THE buy-to-let phenomenon has been with us for almost 20 years and whilst it’s had its peaks and troughs in that time, it certainly seems to be enjoying a boom at the moment.

Here Jamie Dyer, Branch Manager at Andrews in Stroud, discusses what the options and considerations might be for would be investors in Stroud and the surrounding areas.

It’s easy to think that buy-to-let investments are best suited to large cities or in close proximity to universities, but current market conditions mean that you can become a successful property investor in most places – not least of all Stroud.

With falling inflation keeping interest rates low; a relatively limited housing supply; and first time buyers continuing to struggle to make the first move on the property ladder, many would-be investors are considering buy-to-let as a serious option.

This is likely to be exacerbated by the relaxation of pension legislation which will see pensioners consider if their money is better invested in property.

In Stroud, the number of renters is steadily rising although stock for these potential tenants remains low.

This means that rents are necessarily on a steady rise.

However, this, when coupled with other positive factors, shouldn’t be your sole reason for becoming a property investor and you’d be well advised to do some serious homework before parting with your hard earned cash.

First off, consider location.

Here in Stroud most areas offer attractive rental properties but you’ll need to consider who you want your tenant to be and what they’ll be looking for.

Proximity to good schools makes larger, family homes a sound investment and the village of Bussage continuing to be very popular.

We’re also witnessing increased interest in the newer canal developments that appeal to a wide demographic of tenants.

You’ll also want to consider what your investment goals are: are you looking to earn a rental income from your investment or create capital growth with a potential future sale?

Then there’s the tax implications that you’ll rental income will have on your overall income, and decisions to be made on whether you wish to be a hands-on landlord or put your property in the hands of an agent such as Andrews.

In many respects, deciding to invest in a rental property in the Stroud area is the easy part, but unfortunately all the serious and ‘boring’ aspects you’ll need to consider can’t be ignored if you want to make your investment a profitable experience.

Thankfully, help is on hand and the team at Andrews is holding a series of free seminars that will take both experienced and would-be landlords through the top ten tips for a successful buy-to-let experience.

The nearest session to Stroud is taking place at the Quedgeley branch on March 25 between 18.30 and 20.00.

Further details can be found at: andrewsonline.co.uk/property-sessions