Regain control of your property quickly and efficiently.
If you are a property owner or prospective investor looking to build income through rental property, AST Assistance provides a comprehensive end-to-end service to support you at every stage of the investment process. We coordinate the full journey - from sourcing suitable opportunities and arranging finance options through to acquisition, the coordination of legal support and ongoing management.
Our expertise covers both residential and commercial property, giving investors the opportunity to expand their portfolio and establish a steady income stream. For landlords interested in more specialist opportunities, we also provide dedicated guidance on setting up and managing houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). This includes sourcing properties suitable for conversion, coordinating with trusted contractors and advising on licensing, fire safety, room sizing and amenity standards so that properties meet the required standards and are attractive to tenants.
Property investment requires careful planning, regulatory knowledge and professional oversight. By managing the practical and legal details and connecting you with independent experts where needed, AST Assistance helps reduce risk and supports the long-term success of your portfolio.
Contact AST Assistance today on 01706 619954 to discuss how we can help you make the most of your property investment, including full advice and management for HMOs. Alternatively, use our online contact form and one of our team will be in touch.
Property investment assistance
Property investment services give you structured support when expanding into real estate. At AST Assistance, this means providing clear advice, sourcing suitable properties, managing the acquisition process, coordinating finance, and overseeing ongoing management. Our expertise spans both residential and commercial property, so you benefit from a comprehensive service that addresses every stage of the investment cycle. The process is built around the following stages.
Step 1 - Understanding your requirements
Every investment begins with a clear understanding of your objectives. At AST Assistance, we start with an in-depth meeting to discuss your goals, financial position and expectations. This consultation gives us the opportunity to outline the support we can provide at each stage, setting out how we manage the process with structured, practical guidance. By taking the time to understand your requirements fully, we place your investment on the right foundations from the outset.
Step 2 - Property sourcing
Once we have established your priorities, our team sources a property that aligns with your investment strategy. We work to the criteria we have agreed with you, reviewing available opportunities and presenting options that reflect both your short-term objectives and long-term growth plans. This approach ensures that the property you purchase is not only viable, but also positioned to deliver the returns you are aiming for.
Step 3 - Securing funding
Where finance is required, our mortgage and lending specialists will carry out a detailed market review to identify lending products that best support your investment goals. We look at a wide range of options to recommend funding solutions that are cost-effective, sustainable and appropriate for the type of property you are purchasing. This includes considering interest rates, repayment structures and the impact on your cash flow both during and after the purchase.
AST Assistance connects you with funding solutions that support your long-term goals, reducing the risk of financial pressure and establishing a secure base for future growth once the property is operational.
Step 4 - Comprehensive conveyancing
We streamline the conveyancing process by introducing you to a trusted independent solicitor from our established panel. Each solicitor we recommend has specialist expertise in property law and experience in handling investment transactions, giving you access to advice and representation from professionals who understand the complexities involved. They will manage contract reviews, searches, and all required documentation to help your purchase to progress smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
By working with solicitors who combine efficiency with accuracy, you can complete your transaction with confidence while retaining full independence in your choice of legal support.
Step 5 - Building standards
Once the property has been secured, we oversee any improvements required to bring it to the appropriate standard. We work with reliable contractors from our established network to carry out necessary works, coordinating the process on your behalf. Where a licence is required, we also liaise directly with the local authority to confirm compliance, removing the burden of administration from you and protecting your investment from potential regulatory issues.
Step 6 - Rent-to-rent arrangement
At the final stage, AST Assistance can offer a Rent-to-Rent guaranteed rent agreement. Under this arrangement, we become your tenant, providing you with a fixed monthly income while we sublet the property to tenants who have been carefully vetted by our team. This option provides you with consistent rental income, reduced risk of void periods and the assurance that your property is managed professionally at all times.
AST Assistance supports landlords and investors through every stage of the property investment process. Call us on 01706 619954 or contact us online to discuss how we can help you move forward with your investment plans.
