Landlords encouraged to use online tool

Published: March 07, 2008

Buy-to-let property investors are being encouraged to use a new online educational tool.

The National Landlords Association (NLA) has launched a website, which provides up to date tax and finance information which is relevant to landlords.

In addition, investors will also be able to benefit from educational modules, which cover things such as capital gains tax, mortgages and VAT.

The idea behind the online tool is to raise professional standards among the UK's buy-to-let property investors.

"Financial advice for consumers has been hitting the headlines lately, but just as important is accurate information for the 800,000 landlords for whom taxation can be a complicated matter," said Alison Perkins, landlord development manager at the NLA.

"The programme will help keep landlords up-to-date with the many changes that occur in Budget 2008 and help raise standards in the sector, improving the tenant experience," she added.

The final three months of 2007 was a good period for UK buy-to-let investors, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

The organisation's Lettings Survey revealed that rental yields and demand for rented accommodation both picked up in that time.