Is Buying a Second Home a Good Investment?

Aug 3, 2025
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Things to consider when buying a second home for income, pension or retirement.

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What are the Fastest Growing Cities in the UK?

Jul 31, 2025
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Here, we’ve put together a list of the fastest growing cities and areas across the UK (mainly ordered through GVA). Growing population, economies and local investment that is translating to increased rents, house prices and yields.

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Below Market Value Properties for Sale Across the UK

Jul 14, 2025
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Below Market Value Properties for Sale Across the UK Exclusive BMV residential properties sourced weekly across the UK for you Our completely free, personalised and in-person service, where, after an initial phone conversation, a consultant will work to find you high-performing bmv properties to help grow your portfolio. A wide range of below market value […]

Property tools and technology

Top 5 Property Tools, Apps & Chrome Extensions in 2025

Jul 8, 2025
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Looking for powerful property investment apps and tools? While Property Bee is no longer available, several new Chrome extensions now offer enhanced features for tracking prices, analysing deals, and making smarter decisions. Here are the top 5 property tools that serious property buyers are using in 2025.

A calendar with a pin in a particular day with the words, sell house written in that day's square.

When, Why and How to Sell a Buy-to-Let Property

Jul 7, 2025
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Things to consider to get the right time to exit your portfolio and sell your buy-to-let and tenanted property. The When, Why and How of selling for landlords.

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How to Find Property Investors and Angels for Your UK Property Ventures

Jul 7, 2025
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Securing early-stage funding for your UK property ventures from angel investors requires a proactive approach. Learn how to present yourself, develop a clear business plan, tailor it to the UK property market, and outline your growth strategy and financial projections.

An icon or generic logo for an imagined property company.

How to Set Up a Limited Company for Property Investors

Jul 7, 2025
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A limited property company is a company set up specifically to own property, such as a buy to let or a property development. Instead of owning a property directly a property investor owns the company and the company owns the property.

Property renovation alerts

How to Find Houses That Need Renovation: On Rightmove & Zoopla

Jun 30, 2025
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For property buyers seeking to add significant value to their portfolios, finding the right large renovation or small-scale refurbishment project can be the key to improving your return on investment, adding equity, and attracting the best long-term tenants.

Skyline of terrace houses

Free HMO Profit & Yield Calculator: Results in Seconds

Jun 27, 2025
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Free HMO yield calculator: Answers in seconds. No sign up required. Calculate gross yields, net returns & monthly cash flow instantly. Includes typical cost ranges & FAQs.

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What Exactly are Zero Deposit Schemes?

Jun 26, 2025
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If you are renting your property then you might be considering a zero deposit scheme to help make it more accessible and appealing for tenants. Here’s what zero deposit schemes are and everything you need to know as a buy-to-let landlord.

Building a property business

Buy-to-Let Costs: What it Really Costs to Buy a House and Rent it Out in the UK

Jun 26, 2025
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Starting your property investment journey can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to understand all the costs involved. Here we break down each step of the process and the costs involved in buying a house and renting it as a landlord.

Leafy view of the outskirts of Croydon in South London

Croydon Property Investment: Best Buy-to-Let Areas 2025

Jun 18, 2025
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Discover why Croydon attracts investors seeking London value without London premiums. From Thornton Heath’s Victorian streets to Coulsdon’s leafy roads near Surrey, house prices average 29.9% below London rates while CR0 delivers 5.1% yields just 15 minutes from London Bridge.

London Borough of Bexley

Bexley Property Investment: Best Buy-to-Let Areas 2025

Jun 16, 2025
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New data shows which postcodes in Bexley provide the best rental yields, most affordable house prices and the highest sales activity. Complete analysis of DA5-DA17 areas for buy-to-let investors growing a property portfolio in southeast London.

A drone's aerial view of Barking in Essex at sunset.

Barking and Dagenham Property Investment: Best Buy-to-Let Areas 2025

May 15, 2025
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Where industrial heritage meets regeneration, Barking and Dagenham offers what much of London cannot: prices 34.6% below London average, rental yields up to 6.8%, and areas seeing 24.5% five-year growth.

