Buy to let investing is a profitable and popular market. In Swindon, the buy-to-let market is an appealing prospect for landlords or those just starting out with investing in their property long term. When it comes to making money from your property, investment is highly worthwhile and can be a great way to generate passive income.
At Miles Byron, we don’t deal with lettings, more focused on home selling and buying – but we do understand the appeal to landlords who are looking to grow their portfolio with property in Swindon. Our team has come together to create this helpful article, exploring some of the ways you can profit by renting out your property as a landlord, or in other ways!
Getting a Buy-to-Let Mortgage
Unlike a traditional mortgage, a buy-to-let mortgage is for landlords and property investors looking to purchase a property for the sole purpose of renting it out. Many lenders do consider this type of mortgage a higher risk, and so there tends to be stricter criteria in order to qualify for one, which differs from lender to lender but could include:
Existing Homeownership: Many lenders won’t allow you to get a buy-to-let mortgage unless you own your own home, or have a property with a mortgage already on it.
Higher Deposit: While normal mortgages ask for a deposit of 5-20% of the property price, lenders for a buy-to-let mortgage may ask for a minimum of 25%.
Good Credit: A mortgage is a large chunk of change and can be a lifelong commitment to pay back, so reducing spending in other areas is a must.
Age Limit: Many lenders enforce an age limit on applying for a buy-to-let mortgage, which is usually around seventy five, but every lender is different.
Separate Income: You may be asked to provide evidence of income outside of rental yields, including employment and self-employment – usually over £25k a year.
If you’re a landlord already, or interested in getting into renting as a property investment, we recommend doing a lot of research beforehand to make sure all your ducks are in a row before proceeding.
Finding The Right Property
A lot can go into finding a property that suits your needs. For example, you need to determine exactly who you will be renting to, do you want a six bedroom home for student accommodation? Or how about a starter home for a young couple? In Swindon, there are plenty of different properties available, and in terms of buy-to-let property investing, they all have their unique benefits and disadvantages.
In Swindon, you will find a variety of properties for sale – including flats, bungalows, terraced houses, and more. For more information on the type of properties available in Swindon, check out our blog on the Types of Property Available in Swindon now!
Changes For Landlords In 2025
The property rental market has continued to evolve in 2025, with several new regulations and updates that landlords in Swindon and across the UK need to be aware of. Staying compliant not only helps protect your investment but also ensures you continue to provide a safe and fair experience for your tenants. Below are some of the most important changes affecting landlords this year.
Key updates for 2025 include:
- Implementation of stricter Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standards, moving towards a minimum rating of C for new tenancies.
- Renters’ Reform Bill progress, including the proposed abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions.
- Enhanced carbon monoxide and fire safety regulations, now requiring detectors in all rooms containing fuel-burning appliances.
- Continued enforcement of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for landlords earning over £50,000 annually, with wider rollout expected soon.
- Stronger tenant rights around rent increases and deposit handling to ensure greater fairness and transparency.
These changes highlight the government’s ongoing focus on improving rental quality and sustainability. For landlords, that means reviewing your portfolio carefully and planning ahead. For example, ensuring your property’s energy efficiency meets new EPC thresholds can avoid future fines and improve its long-term value. Similarly, keeping up to date with digital tax requirements can streamline your record-keeping and save time during the financial year.
It’s also worth considering how reforms like the Renters’ Reform Bill could impact tenancy management. With the removal of Section 21, landlords will need to focus on maintaining strong tenant relationships and clear documentation to protect their interests. While these shifts may feel demanding, they ultimately help create a more stable, professional rental market – benefitting both landlords and tenants in the long run.
Are Any New Changes Coming in 2026?
While 2025 has introduced significant developments, there’s even more on the horizon for landlords in 2026. The government has indicated its intention to continue tightening housing standards and modernising the private rental sector.
One of the biggest expected updates relates to the EPC reforms. Currently, only new tenancies must meet the proposed minimum C rating, but from 2026 onwards, the same standard may apply to all rented properties, regardless of when the tenancy began. This means landlords will need to make proactive improvements to insulation, windows, and heating systems to remain compliant. Although these upgrades can be costly, they could also increase the property’s value and tenant appeal.
Additionally, further stages of the Making Tax Digital rollout are expected, bringing more landlords into the system. Those with smaller rental incomes will eventually be required to submit quarterly digital tax returns. It’s advisable to start using accounting software now to get comfortable with the process.
Finally, there are discussions around new licensing and registration schemes designed to improve accountability across the rental market. Local councils may have more power to monitor landlords and ensure properties are safe, efficient, and well-maintained. These potential measures reflect a continued drive to make renting more transparent and better regulated across England.
Proper Management
Renting out your property is more than just buying a house, putting it on the market, and collecting rent. To be a landlord, you must stay on top of repairs, have a boiler and gas check carried out yearly, respond to issues with tenants, and perform other tasks that could become expensive. In addition to this, you must stay on top of the rules and legislation that comes with being a landlord, or you could be prosecuted. Damp could be a major issue that can lead to several negative health consequences, so frequent checks in areas of the home that can let moisture build up is a must.
Other Ways to Profit with your Property
If you don’t want to go as far as providing a landlord service, there are other ways you can use your property as a way to make a profit. For example, AirBnB allows you to rent out your property in much the same way a hotel would rent out rooms, except guests will have larger spaces and access to a wider range of amenities. You don’t even need to have a separate property to do this – going away for a week? Why not list your property while you’re away to earn some money while you aren’t there? Many homeowners even convert spaces in their property to act as guest bedrooms to accommodate somebody staying over for a few nights. The possibilities are endless!
Is Now A Good Time To Become a Landlord?
Despite the regulatory changes, 2025 remains a strong time to invest in property. Demand for rental homes in Swindon and surrounding areas continues to outpace supply, creating opportunities for competitive yields and long-term returns. The shift towards higher standards and greener homes may also attract tenants who are more stable and reliable.
Becoming a landlord today means taking a proactive, informed approach. By understanding new requirements early, you can adapt quickly, build better relationships with tenants, and protect your investment against future changes. With careful planning, property remains one of the most rewarding and secure ways to grow your wealth – and with expert guidance from local professionals like Miles Byron, you can move forward with confidence.
For more information on property available in Swindon, contact Miles Byron now!
To find out more, or to speak with our team about the property options we currently have in Swindon, get in touch with Miles Byron today! We offer a range of estate agency services, including properties in Swindon, and property valuations, so reach out now! For more of our expert advice, we also have blogs dedicated to what to look for when choosing an estate agent, top tips for a speedy sale, and the hidden costs of home ownership!