HMO property setup and management services
AST Assistance provides a comprehensive, end-to-end service that supports you through every stage of the HMO journey. From identifying the right property to managing ongoing tenancies, we combine legal expertise, market knowledge, and practical support to make each stage as straightforward as possible. Our approach is structured around clear steps designed to help you build and maintain a profitable investment with reduced risk.
Step 1: HMO property sourcing
Our HMO sourcing agents work with landlords to identify properties that are suitable for HMO conversion or rent-to-rent opportunities, providing a solid foundation for successful investment. This service goes well beyond a standard property search. We provide detailed location analysis, assess each property’s suitability, and carry out full due diligence to highlight both opportunities and risks before any commitments are made. Unlike general estate agents, specialist HMO sourcing agents focus on properties that meet the specific legal and financial requirements of HMOs, and AST Assistance applies this same specialist approach to support your investment strategy.
By giving you a clear picture of both the potential and the limitations of a property, we help you make informed decisions that protect your investment and support long-term returns.
Step 2: Lending assistance
Through our established relationships with trusted lending partners, you gain access to finance products designed specifically for HMO and rental property investments. We work with you to identify the most suitable funding solutions, whether you are purchasing an HMO, planning a conversion or entering into a rent-to-rent arrangement. Our advice considers refurbishment costs, HMO licence requirements, rent agreement structures and projected rental yields, helping you make financial decisions that align with both immediate needs and long-term objectives.
AST Assistance also guides you through the implications of different lending options on cash flow, interest rates, and repayment terms, reducing the risk of financial pressure once the property is operational. By combining access to specialist finance with practical financial advice, we make the lending process more straightforward and give you a strong foundation for a profitable and sustainable HMO investment.
Step 3: Legal support
AST Assistance connects you with trusted, independent solicitors who specialise in property and tenancy law. By working with expert lawyers who are experienced in this area, you can be confident that your investment is structured correctly from the outset. This includes drafting and reviewing tenancy agreements that safeguard your interests, as well as advising on compliance with the Housing Act 1988, local authority licensing schemes, and all relevant tenancy legislation. Addressing these requirements early helps create a solid foundation for a rental arrangement and reduces the likelihood of disputes.
With AST Assistance sourcing and coordinating the right legal professionals, you can focus on building a profitable and sustainable property investment, knowing your obligations are being met and risks are minimised.
Step 4: Building & development teams
AST Assistance coordinates trusted contractors, surveyors and project managers to deliver all aspects of refurbishment and development works. Whether you are undertaking upgrades, structural improvements or full-scale conversions, we oversee the project to keep it aligned with housing standards and regulatory obligations. This includes coordinating work to meet safety requirements, building regulations and local authority guidelines, ensuring your property is ready for long-term rental use.
By managing the process through experienced professionals, we give you confidence that your investment is developed in line with legal and safety standards, resulting in high-quality accommodation that supports tenant satisfaction and long-term returns.
Step 5: Rent-to-rent investment opportunities
If you are considering the rent-to-rent model, also known as a guaranteed rent arrangement, AST Assistance will connect you with independent legal experts who can help identify opportunities while managing the risks involved. This includes reviewing and drafting rental agreements that protect your position, clarifying your legal responsibilities and advising on key areas of compliance - particularly where houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are concerned. Our role is to make sure that any rent-to-rent arrangement you enter into is both legally sound and commercially viable.
We also guide you on your responsibilities around property insurance, including the need for appropriate HMO insurance where relevant. These measures are central to managing financial exposure and supporting consistent rental income. With AST Assistance coordinating the right expertise and providing clear advice, you can approach rent-to-rent investments well-prepared and avoid common pitfalls.
Step 6: Ongoing HMO management
Once your property is operational, AST Assistance provides a complete management service to handle the demands of running an HMO. We take care of all tenancy management, from securing and referencing tenants to managing rent collection and addressing any disputes that arise. Our service also covers routine inspections and coordination of maintenance works, ensuring your property remains in good condition and compliant with legal requirements.
