With changes to tax relief of mortgage payments and higher barrier to entry with the 5% Stamp Duty surcharge, coupled with ongoing reform – Tenant Fee Act, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard, Electrical Safety Standard, Renters Rights’ Bill, for example – many potential landlords are being put off.

In reality, there is no need to be put off, the legislation is there to ensure a good standard of letting property and to give a framework where tenants are treated fairly – the impact is negligible on good responsible landlords.

Rents are up by 61% since 2019 in the North Cotswolds and surrounds according to our internal statistics. Rents are controlled by the market; it’s simple supply and demand – we have seen supply fall which is why rents have increased so dramatically of late.

Returns are twofold: Firstly, the gross yield, an annual measure that expresses a property’s rental income as a percentage of its purchase price, before any operating expenses are deducted. Normally yields vary from 3.5% to 6% in the Cotswolds depending upon the type and value of the property.

Secondly capital appreciation. This is the increase in the value of the property over the length of ownership. According to Land Registry data the Cotswold district has seen capital values increase
by 48% over the last decade, this annualises to 4%.

Another feather in the cap for the Cotswolds, beyond its demand and charm, is that fluctuations in value are generally shallower, compared to say London – therefore lessening the risk should you
need to sell.

Finally, The Cotswolds is in need of more landlords, by being a landlord you are providing a home and/or homes for our Cotswold community. The blend of yield, capital appreciation, tenant demand, upkeep and future likely legislative change are all key factors to consider when purchasing a buy to let property. We happily meet with our landlords and new landlords to discuss the right type of property to invest in, then help them purchase and manage the lettings thereafter. With the right agent to do all the heavy lifting and compliance, you can breathe freely, receive a return on your investment and enjoy the warm feeling of providing a home.

Please call us on 01608 653606 or email lettings@haymanjoyce.co.uk – Tom Hayman-Joyce