Planning for investing in buy-to-let property For new landlords, it is essential to carefully research your buy-to-let investment before signing on the dotted line. View your investment in a similar way to setting up a business, even if it's just one property. Take time to reduce the risks and maximise the rewards by understanding what returns you are expecting and what is realistic. You will need to understand today's market returns as well as predict how you expect rents to rise annually and whether you will secure any capital growth over the years you will be investing. It's worth finding a good team to support your first purchase. These include a good letting agent who is a member of ARLA/NALs and specialists in buy-to-let finance, surveys and tax. You will also need to make sure you have good-quality tradesmen you can trust to look after the tenant without running up huge maintenance bills. An expert team like this will help you understand the legal responsibilities you are undertaking as a landlord - from letting your property legally to paying the right amount of tax.