So why would you want to be a landlord? The simple reason is because buying property which you then rent out can provide you with a regular income, not to mention the potential for capital growth in the medium to long term. Many people are investing in a buy to let property as a pension - the monthly rent may be a useful supplement to other retirement income or the property could be sold and the proceeds used as a nest-egg.

However, buying to let is certainly not a get-rich-quick scheme. Remember that you are investing in an asset that has "low liquidity". This means you won't be able to get your capital back out in a hurry if you need it fast. Investing in rental property may make sense as a part of a broader investment portfolio and you may wish to take independent financial advice about how a buy-to-let property would sit in your portfolio.