Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Investments

Discuss investments with other users on our Investment forum. For more advice read our tips for saving for your child's future.

Let second property go?

29 replies

DearMartha · 10/01/2025 16:47

I’m an accidental landlord and rent out my old London home. I’ve just had my first tax bill since becoming a landlord and am wondering if the stress and expense is worth it. Would love your thoughts based on following:

  • my property income has pushed me from a basic into higher rate tax bracket
  • I’m on an interest only mortgage of around £230,000 for the rental. I was planning to overpay on this each year but high tax making that tricky. After tax, mortgage, expenses I’m ’making’ around £2k per year
  • I have no pension pot and so my hope was the 2nd property would be an income and asset in my old age.
  • if I sold it I would make around £200,000
My question is, do I keep it and try somehow to pay the mortgage down and play the long game. Or do I sell?

If I sell, what could I do with the £200k that would give me more security in the future (and maybe even benefit my family in the meantime). I was brought up with the idea that investing in bricks and mortar was the best thing you can do but everything seems stacked against that at the moment. Any thoughts/suggestions would be amazing. Thanks.

OP posts:
cinnamongirl123 · 24/02/2025 20:39

After being accidental landlords a few times (London), we always bailed as soon as we could - it was stressful and financially did not add up. But of course it can go well, with long-term good tenants, no massive repair or leasehold bills etc. You just can't predict which way it will go

Justsaywhatyoumean123 · 26/02/2025 09:57

I think the London property market is due an uplift, it's been flat for ages.
I'd personally keep hold of it if I was you.
Your tax bill sounds too high, are you expensing all the maintenance?

Pleasealexa · 01/03/2025 16:42

I think the London property market is due an uplift, it's been flat for ages

It been flat for a number of reasons, such as Russians money being frozen, higher interest rates, affordability for most people, leasehold charges increasing, hybrid working means living outside London and commuting a few days is less of a burden. I'm not sure those factors are changing any time soon.

Justsaywhatyoumean123 · 02/03/2025 00:10

London's already seen a 2% rise in January – not bad for what's usually a slow time of year. Obviously, it depends on the postcode, but a friend of mine just set a new record for her street selling her very average 3 bed terrace this week

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread