I m thinking of buying a property to let out as an investment. Is this a good time to buy

A.� While the stock market continues to yo-yo banks and building societies are slashing their mortgage rates to encourage potential landlords. There are buy-to-let mortgages available�with deposits as low as 15% where the norm was more like 25% not so long ago.

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The housing market has cooled off in recent months in comparison with the previous two years. Experts are predicting steady growth.

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A.� On top of your mortgage payments you will have to arrange buildings insurance and contents insurance if your property is going to be furnished. Then there are the maintenance costs, many of which are dictated by law and you should also take into account periods when no rent is coming in due to a change over of tenants or your tenants falling behind on the rent.

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There are also all the usual costs involved buying the property like stamp duty and the big one; any profit you make is liable to tax, although some of your costs can be offset.

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A.� You are responsible for keeping the property in a habitable state and you are also obliged to make sure gas and electrical appliances such as boilers meet safety standards at all times and that all furniture is fireproof. It is worth getting legal advice to familiarise yourself with landlord and tenant law so you understand your own and your tenants rights.

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If you don't want to do all this yourself there are letting agencies who will do it for you, but expect to pay a commission of around 15%.

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A. If you don't mind taking on all those responsibilities then, as long as you get it right, you should see two benefits, a�relatively high regular income from the rent and steady capital growth against the property.

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