Landlords opt for properties in perfect condition when expanding their property portfolio

Two in three landlords prefer to buy buy-to-let property in perfect condition despite it costing an average of 43% (£58,500) more than property requiring renovation, according to research by HSBC.

The research also found that almost half (43%) of UK landlords only have one buy-to-let property, yet of these, 43% plan to expand their portfolio.

The most popular choice for a second BTL property is a two-bedroom flat (24%) that requires no renovation (65%), with only 38% of landlords prepared to take on the challenge of a fixer-upper.

The average price of a two-bedroom property that is ready for tenants to move into straight away is £194,599 – 43% higher than one that is in need of renovation (£136,042).

However, despite the greater initial outlay, refurbished properties are proven to be the better investment on average: HSBC research shows landlords who purchase a BTL property requiring no renovation receive an average yield of 5.4% – 1% higher than those who purchase a property that requires extensive refurbishment (4.4%).

Properties that are ready to move into achieve higher yields in six out of 10 UK cities, making them the ideal choice for landlords looking to expand their property portfolio. Only in Liverpool and Edinburgh is it more beneficial to buy a property that requires considerable refurbishment.

Peter Dockar, head of mortgages at HSBC said: “Ready-to-move-into properties are often the savvier choice for landlords looking to purchase additional BTL properties. Not only does this avoid the need for lengthy and expensive renovations, it can also result in higher yields in most areas of the country. While the initial purchase price will be significantly higher, rental returns are also improved, making monthly mortgage and maintenance costs more palatable.”

The average rental income for a two-bedroom property in immaculate condition is £872 per month. This is 75% higher than the typical rental income achieved for lesser standard properties (£498), indicating why average yields are much higher for properties in good condition.

There are particularly large rental gains to be made in Leeds by opting for properties in perfect condition. A recently renovated two-bedroom property here can achieve an average monthly rental income of £675 – more than two times greater than the income achieved for properties that require refurbishment (£327).

Renovated properties in some parts of London can fetch an average monthly rental income of £1,891 – the highest amount in any UK city.

Despite significantly higher rental returns, some landlords may not be able to foot the bill for a refurbished property.  Of those landlords that do not intend on expanding beyond one BTL property, the primary reason is that they cannot afford to do so (27%).

Landlords that don’t mind some DIY may therefore find it cheaper to buy a property in need of work and foot the bill for renovation costs to achieve higher rental income and overall yield. A new kitchen, new bathroom and redecoration of four rooms will cost around £10,428, but could add £58,557 to the value of the property.

“The choice is clear for landlords hoping to make the most out of their buy-to-let investment: either purchase or renovate a property to good condition or risk lower rental income and reduced overall yields. Maximising return on investment is crucial for landlords hoping to add more properties,” said Dockar.