Buying to Invest

Updated October 2026

Why Sevenoaks · Yields · Buying costs · Tax · Personal or company · Your legal duties · How we help

Buying to let in Sevenoaks can deliver steady rent and long-term growth. The numbers have to work, and the rules are stricter than ever. Here is what to know before you buy.

1. Why Sevenoaks

Fast trains to London, from around 30 minutes.
Strong demand from families who want to be near the area's schools.
Commuters, professionals and downsizers looking for quality homes to rent.

2. Work out the yield

Use our yield calculator

Gross yield = annual rent ÷ purchase price × 100
Net yield = (annual rent − running costs) ÷ total cost to buy × 100

Example: a £450,000 flat let at £1,850 a month earns £22,200 a year, a gross yield of 4.9%. Ask us for a free rental valuation before you offer, and we will tell you the realistic rent.

Running costs include management fees, insurance, safety certificates, repairs, service charge and empty periods.
Lenders usually want the rent to cover 125% to 145% of the mortgage interest, tested at a higher stress rate.

3. Buying costs

Stamp Duty: standard rates plus a 5% surcharge on every band. On a £450,000 purchase, that is £35,000.
Non-UK residents: a further 2%.
Plus legal fees, survey, mortgage fees and any work needed before letting.

4. Tax

TaxOwned personallyOwned by a company

Rental profitIncome tax. From April 2027, property income rates rise to 22%, 42% and 47%Corporation tax, 19% to 25%

Mortgage interestNot deductible. You get a tax credit at the basic rate (22% from April 2027)Fully deductible as a business cost

SellingCapital gains tax at 18% or 24%. Report and pay within 60 days of completionCorporation tax on the gain

Taking money outAlready yours after income taxDividend or salary tax when you draw profit

Making Tax Digital: landlords and sole traders with qualifying income over £50,000 must keep digital records and send quarterly updates from April 2026. The threshold falls to £30,000 from April 2027.
Higher-rate taxpayers with mortgages often look at buying through a limited company. It is not right for everyone. Speak to an accountant first.

5. Your legal duties as a landlord

DutyDetail

Gas safetyCheck every year by a Gas Safe engineer

Electrical safetyInspection report at least every 5 years

EPCRating of E or above to let. Rules are being tightened over the coming years

AlarmsSmoke alarm on every storey. Carbon monoxide alarm with any fixed combustion appliance

DepositProtect it within 30 days and give the prescribed information

Right to RentCheck every adult tenant before the tenancy starts

Renters' Rights ActPeriodic tenancies, one rent increase a year, no bidding, fair consideration of pets

Coming soonRegister on the national landlord database and join the landlord ombudsman

Getting these wrong can mean fines of up to £40,000 and losing the right to regain possession. Our Fully Managed service handles them all.

6. How we help investors

Honest rental valuations before you buy, so you only buy what will let.
Off-market opportunities from our local network.
Tenant find from 5% plus a £150 setup fee, plus VAT (6% + £180 inc VAT), or Fully Managed from 12% plus VAT (14.4% inc VAT).
Full compliance tracking, so certificates never lapse.

This guide is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Tax rates are correct at the date shown. Always speak to a qualified accountant or adviser before investing.