Becoming a First Time Landlord

Buy-to-Let investing can be exciting. From building your investments and saving for retirement to creating another income stream, becoming a landlord can open up lots of opportunities.  

Perhaps you have become what we term an ‘Accidental Landlord’ if you were unable to sell your home to move to another and so kept the former as an investment.  

You may have inherited property for the first time and want to keep it to let out. Whichever way you become a landlord, Samuel Estates can assist. 

Why Samuel Estates?   

Backed up with 16 years of experience in the London property market alongside in-house and external industry training, our staff can offer expert advice on both the letting process and your legal obligations as a landlord. Many of our team have been with us for a long time, so you are in safe hands. 

With several awards and an excellent reputation in the local community, we’ve already developed a proud reputation as one of South West London’s friendliest estate agents. Our local knowledge and competitiveness are second to none!  

We are proud to be an independent estate agency, free to make our own decisions. 

Our full membership of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), ensures that our landlords receive a leading service backed by expert knowledge of current legislation and that your tenancy contract is fair and clear. 
 

FAQs

How do I make money as a landlord?

The money you make can come from two potential income streams 

  1. Rent 
  2. Capital growth of the property value going up 

The property market has ups and downs, so it is possible to lose money if the property value goes down, your outgoings exceed rental yield, or if the property is vacant for some time.  

What fees will I need to consider when buying to let?

There is much to consider in terms of the expense and everyday running costs of a property.  

Fees associated with property purchase:  

  • Stamp duty  
  • Valuation / Property survey  
  • Legal costs  
  • Mortgage arrangement fees (If you already have a property with a standard mortgage you will need to seek your Lender’s permission to rent it out)  
  • Income tax is payable on your rental income, minus day to day running costs. There are specific rules for non-resident landlords. We have a dedicated section on this.   

It can be a good idea to chat with an accountant, if you have one, about the financial viability of becoming a landlord.  

What regular running costs will I need to consider as a new landlord?

It is essential to factor in the day to day running costs of a property into your calculations for rental yield.  

Here are some of the main costs:  

  • Letting agent’s fees  
  • Mortgage interest  
  • Redecorating  
  • Landlord’s insurance  
  • Annual safety checks 
  • Rent insurance 
  • General building maintenance  

What services do Samuel Estates offer?

We offer landlords a comprehensive range of lettings and property management services, tailored to suit every landlord. This includes:  

  • Landlord property acquisition   
  • Property letting  
  • Rental collection  
  • Property Management   
  • Bespoke Insurance Products 

Service Selector

Letting Service

A hassle-free, professional Let Only service

We offer two different letting service options to our landlords.

Learn more

A Fully Managed Service

Relax, with everything taken care of

Our experienced property management team looks after hundreds of properties for clients based both nationally and internationally.  

Learn more

Property Management

Pro-active Property Management

Our experienced property management team looks after hundreds of properties for clients based both nationally and internationally.  

Learn more

Our latest properties

What our customers think

  • Kyran Farrell

    We are very grateful for the inordinate amount of help we had during a sale we had to make for a departed relative. Unexpected problems were handled calmy and speedily for us and communication was good and effective at keeping the process moving against the odds at times. Definitely an agency to recommend.

  • casa bianka

    I was renting flat for 2 years with Samuel Estates and level of support and professionalism which they offer is incredible! They're very nice, polite and working fast with your request, very good in problem solving. My first contact was based in Merton Mills and gentleman who was dealing with our flat was Chi, if you ever would like to rent flat in this area ask for him! I highly recommend this estate agency 🙂

  • Emily Pye

    We were looking to rent a new property and Stefano found us the perfect place despite our long list of required features! He was quick to reply and deal with all of our queries along the way. Highly recommend! Thank you Stefano.

  • A Google User

    We were looking to rent a new property and Stefano found us the perfect place despite our long list of required features! He was quick to reply and deal with all of our queries along the way. Highly recommend! Thank you Stefano.

  • Fiona Gordo

    We recently rented a flat through Samuel Estates and their service and support has been fantastic. They responded quickly & courteously to our queries. The flat had a couple of small issues (leaky tap, light not working etc) - they sorted it out straight away and without fuss. The electrician & plumber were friendly, helpful and they both did a great job. We are very impressed with the service from all teams involved - thanks all!

  • Raluca Budau

    Yohana has been very helpful, professional and ensured that end of tenancy process was done smoothly!!

  • Claire Mathecade

    Samuel Estates is a great agency and have been very efficient in term of contract signed and viewing proposal.
    Theyhave been very professional and understanding - a big thanks to Stefano B. and Ryan C. for the work done.
    Best,
    C

  • Joanne McCarthy

    What can I say?! Samuel Estates sold my house, fuss free, in a pandemic!As an estate agent of 15 years I can have overly fussy, high standards but Paul and team dealt with what could have been a total nightmare swiftly and got it over the line. Highly recommend. Thank you all so much for making it so easy. Happy Christmas!!! Jo.

  • Joanne McCarthy

    What can I say?! Samuel Estates sold my house, fuss free, in a pandemic!

    As an estate agent of 15 years I can have overly fussy, high standards but Paul and team dealt with what could have been a total nightmare swiftly and got it over the line. Highly recommend. Thank you all so much for making it so easy. Happy Christmas!!! Jo.

  • Dani Villanueva

    We are happy to have dealt with this company. Our agent was always very friendly, attentive, professional and efficient. This helped make the move as smooth as possible.

Our office locations

Balham

45 Bedford Hill
London
SW12 9EY

Contact Office

Colliers Wood

30 Watermill Way
London
SW19 2RT

Contact Office

Streatham Common

432-434 Streatham High Rd
London
SW16 3PX

Contact Office