A buy to let property can be a great investment, but it is very different from buying your own home. Great care and expert advice must be taken before plunging into the buy to let market. Be sure to take advice from specialist financial advisors and your local Licensed ARLA letting agent.

Top 10 tips for would be Buy to Let landlords

1)           Do your research. Buy to let can be a legal, practical and financial minefield, and you will need to do your homework.  Research the market, with the help of your local Licensed NAEA and ARLA agents, who will be able to advise on demand and any other relevant issues in the area you are considering.

2)           Know the demand. Buying where there is no rental demand can be fatal to the buy to let investor, yet it is a surprisingly common mistake.  Make sure you are not investing in a market which is already saturated with the sort of property you have to offer, and do not be misled by stories of fast profits.

3)           Understand your finances. Keep in mind whether you are in the market for capital gain when you sell or simply monthly rental income.  This will help you decide what to buy and where, and what kind of mortgage you need.

4)           Buy carefully. Make sure you buy a property which allows for sufficient profit margin.  Do not go for a 'bargain' property which may turn into a money pit very quickly.  Major repairs require much time and effort and paying more for a property which is in better condition can be a wise move.

5)           Decorate to demand. Don't make the mistake of decorating and furnishing the property to your own tastes – keep it simple, with clean lines and do not fall into self indulgence.  You are there to make money out of the property, so keep your market in mind.

6)           Check for safety. By law you must make sure that the property you are letting complies with various safety regulations, like furniture and furnishings fire safety, gas safety, electrical equipment safety and that it contains a smoke detector.  You'll also need certificates to prove these regulations have been met. You need to be aware of new and updated regulations as and when they arise.  Failure to comply with the law can result in serious consequences.  The best way to make sure you are kept up to date is to use a Licensed ARLA agent who can keep you updated and ensure you comply.

7)           Know your responsibilities. You, your letting agent and your tenant have different responsibilities, and it is important to know where these lie.  As the landlord you will be expected to pay buildings insurance, ground rent and service charges (if the property is in a block or conversion) and insure any items you leave in the property.  Your letting agent will be able to advise on others' responsibilities as part of your contract.

 8)           Prepare for voids. Your property may be empty and not generate any income for periods of time, and you need to be ready for this.  Advertising for new tenants, or carrying out maintenance or repairs can potentially take weeks or months off your lettings calendar and you should have a plan in place if this happens. However an experienced letting agent will be able to guide you and help ensure any void period is kept to the minimum.

 9)           Move with the market. Know that, if the market softens, you will have to lower your rent in order to stay competitive, no matter how desirable your property.  If you are in it for the long term this should not matter, as the important thing is that your property continues to generate an income for you.

 10)        Recruit a managing or letting agent. Knowing where to advertise your property, how to effectively vet potential tenants and the kind of lease you should use can be tricky if you have no experience. Being a landlord is a full time responsibility, 365 days a year and is best not left to friends or family.  A good agent who is affiliated to the ARLA will find tenants, do credit checks, draw up the lease, collect rent, and inspect the property, thereby removing much of the hassle involved.

 Martyn Gerrard Estate Agents are licensed members of both the NAEA and ARLA. For up to date advice and information about your local lettings or sales market contact your local office.