A buy to let mortgage differs from a regular mortgage since it is for investors or landlords who buy property to rent out to tenants; not for their residential purposes. The essential differences that an investor should be aware of can be provided through professional and experienced advice from mortgage brokers in the UK.
Some issues linked to the subject are listed below:
Buy to Let mortgage in the UK is available to individuals as well as to corporates and companies. However, a BTL mortgage for a company will have to be through a lender who accepts investment through limited companies.
Maximum limit:
The amount that can be borrowed is linked to the expected rental income. Lenders usually require the rental income to be 25-30% higher than the mortgage payment.
Deposit:
A deposit will be required to be paid to the lender; it is usually 25% of the value of the property (though this can escalate to about 40%).
Repayments:
The two ways of paying back the mortgage are explained below:
Interest-only mortgage:
is self-explanatory and, every month, only the interest on the loan is paid back. This means lower monthly payments, but the loan will have to be paid at the end of the mortgage period.
Repayment mortgage:
is when both the interest as well as some portion of the loan itself are paid back. A higher monthly payment will be required, but the advantage is that by the time the mortgage term matures, in all probability, the entire loan would be repaid.
Depending on the investor’s capital and budget, advice will be required on the Repayment issue since lenders vary on the repayment requirements.
Taxes:
Both Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax are payable on buy to let properties.
Capital Gains Tax:
The rate is payable dependent on the income bracket of the investor. By adjusting property purchase fees (or even losses from another BTL property), this tax can be reduced.
Income Tax:
Landlords will not be able to deduct the mortgage interest from rental income. Instead, the total mortgage interest payment will receive a 20% tax relief. Fees like council tax or property maintenance charges can be offset if the annual income allowable is exceeded.
BTL remortgage:
By switching to another deal once the current mortgage is over, a BTL remortgage can sometimes be advantageous as the interest rate can be lower. If a remortgage is required earlier, lenders usually require a minimum time of 6 months after the title deeds are transferred before they will consider this. However, arrangement fees for BTL are high so remortgaging can be
expensive and, since interest rates can fluctuate, the pros and cons will need to be carefully reviewed.
Regulation of Buy to let mortgage:
Most of these mortgages are not regulated by the FCA as they are treated as business borrowing. However, Consumer BTL mortgages are handled in the same way as residential mortgages by the FCA, protecting the investor from fraud or incorrect advice. This type of mortgage is for “accidental landlords” – it is defined as ‘a buy-to-let mortgage contract which is not entered into by the borrower wholly or predominantly for the purposes of a business carried on, or intended to be carried on, by the borrower.’ For example, if the property is bought for relatives to live in, it would be considered as a Consumer BTL mortgage.
Legislation:
Investors need a tenancy agreement, outlining the terms and responsibilities of both parties. The rented property should be kept safe with a fire alarm and all gas and electrical equipment maintained in good condition. An energy performance certificate should be provided to the tenant. The tenant’s right to rent should be checked. The deposit should be protected in a Government-backed scheme.
Conclusion:
As in every critical decision, the pros and cons need to be weighed. In the case of a Buy to Let mortgage, some of them are:
Advantages:
Demand: With the demand exceeding supply, the rental market is suitable for investors.
Capital gain: Although there is a risk with the value of property fluctuating, “brick-and-mortar” has usually survived and increased in value.
Income: With the rental trend increasing, the revenue should be an asset.
Disadvantages:
High fees: Fees, deposits, and admin/legal costs can be increased.
Rental voids: There is the risk of having no tenant or a tenant who is problematic with payments.
Legal: Keeping in line with the legal requirements can be a big responsibility.
Should a BTL mortgage be decided on, just keep in mind that the stamp duty holiday is till 31 March 2021 and so all necessary documentation should be completed well in time if this benefit is to be availed!
I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.
