January 25, 2023
Everyone loves a list, don’t they? Just as well otherwise TV companies would be struggling for content!
The previous couple of years have been interesting for the private rented sector in Scotland, and that’s an understatement! From soaring interest rates and financial turmoil to unwelcome interference from the Scottish Government, it’s been wild.
So, in the midst of all this, which of our many blogs got the most attention? Which ones proved most useful? Or, if you prefer, what information really attracts landlords and property investors?
As experienced property professionals, we are dedicated to offering advice and guidance to experienced investors and newcomers to the sector.
So without further ado, and with the ghost of ‘Whole Lot of Love’ by Zeppelin in our ears, let’s get into it by checking out our top five property blogs!
Our top 5 property blogs of 2022
In reverse order, because that’s the way it’s done…
5: Buy-to-Let Running Costs: How Much Will it Cost to Buy/Run a Buy-to-Let?
A popular blog, which you can read here, although given the importance of running costs to investors,that’s not a huge surprise!
While the overall return on investment can be very worthwhile, initial startup costs can, depending on how you approach the matter, be quite daunting, so it’s best to be fully prepared before you dive in.
This article clearly laid out those potential costs and also suggested ways to ameliorate them whilst ensuring rental income from day one, earning its place in the top five property blogs.
4: The Scottish vs English Property Market: 8 Main Differences You Need to Know
Whilst the majority of landlords in Scotland live here, there are a number who hail from much further afield, some even from England!
Since the property system in Scotland is different in a number of key ways from the rest of the United Kingdom, it’s important to understand what those differences are and how they might affect your property journey.
This blog covers all the major differences between Scottish and English property law and the systems for buying and selling north of the Border. If you’d like to know more, you can read this top five property blog here.
3: Scottish Property Investment in 2022: Predictions from 12 of the Top Property experts
There’s something a little ‘Inception’ about a list within a list but our prediction blogs are always popular, so it’s not a surprise to see this one amongst the top five property blogs.
Firstly, and most importantly, the reader gets insights from some of the best in the Scottish property market, from a number of sectors; mortgages, letting agents, solicitors and estate agents.
Secondly they can compare those insights and predictions with what actually happens! Predicting the future, in a dynamic market, is always a risky undertaking, fortunately our participants are willing to embrace the challenge.
We really enjoy writing these blogs and seeing what our fellow professionals think and you obviously enjoy them too. Find out what they said here.
Getting near the top now!
Our second most popular blog is…
2: Should You Buy to Let as a Limited Company? [Pros & Cons)
As Shakespeare nearly said, ‘to limit, or not to limit, that is the question!’. Although operating as a limited company imposes greater burdens, and costs, on private landlords, it does have advantages for some.
It’s a complicated subject and that may well explain why this blog has been as popular as it has. There are strong arguments both for and against forming a limited company, it’s important that you understand which fits you best!
For some investors this is a critical decision, and timing matters, so appearing at number two in the top five property blogs is entirely understandable.
If this is something you’re interested in, or unsure about, we strongly suggest that you seek professional advice.
1: Capital Gains Tax in Scotland: How it Works and What to be Aware of
Ladies and gentlemen, we present the top of the pops, the blog amongst blogs, El Grande…
Capital gains tax (GCT) is a subject close to the heart of many landlords, since it can directly impact their financial wellbeing. This blog on capital gains tax will help you stay up to date with CGT as it affects property investors.
Many landlords invest in buy-to-let property for the long term, anticipating that rising property prices will deliver a valuable boost to their retirement portfolio. Since CGT is paid on the profit derived from the sale of an asset, it matters.
Although not normally applicable to the sale of a principal residence, CGT is due on the profit derived from a second home or a buy-to-let property. For this reason it’s a subject that we as professionals pay close attention to.
Moreover as we have reported recently, there are significant changes coming to CGT which will be of interest and some concern to many private landlords. It’s a subject to which we will definitely return.
Advice from the property pros
Deciding to invest in buy-to-let property is not a step which should be undertaken lightly if you want to succeed. Our regular blogs are a key part of our mission to help landlords and investors stay up to date with the state of the market.
They also give us the opportunity to offer insights into specific areas of the property market, whether those are geographical or technical, Inverness or income tax. We aim to make them informative without being unreadably dense.
Whether you’re thinking of investing for the very first time, or looking to expand your property portfolio, we are here to help, both with advice and guidance but also with the practicalities of buying and selling tenanted properties.
Succeeding in the buy-to-let market is a serious business and while our blogs may be part of your journey, making sure to seek professional advice from accountants, solicitors and property professionals like ourselves is critical.
In summary…
It’s always interesting for us to see which articles make our top five property blogs list. We will continue to try and provide broad coverage of news and views from the private rented sector.
If you’ve found our blogs useful, please feel free to comment, likewise if you feel we could have touched on specific subjects within a topic, let us know.
Ultimately, if you are considering investing in buy-to-let property, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone or drop us an email and make an appointment to discuss your needs. We’re always happy to share our experience and offer suggestions.
Written by Ross MacDonald, Director of Sales & Cofounder of Portolio
Get in touch on 07388 361 564 or email to [email protected]
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