Landlord dream team: who do you need by your side for an easy landlord life?

They say teamwork makes the dream work, and being a landlord is no exception.

Having great people working for you gives you the most precious commodity of all - time. Time to spend with your family, on personal passions, or expanding your rental portfolio.

Listen to any Ted talk or podcast with a high-profile business leader, and they all say the same thing: doing everything yourself is the path to stress, rather than success.

So, what does that look like for landlords? Well, there are five key areas where help is at hand:

• Competent management of your property
• Borrowing and long-term financial strategy
• Tax efficiency & inheritance planning
• Safety, maintenance and repairs
• Support, connection and inspiration

How would it feel to have all that sorted? Whether you're sold on the idea or still on the fence, let's look at the experts who devote themselves to giving you an easy landlord life.

A MARVELLOUS MANAGING AGENT

Call us biased, but a brilliant managing agent is your faithful frontline ally, handling all the nitty-gritty of tenant relations, property maintenance, and legal compliance.

As well as marketing your property to attract the best tenants and the highest rent, a five-star agent will:

• Conduct rigorous background checks, credit searches, and rental history, then handle maintenance, repairs and upgrades to future-proof your property’s performance and value.
• Constantly review and act on ever-changing landlord legislation so you can avoid fines and get your property back when you want, from safety certificates to deposit protection and beyond.
• Free you up to focus on your investment strategy by acting as your eyes, ears, and voice, and alerting you to potential rental homes coming up for sale for easier portfolio building.

Curious? Take a look at our blog on finding the perfect agent, or call us on 01722 580059 to discover just how well we care for landlords.

A FRIENDLY FINANCIAL ADVISER

For a broader perspective on your investments and to plan for the future by making the most of your assets, an independent financial adviser (IFA) can add a valuable layer of strategic oversight.

As well as finding you the best buy-to-let mortgage whenever you buy a property (including deals from non-high street lenders and broker-only offers), an IFA can:

• Assess your entire financial situation, including property investments, pensions, and savings, to ensure your overall strategy is aligned with your long-term goals.
• Help you refinance at key moments, particularly if you're looking to expand or refurbish, and to switch lenders seamlessly whenever a fixed rate ends to keep your interest costs down.
• Give your application the best chance of a smooth, swift and successful passage through their up-to-date knowledge of lending policies and processing speeds.

Remember: check that an adviser is truly independent by asking if they have Whole of Market access - many do not and are members of mortgage networks that tie them to a fixed panel of lenders.

AN AMAZING ACCOUNTANT

When it comes to optimising your financial returns, keeping your affairs in order, and never paying a penny more in tax than necessary, an accountant is your best friend. Among their talents, they can:

• Advise on capital gains strategies, the best ownership models, allowable expenses, and structuring your property portfolio for maximum tax efficiency.
• Help you plan to pass on your assets in a way that allows your beneficiaries to make the most of their inheritance.
• Get your filings done accurately and on time, protecting you from costly mistakes and those last-minute sessions as midnight approaches every January 31st!

In the simplest terms, an accountant is there to ensure your wealth stays with you not only for today and years to come, but also with your loved ones later on through the legacy you leave.

A CIRCLE OF CONTRACTORS

If you don’t have a managing agent to keep your rental homes in top condition and legally compliant, you need a reliable circle of contractors.

It took us years to build our hotlist, and having trustworthy people on call means we can get work done quickly and professionally, often resolving problems before they become costly dramas.

• From plumbers and electricians to decorators and handymen, you don’t want to be calling around for maintenance, repairs or late-night emergencies and hoping you’ve chosen well.
• Long-term relationships with contractors can often lead to better pricing, priority service, and peace of mind, knowing the job will be done right the first time.
• Gas and electrical works require certified professionals to meet health & safety standards, so it's essential to have qualified tradespeople to meet your legal obligations.

Building a reliable circle of contractors takes time, but is priceless in keeping your rental homes safe, profitable and attractive to tenants.

Of course, a marvellous managing agent will have all that in the bag!

A LEAGUE OF LANDLORDS

Running a buy-to-let business can feel quite solitary sometimes, and joining a community of like-minded landlords can be incredibly valuable.

There are many ways to connect, learn and share experiences, including:

• Local in-person meetups, from breakfast events to evening drinks, where you can share experiences and swap tips with other landlords in your area.
• Facebook groups, giving you access to landlords and property investors nationwide for inspiration on strategies and new areas to invest in.
• Many excellent podcasts, including Good Landlording and Listen Up, where landlords and legal experts discuss everything from changes in the law to avoiding classic pitfalls.

Ultimately, being part of a network of landlords can lead to new contacts, possible investment opportunities, a real sense of connection, and even future business partners.

Are you ready to build your dream team?

If you’re a landlord in the Wilton & Salisbury area, we’d love to raise our hand to work with you and build a long-term and profitable relationship.

Call us on 01722 580059 or email us at info@piccoloproperty.co.uk for a no-strings chat about how we can help you make the most of your rental portfolio, no matter how big or small.