Seattle is considered to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. It has been estimated that the population will grow with more than 200000 people over the next 20 years. This has strongly been attributed to the tech scene as well as its vibrant culture. This collectively causes the city to become expensive. Studies by the Council on Economic and Community Relations have pointed out that Seattle is 24% more expensive than any normal city in the United States. This means that someone earning an annual salary of $40000 will have to earn $49600 to maintain the standard way of living in Seattle. These costs have been attributed to factors such as home prices, cost of transport and other essential costs.
Housing in Seattle:
The prices of homes in Seattle have shown to be one of the most expensive in the United States and do not seem to be coming down anytime soon. This may seem like good news to citizens who already own houses in Seattle, but it is a nightmare to those who don't own one and want to own one. Prices of houses according to a 2010 survey indicate the price ranges between $216000 and $440000 depending on the number of bedrooms. It has also been indicated that if these prices keep growing at the rate of 20%, the prices will surpass the $1 million mark in the next 25 years.
Read more: Buying Or Selling A Home In Seattle?
Average rent in Seattle:
Renting has been discovered to be more favorable compared to buying. However, it is not a cheap venture. The average rent in Seattle has been estimated to be $2109 which is roughly 80% higher than the national average. Some neighborhoods in Seattle have shown to be more expensive than the others. For instance, a neighborhood like South Lake Union, a one-bedroom is rented at $1900 per month.
Cost of food:
Seattle is known for its exquisite seafood which is sold at the Pike Place Market. However, if you earn little income and survive on a tight budget, then you may not be able to enjoy the cuisines. It has been estimated that the average cost of dining in a typical Seattle restaurant will cost you $30 which is 30% higher than the average or typical price range countrywide. This goes for groceries too where it has been estimated the cost of acquiring groceries in Seattle is 11% more than the average cost of the same products.
Transportation cost:
Most people who live in Seattle rely on road transport to facilitate their movements. It comprises of car owners, public bus transport and even cyclists. The price range of a single bus ticket ranges between $2.50-$3.25. This is more convenient because it has been proven that Seattle traffic is one of the worst in the country. Its fuel prices are also said to be 10% more than the national average price.
Other costs:
According to digitalexits.com internet service providers offer options to ensure proper communication which is essential nowadays. This costs can rise to $75 per month which contribute to the monthly costs you may incur while living in Seattle.
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"Is real estate investment trusts a good career path?" the answer to this question is absolute ‘Yes.’ This business is already attracting lots of beginner investors into the market because it consists of a high return on investment.
REITs are actually companies that own finance-producing real estate across various sectors, and investors get huge benefits from this. However, there are a number of requirements to qualify as real estate investment trusts (REITs).
The main purpose of this company is to help communities grow, revitalize, and thrive. This real estate investment trust is located in every state and is considered a crucial part of the United States economy. Now, discuss this in detail.
What Is A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)?
As already discussed above, a real estate investment trust or REIT is an investment property that funds income-generating real estate assets. This fund is managed by a firm of shareholders who invest funds in properties such as timberlands, hotels, shopping centers, hospitals, warehouses, apartment buildings, etc.
A REIT is similar to an exchange-traded fund (ETF) or mutual fund. A mutual fund aggregates a number of securities or stocks into a single group. Then, rather than purchasing individual fund shares, investors can purchase shares of a mutual fund.
In a similar way, investors can acquire shares or partial ownership in a real estate investment trust to reap the financial benefits of investing in multiple pieces of real estate or other securities simultaneously.
An advantage of real estate investment trusts is that they offer good investment returns to the investors. This factor is attracting many to invest in this asset. Now, what do you think, Is real estate investment trusts a good career path?
How Does A Company Qualify As A REIT?
There are some requirements for a company to qualify for real estate investment trusts, and these requirements are listed below:
You need to have at least a hundred shareholders.
Fifty percent of the shares should not be held by five or fewer individuals.
The company should be managed by trustees or a board of directors.
Be an entity that is taxable as a corporation.
The company must pay at least ninety percent of its taxable income as shareholder profits each year.
