I have picked up many a cheap property investment and then benefited from the grants available from my local council.  There are a range of grants and loans for landlords but the availability of these schemes does vary from council to council.  There are grants available for energy efficiency, HMO conversion and for renovating empty properties for use by tenants.   Each council has different criteria for awarding the grant to landlords and these criteria range from means-testing to whether landlords have secure tenants in place.
Energy Efficiency
The introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) means that homes are now given an energy rating from ‘A’ to ‘G’.  Making property energy efficient can be a very expensive task although loft and cavity wall insulation not only helps cut energy bills but also makes properties more saleable.

Houses built between 1935 and 1980 are the main focus for council grants but that doesn’t mean properties built since then can’t benefit from such a grant.  It is estimated that installing loft or cavity wall insulation can save up to £250 per annum on fuel bills.

HMO Conversion Grant

In April 2006 the Government introduced new laws that required landlords to licence their property if it fell into HMO (House of Multiple Occupation) status.  HMOS are larger properties which are occupied by people who do not live as a single household such as professional sharers or students.

Investing in property such as an HMO has become increasingly popular in recent years and councils offer grants of up to £30,000 to assist landlords in bringing properties in line with the minimum HMO standards.  This might include fire and safety measures or improving kitchens and bathrooms.

Again, however, there are many conditions attached to such grants and so if you are considering an HMO as a property investment you should contact your local council for details.

Empty Property Grant

If you own a property that has been empty for more than one year you have the option of being able to let it to council nominate tenants on a long term lease (ordinarily over five years).  In this instance you could be eligible for an Empty Property Grant covering fifty percent of the cost of any renovation work.