The questions UK property investors actually ask.

What is an Article 4 direction in UK property?

An Article 4 direction is a council order that removes permitted development rights, most commonly used to stop dwellings being converted into small HMOs without planning permission.

Is a short leasehold mortgageable in the UK?

Most UK buy-to-let lenders require at least 70 years remaining on a lease at the time of mortgage. Below that, the pool of willing lenders shrinks sharply and extension costs climb.

What is a good rental yield in the UK?

A good gross rental yield in the UK is 6 percent or higher. Below 5 percent is weak. Above 8 percent usually hides a risk that needs careful verification.

How do I check a UK property EPC rating before buying?

Search the free government EPC register at find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk by address or postcode. BuildLink pulls this automatically for every property analysed.

What is selective licensing in UK property?

Selective licensing is a scheme where a council requires every rental property in a defined area to have a licence, typically costing £600 to £900 for five years. Unlicensed landlords face fines up to £30,000.

What does BRRR mean in UK property investment?

BRRR stands for Buy, Refurbish, Refinance, Rent. It is a strategy for recycling capital: buy below market value, refurbish to raise the after-repair value, refinance on the new valuation, pull most or all of your capital back out, then rent.

Can I remortgage a UK leasehold flat with a short lease?

Remortgaging a leasehold flat with under 70 years remaining is difficult. Most lenders require 70+ years remaining at application, and many require 85+ years at the end of the mortgage term.

What is the stamp duty rate for buy-to-let in the UK?

Buy-to-let properties in the UK attract a 3 percent additional property surcharge on top of standard SDLT rates. Bands from April 2025: 3 percent to £250k, 8 percent to £925k, 13 percent to £1.5m, 15 percent above.