Obtain a minimum of 75% of its gross income from rents, mortgage, or sales of real estate
Lastly, invest at least 75% of its total assets in real estate.
How Can You Invest In Real Estate Investment Trusts? An investor or a company must buy stocks just like public stock. The investors may buy shares in an exchange-traded fund or REIT mutual fund. On the other hand, there are many jobs available in real estate investment trust, and these include asset management, property management, development, and much more.
Pros Of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - Is Real Estate Investment Trusts A Good Career Path?
There are some pros and cons of REITs that you need to consider before choosing a real estate investment as a career path.
Have a look at these below-described pros of real estate investment trusts:
i). Performance: This is proven to perform well due to the appreciation of commercial properties.
ii). Diversification: Investing in REIT is regarded as an investment portfolio where the securities and other stocks are down.
iii). Dividends: Provides a stable income stream for investors.
iv). Liquidity: You can easily buy and purchase shares in the market.
v). Transparency: This investment trust is traded on vital stock exchanges that operate under the same rules.
Cons Of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - Is Real Estate Investment Trusts A Good Career Path?
Now, let’s know the major cons related to real estate investment trusts, and these are described below:
i). Minimal Control: If you are investing in this firm, then be prepared because you cannot control operational decisions, such as plans and strategies.
ii). Management Fees: You may be charged with high transactions and administrative fees.
iii). Investment Risk: There are some factors that can affect your investment, and this includes tax laws, geography, debt, interest rates, and property valuation.
iv). High Tax Payment: The dividends can be taxed the same as normal income, and this is the drawback of REIT. Here, you may have some clarity to your question, “Is real estate investment trusts a good career path”.
V). Slow Growth: More than 90% of profits are given back to investors, and only ten percent are reinvented.
What Are The Different Types Of REITs?
There are actually five types of real estate investment trusts, and these are described below:
1. Mortgage REITs
There is only ten percent of REIT investments are in the mortgage, and this is regarded to be very less risky. For diversifying your portfolio, you must consider this investment for your firm.
2. Office REITs
The name of this investment trust itself signifies that these are investments in office buildings. Office real estate investment trusts get income from the rental income. However, there are some major factors, such as vacancy rates, employment rates, capital, etc., that you need to consider if you are interested in office rent.
3. Healthcare REITs
Healthcare REITs are an excellent choice as in the US; healthcare costs are rising rapidly. This type of trust includes nursing homes, retirement homes, medical centers, hospitals, etc. Hence, it is directly involved in the development of the healthcare system.
4. Residential REITs
Residential REITs include several kinds of rental properties like PGs, job holders, etc. However, before considering this know the economic growth, vacancy rate, job opportunities, and the population.
5. Retail REITs
It is estimated that around twenty-four percent of the total REITs are owned by retail. Therefore, investing in these real estate investment trusts can be the best decision that you can consider in 2024.
What Are The Best Paying Jobs In Real Estate Investment Trust?
Now that you know the answer to “Is real estate investment trusts a good career path,” it is time for you to know about something important!
Before you can figure out how many jobs are available in real estate investment trusts, you need to know which REIT jobs pay the best. Our research indicates that sales representatives, leasing agents, broker positions, fund managers, and a variety of other positions in real estate investment trusts (REITs) are the ones with the highest pay.
The advantages will increase more when you own your own land ventures. Presently, we should talk about the top divisions that get the most significant pay in the land venture trusts.
1. Asset Manager
The Asset Management department of REITs is in charge of monitoring the portfolio's financial and operational performance. They manage client assets in accordance with investment preferences and goals. Additionally, these managers create, manage, and organize client portfolios.
It is quite possibly the most lucrative work, with compensations going from $70,000 to $1,000,000. They must keep an eye on the business's financial and operational success. They are also in charge of marketing, finding investors, and checking the returns.
