Selling a buy-to-let in Lancaster or Morecambe: a landlord’s guide

Landlords sell for all sorts of reasons: reshaping a portfolio, retiring, or because the numbers no longer add up. Whatever the reason, a few early decisions make a big difference to the price and how quickly it sells.

Sell with tenants in, or empty?

Selling with tenants in place keeps the rent coming in, and your buyer is likely to be another investor who values income from day one. Selling empty opens the property up to homebuyers and first-time buyers, which can mean more interest. But you lose rent while it’s on the market, and it may need redecorating.

The right answer depends on the property, the tenancy and the local market. With student lets around Lancaster, for example, the academic year affects both timing and who is likely to buy.

Check the tenancy rules first

The rules on ending tenancies in England have changed a lot. Before planning around getting a property back empty, take proper advice on what notice you can give and when.

Have your documents ready

• The tenancy agreement
• Deposit protection certificate
• Current gas safety certificate, electrical safety report (EICR) and EPC
• Rent payment history
• HMO licence, if the property needs one
• Records of any recent work

Investor buyers ask for these early. Having them ready shows the property has been run properly, and helps protect your price.

Speak to your accountant before agreeing a sale

Selling a rental property can mean Capital Gains Tax, with strict deadlines for reporting and paying it. Get advice before you accept an offer, not after.

Reach buyers who are already looking

We have active investors ready to buy, from private cash buyers to institutional groups, and can arrange off-market sales when you’d rather keep things quiet. With almost 100 completed investment properties behind us, and a background as landlords ourselves, we know what investors look for. More on our investment services.