If you want to buy a property to rent out, there are many things you need to consider to make the right choice. Here's what you'll need to think about when buying to rent.

Building up a property portfolio

Investing in rental property is an interesting solution for building up property assets, generating additional income - particularly for retirement - or protecting your family. That said, buying to rent is a project that requires precautions, not only with regard to the choice of tenants, but first and foremost with regard to the choice of accommodation.

Finding the perfect home

To find the ideal property, you should of course base your choice on your budget, but also on your wishes: are you planning to buy for students or young professionals (in which case a studio or two-room apartment will suffice) or for families? If this is your first purchase, we can only advise you to aim for a small property to reduce the down payment and the duration of the loan you will take out, even if it means diversifying your portfolio. It is often advisable to buy several small properties rather than one large one, in order to reduce the effects of a vacancy or a rent default, for example.

Buying to rent: New or old?

You are probably asking yourself a question: is it better to buy a new or old house? Each solution has a long list of advantages and disadvantages. A new flat will be more expensive to buy, but you won't have to worry about repairs or upgrades for at least ten years. With an older property, you will have more choice in terms of location and, unless you renovate, you can rent it out immediately. Once again, it all depends on your objectives... and in this case your tastes. Because when it comes to rental investment, there is another fundamental criterion that we don't always think about: that you like the property!

Researching the market

Beyond the property itself, its location is essential for a rental investment. Your flat must be located in the city, close to shops and amenities. These depend once again on the type of person for whom you are planning the property: think public transport and universities for students, schools for families... Of course, a study of the local market is essential, both in terms of vacant accommodation (if there is too much of it, it means that demand is low) and the rental prices that are charged in the area under consideration.