A clear guide to our investment approach and buy to let criteria in East London and the commuter belt
Scroll down to explore our criteria
Average Net Yield 5 to 7%
Based on fully managed London and South East investments
Capital Growth Potential
Invest in regeneration zones primed for capital appreciation
Rental Income from Day One
Investment opportunities with tenants in place, ensuring immediate cash flow
Investment Property Types We Source
Our carefully selected investment property types prioritise residential assets that demonstrate both strong, consistent rental demand and promising long term appreciation potential. By focusing on properties that meet these criteria, we ensure that our portfolio delivers steady income streams while building lasting value for investors. Each property type is chosen based on thorough market analysis and aligned with the preferences of tenants and investors in East London and the commuter corridor.
Purpose Built Flats
(40% of portfolio)
1-2 bedroom units in modern developments
Service charge under £2k annually
EPC rating C or above
Close Proximity to transport links
Target yields: 5.5-7%
Victorian/Edwardian Conversions
(25% of portfolio)
Well-maintained period features
Separate utilities where possible
Premium rents for character charm
Includes garden and lower ground flats
Target yields: 6-8%
Ex-Local Authority Properties
(20% of portfolio)
Ex-Local Authority Properties
Strong owner-occupier ratio
Well-managed service charges
Selected for capital growth potential
Target yields: 7-9%
New Build Apartments
(15% of portfolio)
Developer discounts or incentives
10-year building warranties
Energy efficient (EPC A-B)
Ideal for first-time investors
Target yields: 5-6%
Property Size Requirements
We focus on properties that match tenant demand - well located, high-yield homes that attract long term renters and offer strong fundamentals for sustained capital growth.
1
Studios: Minimum 400 sq ft (37 sq m)
2
2-beds: Minimum 650 sq ft (60 sq m)
1
1-bed: Minimum 500 sq ft (46 sq m)
3
3-beds: Case by case basis for family homes
What Makes a Property Suitable?
Every property we invest in must meet a strict and measurable set of criteria, giving our investors confidence in long term performance, minimal risk, and strong rental continuity.
Mortgageable Eligible for finance with high street lenders
Sensible Service Charges Fair and transparent (where applicable)
Structurally Sound Verified by a professional surveyor
No Major Works Required No significant repairs expected within five years
Strong Rental Demand In areas with proven tenant interest
Clear Legal Title Free of legal disputes or ownership complications
Investor Qualification Requirements
Before presenting opportunities, we take time to ensure each investor is well-positioned for success. The following requirements help us maintain high standards and deliver strong, consistent outcomes.
Financial Requirements
£65K cash minimum • £25K+ income • Clean credit
To qualify for mortgage-backed property investment, we require:
Minimum available funds: £65,000 to cover a 25% deposit and associated costs on a £200k property
Income threshold: £25,000+ proven annual income (to meet lending criteria)
Credit history: Clean credit essential - no recent defaults or CCJs
Debt profile: A manageable debt to income ratio
Preferred Investor Profile
£100K–£500K capital • Professional income • 5+ year horizon
Liquid capital of £100,000–£500,000
Professional or business owner income
Long-term investment horizon (5+ years)
Understanding of property as an illiquid asset
Experience & Expectations
Open to first-timers • Realistic goals • Long-term mindset
Understanding that property is a medium/long-term investment
Acceptance of potential void periods
Commitment to maintaining property standards
Realistic yield and growth expectations
Documentation Required
Proof of funds • Income verification • ID + tax status
To verify investment property requirements, we need:
Proof of funds (bank statements/investment accounts)
Income verification (payslips/tax returns)
ID and proof of address
Mortgage Agreement in Principle (we can arrange)
Confirmation of tax status
Buy to Let Areas We Cover
Our buy to let areas span strategic locations across East London and the commuter corridor. Unlike our detailed area guides, this section focuses on our selection criteria:
We work with a range of investor budgets, from first-time buyers to experienced landlords looking for their next strategic move. This section outlines the typical investment levels, expected returns, and associated costs
Minimum Investment Levels
Entry Level
£200,000 - £300,000 properties
Total cash required: £65K-£95K
Expected yields: 6.5-8%
Typical locations: Outer zones
Best for: First-time investors
Standard Level
£300,000 - £450,000 properties
Total cash required: £95K-£140K
Expected yields: 5.5-7%
Typical locations: Established areas
Best for: Balanced growth/income
Premium Level
£450,000+ properties
Total cash required: £140K+
Expected yields: 4.5-6%
Typical locations: Prime regeneration zones
Best for: Capital growth focus
Cost Breakdown Structure
In addition to your investment, allow for associated costs:
• Deposit:
25% of purchase price
• Stamp duty:
Calculated at current rates
• Legal fees:
£1,500-£2,500
• Survey costs:
£500-£800
• Mortgage Fees:
£1,000-£2,000
• Our sourcing fee:
Success-based only
• Reserve fund:
3-6 months of mortgage payments
Our Property Investment Criteria & Standards
We don’t just source properties, we scrutinise them. Every opportunity we present must pass a stringent set of financial, legal, and market-based checks.
