When choosing the property you want to let, keep one thing in mind - it's strictly business.

It's important to remember that buying a property to let isn't the same as buying your home. You'll want to look for something that's attractive to possible tenants not for something that appeals to you. It's a commercial decision rather than a personal one. You would be wise to carry out some market research before deciding on a property and also to choose how you're going to pay for it. Some of the questions you'll need to answer are:

• What type of property will be easy to let?
• Is the property likely to increase in value over time?
• What size of property can you afford?
• Who do you plan to let the property to?
• Are there good transport links in your chosen area?
• What is the expected rental income and will this rise?

Furnished or unfurnished?

In the current market, unless the property is to be used for corporate relocation or student accommodation, unfurnished or part-furnished properties are particularly popular. That means when you show prospective tenants around the property, it will have carpets, curtains and fitted kitchen and bathroom - but no furniture. Also, unfurnished properties, whilst untenanted, do not attract council tax.

If you would like more detailed information download our free guide Smart Letting or contact one of our advisers on 0141 352 7800 or by email on advice@hendersonstone.co.uk

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Our fee is a maximum of £500 or 1% of the loan amount if greater. Typically this will be £395.00.

Openwork Limited offer investments and insurance advice on products from a limited number of product providers and advice on mortgages representative of the whole market.