Real-Life Buy-to-Let Examples (UK)
This page breaks down realistic UK buy-to-let property examples using clear, simple numbers.
Each example walks through the full cost of a rental property, including:
Purchase price and deposit
Stamp duty and legal fees
Mortgage payments
Furnishing and setup costs
Ongoing expenses such as maintenance, insurance, management, and voids
Rather than focusing on headline returns, the aim is to show how the numbers actually work in practice, so you can understand cashflow, risk, and affordability before buying.
All examples are for educational purposes only and are based on typical UK scenarios — not best-case assumptions or guarantees.
Figures will vary by location, property type, and personal circumstances.
This page is designed to help beginners:
Understand true upfront costs
Avoid common budgeting mistakes
Build confidence reading property numbers
Make more informed decisions
No hype. No promises. Just clear breakdowns to help you learn how buy-to-let really works.
Example 1.
Location & Year: Oxfordshire, 2021
Price & Property Type: £285,000, Laasehold Apartment
Mortage & type: £185,480, Interest only, 1.99% fixed for 5 years
Deposit: £99,520
Stamp Duty: £10,300
Morgage Arrangement Fee: £1995
Mortgage Broker Fee: £395
Solicitor Fee: £2200
Surveyor Fee: £960
EICR Fee: £368
Gas Safety Certifcate Fee: £96
Ventalation Installation Fee: £2100
New Flooring: £2712
Council Bulk Item Collection Fee: £28
Cleaning Fee: £108
Void Peroid: 2 Months
£620 mortgage payment interest only
£120 Insurance
£100 Ground rent/ Service Fee
£420 Council tax
£90 Water, Gas, Electricity
These are all the initial fees before a tenant moves in.
Total: £122,112
What does the rent cover?
Mortgage: £310
Landlord Insurance: £60
Ground rent/Serice Fees: £50
Total: £420 per Month
This property was rented for £1000 per month