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The best landlords in 2009 are going to be the ones that are thinking long-term.

This can be done in numerous ways. For example good landlords are carrying out market research – they are making sure their price of rental charges fits with the market now and will be fitting with the market in six months or even a year’s time.

They are locking in longer. Where possible, they are trying to lock in good tenants to secure a longer tenancy period – they understand that finding new tenants can be a costly and time-consuming process.

They are also going to be constantly maintaining their property all the year round, and especially now, over the winter. A good 2009 landlord is prepared for anything – and this time of year that means burst pipes, boiler breakdowns, leaking roofs and damp. Fixing things early, or even better, avoiding problems in the first place, can save money in the long-term.

Most importantly, ‘long-term’ landlords are considering their own finances, long-term. The canny investor will get a mortgage agreement in principle, up to six months prior to their current mortgage ending.

If you want to be thinking ahead, talk to your mortgage adviser and see what can be done to make the most of your finances now and in the future.

To keep up with the latest News and comment on the UK buy to let market visit the Buy to Let Mortgage Blog