Buying a property from your landlord (Source: State Property Management)
Living in a property for years and making it your own, can often make it very difficult for tenants to part with it. For some lucky first-time buyers, the opportunity might arise for them to actually purchase their rental property from their landlord. For many first-time buyers, the prospect of buying a property from their current landlord might seem like a bit of a daunting task. However, this can be a lucrative opportunity to step onto the property ladder, while already being familiar with the property. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps and considerations involved in buying your property from your landlord, helping you make an informed decisions and a smooth transition into property ownership.
Assess Your Financial Readiness When Buying a Property From Your Landlord
Before diving into the home buying process, it’s crucial to evaluate your financial readiness for purchasing a rental property with the help of a mortgage broker or advisor. As a first-time buyer, you’ll need to consider factors such as your credit score, income stability, existing debts, and deposit availability. These factors will play a significant role in determining your eligibility for a mortgage and the terms you can secure. By speaking to a mortgage broker, you will be able to determine how much mortgage is available to you, how much deposit you need, and what kind of mortgage deal you can likely secure.
Determine the Property’s Market Value
If you have never owned a property before, you may not be aware of the value of the home that you have been living in. And of course, anyone selling a property (i.e. you landlord) will want to try and get as much for their property as they can when selling it. When determining the value of the home, you should begin by assessing the current market value of the rental property. Research recent sales of comparable properties in the area and consider consulting an estate agent for a comprehensive analysis. Your mortgage advisor can also help you to determine this through their own connections. This will provide you with a better understanding of the property’s worth, which is essential for negotiating a fair price with your landlord.
Engage in Open Communication
Initiate an open and honest conversation with your landlord regarding your interest in purchasing the rental property. Your landlord might have inherited the property from a family member, it might have been their family home growing up, they might have owned it for decades. So making them aware of your intentions and your commitment to purchasing the property to live in will work in your favour. Clearly express your intentions and gauge their willingness to sell. A positive and transparent dialogue can set the foundation for a smooth negotiation process with things like price and other deadlines that need to be met during the buying process.
Getting a Mortgage When Buying a Property From Your Landlord
Unless you are lucky enough to be able to buy the property in cash, securing financing for the purchase is a critical step. Getting a mortgage for a property you already live in is probably less hassle than if you were purchasing a property from someone you didn’t know. But that doesn’t mean that it can’t still be tricky. You should always consult a mortgage advisor in the first instance who can help you to navigate the mortgage market. Through your advisor you can shop around for mortgage options that best suit your financial situation and investment goals. A mortgage pre-approval credit check done through your broker will also give you a clear idea of your budget and enhance your credibility as a serious buyer with your landlord.
Conduct Property Inspections
With most property purchases, a mortgage lender will insist on a property valuation/survey to ensure that the property is mortgageable and that there are no serious issues. In a lot of mortgage applications, this comes at a discounted cost or is included free with the product. With properties that have been used primarily for rental purposes, sometimes there are issues that have not been noticed or have not been addressed in a while, so getting a good survey is very important. You can also arrange for an independent comprehensive property inspection. This will help uncover any hidden issues or needed repairs, potentially influencing the final sale price.
Buying Your Home From Your Landlord
In short, buying your property from your landlord can be a fun and exiting time, but can also be a delicate transaction that needs a lot of attention and care. Buying your rental property from your landlord as a first-time buyer can be a rewarding venture. By carefully assessing your financial readiness, communicating openly with your landlord, and navigating each step of the process with the help of a mortgage broker, you can make a seamless transition into property ownership. Remember to seek professional guidance, conduct thorough due diligence, and approach the transaction with a clear understanding of your purchasing goals.
If you or anyone you know is looking to buy their rental property from their landlord to live in, then please feel free to give our team of expert mortgage brokers a call today or send us a message to get the ball rolling. We are here to help.