Asset management can be a lucrative career choice, particularly for students of investment banking, finance, and economics with strong performance. BlackRock was the largest asset management company in the world at the end of 2019, managing approximately 7043 trillion dollars in assets. Subsequently, this is actually a colossal sum!
2. Property Manager
You might be surprised to learn that there are currently approximately 15,000 property managers employed in the United States, and this number is increasing. A property manager's duties include communicating with customers and negotiating the best prices for the sale or rental of property.
They handle everything, from leasing to collections and property upkeep. The best part is that applicants need not meet any minimum requirements to apply for this position. This job pays anywhere from $55,000 to $65,000 per year, and one of the best things about it is how quickly it can grow.
3. Acquisitions
Because they have to find and evaluate potential acquisition targets, working for this job profile requires a lot of analysis. There are many job opportunities in this sector, and the good news is that it pays well—about $80,000 per year.
They must be adept at problem-solving and aware of new revenue-generating investment opportunities. This position is one of the best in the real estate investment trust industry.
Securing divisions gives paying positions in land speculation trusts. However, this is a real estate industry position with a lot of finance.
4. Investor Relations
All communication with REIT shareholders that faces the outside world is managed by this department of real estate investment management. A typical administration financial backer procures up to $150,000. This is huge, and it is regarded as the REIT's highest-paying job position.
This is your opportunity to work in the finance and accounting division. The best thing about it is that it pays well and has good potential for growth.
In addition, organizing and preparing for the annual meeting, which includes writing a proxy statement and an annual report for the business, is part of the job of investor relations.
Presently, to land this position, you will need a college degree with a foundation in money or bookkeeping.
5. Real Estate Investor
This is quite possibly the best work in the land venture trust industry in light of the fact that, notwithstanding the significant compensation, there are great possibilities of headway in this industry. Their primary function is to help people become financially independent by investing in real estate.
Before investing and trading, this job requires extensive market research, which takes time. It will be mentally and physically demanding because you will be required to carry out a variety of tasks, such as inspecting, maintaining, flipping, purchasing, and restoring the properties. They can increase the value of their investments as a result of all of this.
You really want a degree in bookkeeping, money, or business to turn into a genuine financial backer since you want to think of ways of improving ventures for you as well as your clients. A land financial backer procures somewhere in the range of $15,000 to $15,000 each year.
Bottom Line: Real Estate Investment Trusts Is A Good Career Path
You might have got the answer to your question, “Is real estate investment trusts a good career path”. Consider the pros, cons, and types of real estate investment trusts (REITs), and then you can decide whether it is good for your career path or not. However, according to the experts, REITs are considered a good career path!
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Nothing could be more disheartening and unfortunate that investing into the property that never reaches its completion date; either there are inconsistencies in the construction of the property or the builder turns fraudulent. RERA complaint filing needs some extra care. Whatever be the reason, under all scenarios, the only option left for home buyers is to withdraw their money from the project and invest elsewhere. But this is not as easy as it sounds. Majority of the real estate developers refuse to return the booking amount on one pretext or the other.
Thankfully, the RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) Act has brought a paradigm shift in the real estate sector. Formed to empower home buyers who are looking forward to buying a property in India, and safeguard their interests, the Act enforces stringent laws, rules, regulations, and time frames for the scheduled delivery of projects. The Act mandates all real estate developers to register their projects before the launch, thus bringing the entire real estate market under one regulatory body.
But do you know how to file a complaint under the RERA Act? What are the timelines for dispute resolution? And why is the Real Estate Regulatory Authority better than other existing consumer protection laws?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the process of filing a complaint under RERA and the benefits of the Act.
What is a RERA Complaint?
Constituted as a discrete grievance redressal system, RERA Act, 2016 strives to resolve any dispute involving a property deal, affecting either the home buyer or the builder. It necessitates every state to form a separate authority to settle disputes between builders and buyers. Therefore, every state has laid out a different set of procedures to register a complaint, and the time taken for the redressal of the cases is also different.
