Therefore, any landlord looking to develop a long lasting buy-to-let investment portfolio needs to do his homework before purchasing his properties. This involves a bit of legwork in determining which locations and which types of properties are more likely to be popular. Seasoned landlords already have much of this information at hand. However, new buy-to-let investors need to develop a sense of where to purchase as well as when to purchase.

Additionally, landlords must become vigilant about keeping the buy-to-let property in good working order with an attractive appearance. As with buy-to-own properties, these rental units must be fully functional for the number of individuals that they are intended to house. Appliances must be in good working order and the rental units must be clean prior to letting them out.

However, not only must landlords stay on the alert for necessary repairs or upgrades to their buy-to-let homes and apartments, but also, they must watch their expenses in this new climate of expensive mortgages and tenants struggling to make ends meet.