What To Consider When Buying A Second Home As A Buy To Let

Are you looking to purchase a second home as a buy to let property? In which case, you will be entering one of the most heavily regulated sectors within the UK property market. You need a proactive legal strategy if you are looking to buy a second home with the purpose of letting it out. This is something that our residential conveyancers in Peterborough can help with.

The Renters’ Rights Act was changed in 2026. It fundamentally changed the relationship between a landlord and tenant. This is why it is essential that you speak to a professional and experienced conveyancer, like the residential conveyancing team here at Burgh Thorpe Solicitors. We will ensure that you are fully compliant with all regulations as some of these carry some very heavy financial penalties if ignored or missed.

There is a lot to consider when buying a second home as a buy to let. However, our conveyancing solicitors are here to help you.

For example, ruling has changed surrounding fixed-term tenancies. All tenancies are now periodic from the outset. Tenants can provide two months’ notice at any time. This means that the tenancy agreement needs to be carefully drafted so your cash flow is protected.

The ‘no fault’ evictions have also been removed. This means that you can no longer use a Section 21 to regain possession of your property. As a landlord, we would advise you on specific and mandatory grounds for possession. This could include wanting to sell or move into the property yourself for example. We will ensure that you have a legally sound exit strategy before the purchase of the buy to let property has been completed.

A regulation known as The Decent Home Standards has now been introduced. This applies to all properties within the private sector. If you are buying a second how as a buy to home property for rental, we will ensure our due diligence ensures the property meets these strict safety and aesthetic standards. This will help to avoid local authority improvement notices.

There is also a mandatory digital redress. This means that all landlords must now join a government-approved redress scheme. Our conveyancers can handle your registration to ensure that you are legally permitted to collect rent from tenants from day one of the rental.

It is essential that your rental property meets EPC ratings of Grade C by 2028 for new tenancies. If this rating is not met, you could face significant fines as a landlord.

Need help ensuring that your rental property is legal and protected when buying a second home as a buy to let property? Call our local conveyancers in Peterborough now to see how we can help you.