Would you sell or keep a rental property just now?

[JustRestingMyEyesForAMinute]

We have a tiny flat that we rent out, it was our first home, we couldn't sell it during the last recession so clung onto it over the years.

We would now be able to sell it and release the equity in it, we just can't decide whether to. On the one hand I like the idea of having a property as 'an investment' but on the other hand now is a good time to sell, we don't know what the future holds, and we could invest the equity in some other way.

We've never sold anything (only failed to sell for 2 years) so it feels like a big step but it makes sense I think?

I would keep it. Only sell property if you really have to. The mortgage will be paid off one day , you will have an income until then. House prices eventually go up even if there's a blip, which I can't see. Our rental is now part of our pension. It's worth more than double what we paid so if we ever sell it we can give chunks to the dc and live well forever on the rest when added to our pensions and savings. Best investment we made.

Think the rules have changed and CGT is charged on any gain over your annual CGT allowance but with reductions for any time you’ve spent living there. Probably best to check before making a decision.

I have a rental property I used to live in then I rented out when I moved abroad. I since moved back and remortgaged the rental property and took some equity out to enable me to buy another house that I now live in. The amount of tax I pay on the rental keeps going up and up, and I’d probably rather sell it to save hassle but can’t bring myself to pay the huge CGT sum so am just holding on for now.

Zeus44 what would consider to be 'better investmants' currently? I'd genuinely love to know. Buying gold?

you can exempt yourself from the EPC at the moment if the measures required exceed in cost the savings to be made. I had exactly this a little while ago. Personally, I’ve just sold everything in favour of renovations. I’m a decent landlord but the aggravation factor in general exceeds the business case for us. I’d be mindful of the new pets ruling plus cladding issues which may make resale tricky. I did put one of mine into an auction tenanted recently. It’s very easy to do and plenty of opportunity to get a good price. Plus the buyer pays towards your legal fees in the most part and the auction house commission is quite fair. Definitely take tax advice before you decide. Good luck with your decision.