Financial Criteria
Every opportunity must meet strict property investment criteria:
Yield Requirements:
Minimum gross yield: 5% (prime areas)
Minimum gross yield: 6% (standard areas)
Minimum gross yield: 7% (emerging areas)
Rental cover ratio: 145% of mortgage payment
Value Criteria:
Genuine below market value (5-15% minimum)
Clear reason for discount
Comparable evidence required
Independent valuation support
Due Diligence Standards
Our investment property criteria include comprehensive checks:
Minimum score required: 7/10 across all categories
What We Don’t Invest In
Understanding what we don’t consider is just as important as knowing what we do - it helps us stay focused, efficient, and aligned with our strategy.
Property Types We Avoid
We never consider:
Studio flats under 400 sq ft
Properties with structural issues
Auction purchases without a prior viewing
Properties with sitting tenants (unless verified)
Non-standard construction types
Japanese knotweed (at any stage)
Flats above commercial premises
Short leaseholds (under 80 years)
We rarely consider:
Ground floor flats (due to security risk)
Properties needing major renovation
New builds with high service charges
Homes in flood risk zones
Ex-local authority properties in problem blocks
Areas We Don’t Cover
We maintain strict property investment locations criteria:
No high-crime areas (above London average)
No single-employer dependent towns
No areas with declining population
No locations without rail connections
No areas with oversupply issues
Investor Types We Cannot Help
We’re not suitable for:
Investors seeking quick flips
Those requiring guaranteed returns
Budgets under £65,000
Investors unable to secure UK mortgages
Those seeking commercial property
Anyone wanting involvement in illegal activities
Ready to Meet Our Investment Requirements?
Now that you’ve explored our comprehensive buy-to-let investment criteria, it’s time to consider whether we’re the right fit. If you meet our investor qualifications and align with our standards, we’d love to explore working together.
Quick Qualification Checklist
Check your eligibility for our investment opportunities
Do you have £65,000+ available to invest?
Can you secure a UK buy-to-let mortgage?
Are you investing for 5+ years?
Do you understand the risks of property investment?
Are you seeking 6-8% rental yields with long term growth?
Why Our Criteria Matter
These strict investment property requirements aren’t arbitrary — they’re based on:
Extensive market analysis and property data
Current market conditions and tenant demand
Professional industry standards and best practices
Risk mitigation strategies that protect capital
By maintaining these standards, we protect our investors’ capital while delivering consistent returns.
Download Our Criteria Checklist
Want a handy reference? Download our complete investment criteria checklist:
Our investment criteria are reviewed quarterly in line with market conditions. Last updated: 06 August 2025
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Choose a time that suits you
Schedule your free 45 minute call to explore East London and commuter corridor property investments, and see if they align with your goals. It’s your chance to ask questions, with no pressure and no obligation.