Considerations
Important factors to consider when owning and managing a second property. Topics include maintenance, rental management, inheritance planning, and being a responsible landlord.
Being a Landlord
Understand the different ways to become a landlord and what to expect from each approach.
Buying Abroad: What to Consider
Think through your reasons for buying property abroad, investment income, holiday home, or relocation, before choosing a location.
Can I Rent Out My Second Home While I Build a New One?
Renting out your second home during construction can help with costs, but weigh the timeline, location, and your living situation first.
Can I Share My Second Home Mortgage with a Friend?
Sharing a second home mortgage with a friend can work, but you need to check finances, property splits, and deposits first.
Can I Switch Second Home Mortgage to Buy-to-let?
You'll likely need a buy-to-let mortgage if you rent out your second home full-time, but expect higher rates and consider the switch carefully.
Can You Afford to Buy a Second Home?
Work out whether a second home actually fits your lifestyle and budget before making this expensive commitment.
Cleaning, Maintenance and Security of Your Second Home
Keep your rental property clean, maintained and secure without the hassle by using professional property management services.
Does My Canal Boat Count as a Second Home?
Canal boats might count as a second home for tax purposes, and staying in one place means you'll need a residential mooring licence.
Holiday Base vs Rental Opportunity
Weigh up whether buying property abroad makes more sense as a personal holiday home or as a rental investment.
Home Insurance for Your Holiday Home
Second home owners need specialist insurance to cover periods when the property sits empty or guests are using it.
How to Successfully Market Your Property for Rental
Get your rental property booked faster with the right marketing approach, whether you hire a pro or do it yourself.
How Will FSA Regulation of Buy-to-Let Affect My Home?
The FSA plans to regulate buy-to-let mortgages soon, which could tighten lending rules and affect amateur landlords renting out second homes.
Inheritance Tax and Second Homes
Second homes can trigger hefty inheritance tax bills, but you might have more options than you think to reduce what your family owes.
Is Property a Good Investment?
Property used to guarantee big returns, but flat prices since 2008 raise questions about whether it's still worth the investment.
Keeping Up with the Neighbours
Simple ways to build better relationships with your neighbours and strengthen your community.
Local Rental Market
Check your local rental market and location carefully before buying a second home to rent out for steady income.
Questionnaire: Are You Ready for an Overseas Buy-to-let?
Check whether you're ready to buy a rental property abroad with this practical questionnaire covering experience and finances.
Should I Take Out the Mortgage in the Local Currency?
Weigh up whether a local currency or sterling mortgage makes sense for your overseas property based on your rental plans and exchange rate risks.
Top 5 Things to Consider Before Buying
Before buying property abroad, understand local laws, budget for translations, and talk to people who've done it before.
Travelling to Your Second Home and the Costs Involved
Factor travel costs into your second home budget, whether it's nearby or abroad, to avoid unexpected expenses down the line.
Using a Letting Agency
A letting agency handles tenants and maintenance for your rental property, but you should ask the right questions before signing a contract with them.
Where Are the Best Places for Quality of Life?
Vienna, Zurich, and other top-ranked cities around the world offer the best quality of life for different lifestyles and life stages.