Both real estate developers and home buyers can file a complaint about all kinds of disputes related to:
Delays in project delivery
Non- fulfillment of the property plan
Compensation settlement
Delay in deposit or installments beyond deadlines
"RERA has streamlined the real estate sector in a big way. It has increased transparency and instilled confidence in home buyers who can now take errant builders to court and seek justice. However, RERA authority in every state has different rules, procedures, and forms for filing a complaint, and home buyers need to carefully read through them before lodging a complaint."
How to File a Complaint under RERA?
A complaint can be filed under Section 31 either with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority or the adjudicating officer. A complaint can be filed both online as well as offline but needs to be filed strictly on the form prescribed by the state government. You need to visit the RERA portal of your respective state to download the form and know the rules and procedure laid out by your state government. To log register your complaint, you need to visit the respective RERA portal of your state:
State/UT
Website
Gujarat
http://gujrera.gujarat.gov.in
Uttar Pradesh
www.up-rera.in
Chandigarh
http://rera.chbonline.in
Dadra and Nagar Haveli
http://maharera.mahaonline.gov.in/
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
http://www.tnrera.in/
Daman and Diu
http://maharera.mahaonline.gov.in/
Madhya Pradesh
http://rera.mp.gov.in/
Delhi
http://dda.org.in/rera/index.aspx
Maharashtra
https://maharera.mahaonline.gov.in/
Andhra Pradesh
https://www.rera.ap.gov.in
Odisha
http://orera.in/
Bihar
https://nagarseva.bihar.gov.in/rerabihar/
Rajasthan
http://rera.rajasthan.gov.in/
Jharkhand
http://rera.jharkhand.gov.in/
Uttarakhand
http://www.uhuda.org.in/real-estate-act/
Tamil Nadu
http://www.tnrera.in
Karnataka
https://rera.karnataka.gov.in/
Punjab
https://www.rera.punjab.gov.in/
Chhattisgarh
https://rera.cgstate.gov.in/
Haryana
http://www.harera.in/
Telangana
http://rera.telangana.gov.in/
Himachal Pradesh
http://www.hprera.in/
Goa
https://rera.goa.gov.in/
The fee for filing the case also varies from one state to another. For example, in Maharashtra, the fee for the application is Rs 5,000, whereas in Karnataka it is Rs 1,000.
In general, the complainant needs to furnish:
Complete details of the applicant as well as the respondent.
Registration number and address of the project.
The reason of complaint along with facts and findings.
Reliefs sought if any.
Timelines for Dispute Resolution:
RERA works on the policies of the quick proceeding and immediate judgment. While there is no time frame for registering a case, the authority needs to resolve all complaints within 60 days of receiving the application. To seek immediate relief, consumers must approach the regulatory authority as soon as possible.
Did you know Maharashtra is the most active state in implementing the RERA Act and has more than 65% of projects registered? MahaRERA has received 2,737 complaints and has already passed justice to around 1,476 cases while the rest are in the hearing.
Benefits of RERA over Other Consumer Forums:
Till now, home buyers were protected under the Consumer Protection Act (1986). But due to heavy footfall of cases, the proceedings were slow and the builders used to file an appeal to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), making the whole process invariably slow.
But being a quasi-judicial authority that has been formed to handle only real estate cases, RERA aims at an expeditious resolution of all complaints. Some of the advantages of filing a case under RERA include:
It’s an independent adjudicating body formed to handle real estate cases only.
Completely consumer-friendly.
Offers quick resolution of issues and complaints.
Offers complete transparency in proceedings.
Imparts financial discipline to all builders.
Mandates compensation to home buyers for delayed deliveries of projects.
With all documents ready and proofs at hand, filing a complaint under the Act is not a difficult task. So, whether you are an aggrieved buyer or an unhappy builder, you can now approach the RERA authority and seek immediate relief for all legal disputes pertaining to the real estate industry.
Featured image: realtyplusmag.com
