buy-to-let Archives

We are often asked, does a garden add value to a buy-to-let property? And the answer is, yes, a garden can significantly boost the appeal and rental value of your buy-to-let in Peterborough. Many tenants are willing to pay more for private outdoor space, which means landlords can often secure higher rents and attract longer-term tenants.

Research suggests that a garden can add as much as 25% to the average rent price. While this varies by location, the demand for outdoor space is particularly high currently, making a Peterborough rental property with a garden especially attractive to renters.

Why Does a Garden Add So Much Value?

Outdoor space is now seen as an important lifestyle feature. Gardens give tenants the chance to relax, host friends, or enjoy a bit of gardening. Families value them as safe play areas, while professionals appreciate the extra living space. In short, if you’re renting in Peterborough, a garden can set your property apart from similar homes without one.

How Can Peterborough Landlords Maximise the Value of a Garden?

Even simple improvements can make a big difference when marketing a buy-to-let property in Peterborough.

Budget-friendly fixes:

Mow the lawn before viewings
Plant a few low-maintenance flowers or shrubs
Jet wash patios or pathways

Bigger investments:

Landscaping to create a family-friendly lawn or stylish entertaining space
Installing decking or a paved patio for low-maintenance use
Adding lighting to extend the use of the garden into the evenings

Tip: Be clear in your tenancy agreement about who is responsible for maintenance. Some tenants will be happy to look after the garden, while others may prefer something minimal.

Will All Gardens Appeal to All Tenants?

Different tenants want different things from outdoor space, so think about your target market before making changes to your Peterborough buy-to-let:

Families – A safe lawn with space for play is usually most appealing.
Young professionals & students – A patio or decked area with room to entertain often works better than a high-maintenance garden.
Busy tenants – Low-maintenance spaces with shrubs, paving, or artificial grass are often the easiest to manage.

Matching your outdoor space to your audience will help you achieve stronger rental results.

What If My Buy-To-Let Only Has a Small Outdoor Space?

Even small spaces can be a real asset. A compact courtyard, terrace, or balcony can still add value to your property in Peterborough. Consider:

A bistro table and chairs
Potted plants for greenery
Simple finishes such as decking or artificial grass

Even the smallest outdoor area can make your property stand out to tenants.

Looking to Maximise Your Rental Income in Peterborough?

If you’re a landlord looking to make your property more appealing, we can help. PTL Lettings is your local property expert for the Peterborough property market.

Call us on 01733 555183 or contact us here.

Our friendly and experienced team are here to help Peterborough landlords get the best out of their buy-to-let investments.

In the meantime, we’ve answered some of your common questions about gardens and buy-to-let in Peterborough.

FAQs About Gardens and Buy-To-Let in Peterborough

Do gardens really increase rental value in Peterborough?

Yes. With space at a premium, properties in Peterborough with private gardens usually attract more interest and higher rent than those without.

What’s the easiest way to make a garden tenant-friendly?

Keep it tidy and low-maintenance with a clean lawn, a jet-washed patio, and a few plants.

Should landlords invest in landscaping?

It depends on your goals. Landscaping can make your Peterborough buy-to-let more appealing, attract higher rents, and add long-term value if you decide to sell.

Who is responsible for garden maintenance – the landlord or the tenant?

This should be set out in the tenancy agreement. Tenants are often expected to mow and weed, but bigger jobs may remain the landlord’s responsibility.

What if my property doesn’t have a garden?

Highlight any balcony, terrace, or even nearby green spaces when marketing your Peterborough property. Tenants still value having access to outdoor areas.

If you’re considering Becoming A Landlord In Peterborough, there are many elements to consider and understand before you purchase a property. The process of buying a buy-to-let property differs from buying a residential property that you will live in yourself, so it’s good to know exactly what to expect.

Of course, it’s a long-term investment that shouldn’t be made in haste, so if you’re reading this, you are probably looking for the right kind of information.

Our team at PTL Lettings are experts in buy-to-let advice, so here is our straightforward guide to purchasing a buy-to-let property in Peterborough.

What is Buy-to-Let?

First things first, the basics. Buy-to-let is a property specifically purchased with the intention to rent it out to tenants. It’s an investment property that can generate a monthly income. As long as the rent being charged is higher than the monthly buy-to-let mortgage payments that is!

