Navigating the UK property investment market can be daunting, especially if you’re new to it. The industry has a language of its own, with numerous terms, acronyms and concepts that can be difficult to understand. That’s why we’ve created this Jargon Buster to help you get to grips with the most common terms and phrases used in the UK property investment market. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor or just looking to learn more about the industry, our Jargon Buster page provides clear and concise explanations of the key terms you need to know. With this resource, you can feel confident and informed as you explore the exciting world of UK property investment.
| Term | Definition |
| Annual Percentage Rate (APR) | The total cost of borrowing, including interest and fees, expressed as a yearly rate. |
| Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) | A common type of rental agreement in England and Wales with a fixed term. |
| Break Clause | A provision in a tenancy agreement allowing early termination under specific conditions. |
| Building Survey | A comprehensive inspection of a property’s condition, often used before purchasing. |
| Buy-to-Let (BTL) | Buying a property to rent it out to tenants, generating rental income and potential capital growth. |
| Capital Growth | The increase in a property’s value over time. |
| Chain Free | A property sale not dependent on the completion of other property transactions. |
| Conveyancing | The legal process of transferring property ownership from the seller to the buyer. |
| Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) | A borrower’s total monthly debt payments divided by their gross monthly income. |
| Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) | A rating of a property’s energy efficiency, ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). |
| Equity | The difference between a property’s market value and the outstanding mortgage balance. |
| Fixtures and Fittings | Items physically attached to a property or included in a sale, such as lighting, carpets, or appliances. |
| Fixed-Rate Mortgage | A mortgage with a fixed interest rate for a set period, offering predictable monthly payments. |
| Freehold and Leasehold | Freehold refers to owning a property and the land it stands on, while leasehold means owning a property but not the land for a fixed term. |
| Gazumping | When a seller accepts a higher offer from another buyer after accepting an initial offer. |
| Gazundering | When a buyer lowers their offer on a property shortly before contracts are exchanged. |
| Gross Development Value (GDV) | The estimated market value of a completed property development project. |
| Gross Yield | Rental income as a percentage of the property’s market value before accounting for expenses. |
| Ground Rent | A regular payment made by a leaseholder to a freeholder for the use of the land. |
| Help to Buy | A government scheme assisting first-time buyers in purchasing a property with a smaller deposit. |
| Homebuyer Report | A mid-level survey assessing a property’s condition, highlighting potential issues. |
| House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) | A property rented out to multiple tenants sharing facilities, often requiring additional licensing. |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR) | A financial metric measuring whether rental income is sufficient to cover mortgage interest payments. |
| Land Registry | A government agency maintaining records of property ownership, transactions, and values. |
| Loan-to-Income Ratio (LTI) | The ratio of a mortgage amount to the borrower’s annual income. |
| Loan-to-Value (LTV) | The ratio of a mortgage amount to the property’s value or purchase price, expressed as a percentage. |
| Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) | A lender’s initial indication of how much they may be willing to lend based on a borrower’s financial details. |
| Mortgage Broker | An intermediary helping borrowers find suitable mortgage products and deals. |
| Negative Gearing | When property expenses exceed rental income, potentially offsetting taxable income in some jurisdictions. |
| Net Yield | Rental income as a percentage of the property’s market value after accounting for expenses. |
| Off-plan Property | A property purchased before construction or completion, based on the developer’s plans and specifications. |
| Portfolio Landlord | A property investor who owns multiple rental properties, typically four or more, with more complex financing and management requirements. |
| Property Chain | A series of linked property transactions, where the sale of one property depends on the successful completion of other property sales. |
| Property Management Company (PMC) | A company responsible for managing rental properties, including tenant communication, rent collection, and maintenance. |
| Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) | A company that owns and manages income-producing properties, offering investors a way to invest in real estate. |
| Refurbishment | The process of renovating and improving a property, often with the aim of increasing its value or rental potential. |
| Rental Guarantee | An assurance, often provided by a property developer or management company, that a property will generate a specific level of rental income for a set period, regardless of actual occupancy. |
| Rental Yield | Rental income as a percentage of the property’s market value, used to assess the potential return on a property investment. |
| Return on Investment (ROI) | A financial metric used to evaluate the performance of an investment, calculated by dividing the net profit by the initial investment cost, expressed as a percentage. |
| Right to Buy | A government scheme allowing eligible council tenants to purchase their homes at a discount. |
| Section 21 Notice | A legal notice for ending an assured shorthold tenancy in England and Wales without the need for a reason. |
| Section 8 Notice | A legal notice for ending an assured shorthold tenancy in England and Wales due to specific grounds, such as rent arrears or property damage. |
| Service Charge | A fee paid by leaseholders to cover the cost of maintaining and managing a building’s communal areas. |
| Shared Ownership | A government scheme allowing buyers to purchase a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining share. |
| Snagging List | A list of defects and issues in a new-build property, often compiled before the property is handed over to the buyer. |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) | A tax on property purchases in England and Northern Ireland, calculated based on the property’s purchase price. |
| Tenant Referencing | The process of checking a potential tenant’s background, including employment status, credit history, and previous rental history. |
| Tracker Mortgage | A variable-rate mortgage with an interest rate that tracks a specific benchmark, such as the Bank of England Base Rate. |
| Variable-Rate Mortgage | A mortgage with an interest rate that can change over time, influenced by the lender’s standard variable rate (SVR). |
| Void Period | A period when a rental property is unoccupied, and no rental income is generated. |
