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