Buy to let

[landlord]

DH has been through a truly terrible time over the last 12 months, which looks like it may soon come to an end and he will get some compensation.

We are in the fortunate position of not really needing the cash. We have some cash savings, OK pension schemes and a small share portfolio and no debt, so we're considering a buy to let.

We'd put down c. 40% cash and take a mortgage for the rest.

So, accepting that it's a long term investment, which hopefully will mitigate the pitfalls of a volatile market, what are the other downfalls?

We're looking at something in our town, walking distance from the station (easy commute to London) and a mile or so from the teaching hospital. Would a small terraced house or a flat be easier to let?

From our experiences tenants are not great with gardens and you end up having to tidy to tidy it up between lets. Consequently we now always go for flats.

I'd give it 12 months and see where the market is then. You could save yourself a fair whack of your investment and not very likely to see yourself having to pay more.

Other than that go and speak to some letting agents see what they let easiest in your area etc.