A buy-to-let mortgage is different to a residential mortgage, and if you can’t afford to simply buy the property outright, you will need to apply for one.

When applying for a standard mortgage, your income is taken into consideration, whereas with a buy-to-let loan, the lender considers the potential rental income as your primary income source, and considers your personal income as secondary. The interest rates tend to be lower, but they have larger upfront fees, so keep that in mind.

Moreover, deposits on buy-to-let mortgages are also typically larger than the deposit needed for a standard mortgage, so expect to put down at least 25%.

What kind of buy-to-let property should you buy?

The right property is important and can include factors such as the location in proximity to amenities and transport, as well as the neighbourhood and the demand in the area.

Much like when you’re searching for your own place to live, you should ensure you do adequate research into the area you want your buy-to-let property to be located in.

Consider what kind of tenant you want to target and include that in your research. If you’re trying to rent to families, your best bet is to find a property in the suburbs close to good schools.

If you want to rent to students, a property near a university and with cheap restaurants and nightlife is key. Keep in mind, the type of tenants you have renting from you can affect your mortgage, as many lenders have restrictions on student rentals, for example.

Do you need buy-to-let insurance?

The short answer is yes; you should have buy-to-let insurance (also known as landlord insurance). It gives you coverage for the building and the contents inside and any landlord liabilities.

Building insurance is often required by your mortgage lender in order to secure a loan. This will compensate you if your property is destroyed or damaged. The insurance will cover the repairs or rebuilding costs so you don’t have to pay huge expenses out of your own pocket.

Contents insurance will cover any furniture inside the property. It’s a smart idea to get contents insurance even if your buy-to-let property is unfurnished. You can choose what level of cover you require, and it can protect any curtains, carpets, and other furnishings that remain at your property between tenants.

If you choose to rent your property unfurnished or furnished, your tenants will be responsible for their own contents insurance. They will also be responsible for personal belongings when they move in.

Landlord liability is mostly your choice. However, if you’re renting to students, for example, there may be a minimum level required. This covers you for any injuries or deaths of any tenants or visitors in your property.

Do you need to use a letting agent?

This answer is dependent on the budget you’re working with, how much time you have, and the level of involvement you wish to have with your buy-to-let property.

If you want to take a hands-off approach, it is a good idea to enlist the help of a professional, experienced lettings agency for your property management in Peterborough.

Choosing a letting agent like us means we will help you carry out credit checks on your potential tenants, help you come up with a letting contract, chase late rental payments for you, help with any maintenance on site that needs to be done, and assist with mandatory safety and efficiency checks for gas and energy.

The fees to work with a letting agent typically include paying an ongoing fee to manage the property which varies. It’s always best to speak with your chosen letting agent to get a complete idea of costs.

Generally, utilising the services of a letting agent can take a big burden off your shoulders if you are a budding landlord!

At PTL lettings we offer services that are right for your individual needs. We deal with every landlord independently and our highly trained staff will help you with any concerns you may have.

What Next? Want to Learn More About Buy-to-Let Property?

For professional advice on purchasing a buy-to-let property in Peterborough, contact our expert team at PTL Lettings on 01733 555183. Alternatively, email info@ptl-lettings.co.uk, or book a valuation and we will be delighted to help. We deal with every landlord independently to meet their needs.

You may also be interested to read 8 Things Every Landlord Should Know

In the meantime, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about purchasing a Buy-To-Let property:

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Buy-to-Let Property

How much tax will I pay on my buy-to-let income?

You’ll pay income tax on rental profits (rental income minus expenses). Mortgage interest tax relief helps offset some of this cost.

What about capital gains tax when I sell my buy-to-let property?

Yes, you’ll likely pay capital gains tax on the profit you make when you sell your buy-to-let property. There’s an annual tax-free allowance to consider.

Is a buy-to-let property a good investment?

Rental yield (your annual rental income as a percentage of the property value) is a key consideration. It should cover your buy-to-let mortgage interest and other expenses.

Do I need to pay stamp duty on a buy-to-let property?

Yes, stamp duty rates for buy-to-let properties are typically higher than residential purchases as it’s not your main home. Talk to a financial advisor about the specific costs involved.

Connect with us on X

Tag: buy-to-let

Does a Garden Add Value to a Buy-to-Let Property?