The buy-to-let property investment process is "all about research", according to one industry representative.

Chris Horne, editor of Property Hawk website, said that amateur landlords in the UK need to conduct thorough research in a number of areas before making a purchase.

With Citizens Advice reporting earlier this month that three million private rented sector households exist in the UK, new landlords should also be aware that it is a competitive game they are playing.

Mr Horne commented: "[Landlords need] to do their research about what type of property they are buying, where they are buying, [as well as] making sure that there is enough rental demand."

And the decisions do not end once a property has been bought - there are still many issues to consider regarding what to put in the homes and how to decorate the interiors.

Landlords in the process of furnishing their new flats and houses may find they benefit from using safe storage facilities.

Written by Paul Governor