Buy to Let Requirements and Investment Criteria

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.
Studios:
Minimum 400 sq ft (37 sq m)
2-beds:
Minimum 650 sq ft (60 sq m)
1-bed:
Minimum 500 sq ft (46 sq m)
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:
  1. Proof of funds (bank statements/investment accounts)
  2. Income verification (payslips/tax returns)
  3. ID and proof of address
  4. Mortgage Agreement in Principle (we can arrange)
  5. 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:
Geographic Investment Zones

Zone 1
Core East London

30% of our investments
  • 15-30 mins to Central London
  • Established transport infrastructure
  • Mixed yields: 5-7%
  • Requirement: Minimum two transport options

Zone 2
Outer East London

40% of our investments
  • 30-45 mins to Central London
  • Regeneration hotspots
  • Higher yields: 6-8%
  • Requirement: Confirmed infrastructure investment

Zone 3
Commuter Corridor

30% of our investments
  • 45-60 mins to Central London
  • Established commuter towns
  • Strongest yields: 7-9%
  • Direct London rail link
Area Selection Criteria
Every location must demonstrate:
•  Connectivity:
Min. 7/10 on our transport index
•  Jobs Base:
Major employers within 30 minutes
•  Rental Demand:
Low average voids (<3 weeks)
•  Demographics:
65%+ working population
•  Growth Drivers:
Active regeneration or infrastructure plans
For in-depth insights, see our Investment Areas Guide

Investment Size and Budget Parameters

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:
Property Analysis:
  • Professional building survey
  • EPC assessment and upgrade costs
  • Service charge analysis (5-year history)
  • Management company evaluation
  • Local area crime statistics
  • School catchment analysis
Market Analysis:
  • Rental comparables (minimum 5)
  • Void period statistics
  • Local employment data
  • Demographic trends
  • Infrastructure pipeline
  • Supply/demand dynamics

Risk Assessment Framework

Every property scored on:
  1. Location stability (employment, transport, amenities)
  2. Property condition (age, maintenance, modernisation)
  3. Rental sustainability (demand, competition, tenant pool)
  4. Growth potential (regeneration, infrastructure, gentrification)
  5. Liquidity assessment (resale potential, buyer pool)
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:
Download PDF Checklist
(2-page summary of all requirements)
Questions? Let’s Talk
We’re here to help you make informed decisions.
Phone:  0203 576 1781
Office:   124-128 City Road, London EC1V 2NJ
Next Step:
Book Your Free Consultation to discuss how our process can work for your specific investment goals.
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Our investment criteria are reviewed quarterly in line with market conditions. Last updated: 06 August 2025