Early morning scene. Wembley Stadium in Wembley Park.

Brent Property Investment: Best Buy-to-Let Areas 2025

May 14, 2025
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Brent gives investors a property market of potential whilst coming just under average London house prices. There is a wide range of prices with NW6 demanding £864/sq ft and HA9 at just £528/sq ft.

A shopping high street in Bromley, Greater London.

Bromley Property Investment: Best Buy-to-Let Areas 2025

Apr 16, 2025
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Bromley’s property market offers investors an attractive blend of London proximity with prices averaging 8.2% below London’s averages. The borough shows significant variation across its postcodes, with premium areas like Chislehurst (BR7) commanding top prices and Penge (SE20) delivering the strongest yields.

Map of the Country of Scotland

Free Land and Building Transaction Tax (LBTT) Calculator for Scotland

Apr 14, 2025
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Free Land and Buildings Transaction Tax calculator to help you calculate what tax maybe payable on your residential property purchase in Scotland. Includes the latest rates for homeowners, first-time buyers and property investors.

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Free Stamp Duty Land Tax Calculator (SDLT): 2025 Edition

Apr 10, 2025
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Access our free Stamp Duty Land Tax calculator for 2025, featuring the latest HMRC rates for England and Northern Ireland. With new rates for first-time buyers, investors, and non-UK residents.

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Birmingham Population | Growth, Density & Home Ownership Statistics

Apr 4, 2025
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Birmingham’s population grew 6.7% since 2011, with 53.5% homeownership and 46.5% rental rates. Discover population density variations from 24,000/sq mile in Small Heath to under 3,000/sq mile in Sutton Coldfield. Interactive population tools providing housing, population and tenure data across the city.

City of Manchester

Manchester Population | Growth, Density & Home Ownership Statistics

Apr 2, 2025
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Manchester’s population surged 9.7% between 2011-2021, reaching 551,938 residents and outpacing national growth. Census data reveals significantly lower homeownership rates (38.0%) compared to the English average (62.3%), coupled with a very high proportion of renters (62.0%), a rental rate surpassing even London’s.

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London Population | Growth, Density & Home Ownership Statistics

Apr 1, 2025
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London’s population reached nearly 8.8 million in 2021, growing 7.11% since 2011, with dramatic variations across its 33 boroughs. While outer areas like Tower Hamlets (+22.1%) and Barking and Dagenham (+17.7%) expanded rapidly, central boroughs experienced notable declines. Our comprehensive datasets reveal population density by postcode and housing tenure patterns.

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The Best Areas to Buy a Holiday Let in the UK

Mar 21, 2025
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Explore the most profitable holiday let destinations in the UK, where picturesque locations like Grasmere in the Lake District and charming Cotswold villages offer property investors remarkable returns of up to £43,200 annually in the booming rental market.

UK housing estate aerial view of terrace houses back to back in the North

England Empty Homes Statistics: Complete Regional Data & Analysis

Mar 6, 2025
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Comprehensive analysis of England’s 272,257 long-term empty homes (1.06% vacancy rate), worth an estimated £79 billion. Explore our interactive data tool revealing regional hotspots like Kingston upon Thames (2.77%) and find local empty home grant opportunities across all regions.

Row of run down houses

Empty Home Grants in London: What’s Available, Where & How Much

Mar 3, 2025
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With over 34,600 long-term vacant properties across London, this guide details available grants up to £80,000 from councils like Camden, Southwark, and Croydon. Learn which of London’s 33 boroughs offer funding, leasing schemes, and incentives to transform empty homes amid the capital’s housing crisis.

Front view of the Cathedral at the end of King Street, Hereford.

Empty Home Grants in West Midlands: What’s Available, Where & How Much

Feb 27, 2025
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The West Midlands has over 29,000 empty homes (1.11% of housing stock), with Rugby showing the highest vacancy rate at 1.83%. Our comprehensive guide examines funding opportunities up to £15,000 from 5 councils, district-by-district analysis, and regeneration potential across Birmingham, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire.