“If you think that you will want to let your property out at some point in the future, planning ahead is the key to making the process as easy, stress free and financially viable as possible”, says Tara Kelly, head of lettings at Savills Winchester.

“Letting a property successfully relies on three fundamental points – these are compliance, presentation and price. 

“To have time to address any necessary work that may need to be undertaken in order to ensure a property is fully compliant and aesthetically pleasing will help keep costs to a minimum as the work can be done in the right order avoiding duplication of decorating and means you will be able to shop around for the most competitive contractors and spread the finance over a longer period of time.

“Getting the compliance and presentation side in order means that when you decide to bring your property to the market, we can start the marketing process immediately.

“In very general terms, here are some things you will be required to do by law and others you may want to consider.

“Energy Performance Certificates are required prior to letting a property and your property will be required to undergo a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) on an annual basis. This entails an electrician coming into the property, testing all electrical appliances with a plug and issuing a certificate stating they are safe to use. 

“A check of the electrical installation and the hard wiring within the property is also required and, if unsafe, will need to be put right. Where they are unsafe, the electrician will list the work which is required to be undertaken, at the landlord’s expense, and make them safe before the property can be let legally.

“As a landlord you will be legally responsible for gas safety within the property. A Gas Safe Registered engineer will have to undertake a Gas Safety Check on an annual basis. This ensures all pipework, appliances and flues are in good working order. Obviously, if they aren’t, work will have to be undertaken to ensure they are, prior to the marketing of your property.

“From 1 October we expect smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms to be made a legal requirement. 

“Presentation of a property is one critical factor in its popularity with prospective tenants. Properties with modern kitchens and bathrooms, those with a neutral decor and presented immaculately will command the best possible rental prices. If your property has a dated kitchen or bathroom, this is likely to be the factor which will impact speed of letting and the price your property commands the most.

“Landlords often wonder whether it is best to let a property furnished or unfurnished. Demand will depend on both the property type and its location. Larger family homes, for example, will be more popular if they come unfurnished and smaller flats can often benefit from being furnished to show how a small space can best be utilised. 

“It is worth investigating whether a furnished property commands a rental premium in a particular area. If this doesn’t apply, the economic return may not be worthwhile.  White goods including cooker, washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer and fridge freezer should be provided, irrespective of whether a property is furnished or unfurnished.

“The installation of a security alarm tends to generally be liked by tenants – not only from a security perspective but also for the insurance benefits they can provide.”

For practical advice on letting a property or if you require helping sourcing a buy to let property, contact Tara Kelly on 01962 834020.