In addition, we deal with all compliance renewals, including gas safety checks, electrical inspections, fire risk assessments and HMO licence updates. By managing these ongoing obligations on your behalf, we reduce the administrative and legal burden that comes with housing multiple tenants.
AST Assistance also offers clear guidance on the eviction process, helping you understand the rules that apply once a notice period ends. If your tenants do not leave voluntarily after serving notice, we can source trusted independent solicitors to prepare the necessary court papers, organise the court hearing, and apply for a possession order on your behalf.
If a possession order is granted and the tenants still remain in the property, we can also arrange for high court bailiffs to enforce the order. By coordinating each stage and connecting you with the right legal expertise, AST Assistance handles the eviction process correctly and supports you throughout.
Call us on 01706 619954 or contact us online to discuss how we can assist with your HMO property goals.
FAQs about our property investment assistance services
Will no-fault evictions be banned?
No-fault evictions, also known as Section 21 notices, are set to be abolished under the proposed Renters Reform Bill. This change will mean landlords can no longer end a tenancy without providing a valid reason recognised by law and sufficient evidence.
AST Assistance can guide you through what these reforms to section 21 evictions mean for you as a landlord. We explain your ongoing obligations, the grounds still available for regaining possession and how to manage the eviction process in line with the legislation once the changes take effect.
What is a Section 8 eviction notice?
A Section 8 eviction notice is used when a tenant has breached the terms of their tenancy agreement. Common reasons include serious rent arrears, antisocial behaviour or damage to the property. Serving this notice formally informs the tenant that you are seeking possession of the property on specific legal grounds.
When the notice ends, tenants are expected to leave voluntarily. If they do not, you will need to begin court action. The county court will set a hearing date where a judge will review the case and decide whether to grant a possession order. If the order is made and the tenant still refuses to leave, you may then need to instruct county court bailiffs to enforce possession.
Our team is there to guide you through each stage of the Section 8 eviction process. We help you follow the correct procedures, source independent solicitors to prepare court papers, and coordinate hearings where needed, making the process as smooth and efficient as possible while protecting your investment.
How long does it take to evict a tenant under a Section 8 notice?
The length of time for a Section 8 eviction varies - in some cases the process can be completed in a matter of weeks, while in others it may take several months. Timescales depend on court availability, your evidence for the case, whether the tenant contests the claim, and how quickly both parties respond. Where unpaid rent is involved, the court may prioritise the case, but landlords must follow rules carefully to avoid delays.
Most cases of Section 8 evictions require a court hearing, unlike the accelerated procedure available under Section 21. If tenants still refuse to leave after a court order is granted, county court bailiffs will set the eviction date and enforce possession.
AST Assistance will guide you through each stage of a tenant eviction, from serving the notice correctly to sourcing independent solicitors to preparing court papers and arranging hearings, helping you get your property back from problem tenants.
What happens if I illegally evict a tenant?
If you attempt to remove tenants or their belongings yourself before the eviction notice ends, or without following the correct legal process through county court bailiffs or High Court bailiffs, this is classed as an illegal eviction. Landlords who act in this way may face legal repercussions, including fines, criminal prosecution and compensation claims from the tenant.
This is why it is essential to carry out evictions strictly in line with the law. AST Assistance will guide you through the correct procedures, sourcing independent legal experts where needed, so you can regain possession of your property lawfully and avoid the risks associated with unlawful eviction.
How does rent-to-rent work?
The rent-to-rent business model is where a company or individual, known as the "rent-to-renter," leases a property directly from the landlord and then sublets it to other tenants, usually at a higher combined rental rate. This arrangement can generate profit for the rent-to-renter while providing the landlord with a guaranteed income, but it also carries legal and compliance considerations.
Our team of property management experts can advise on your rent-to-rent strategy, helping to structure agreements correctly and reduce potential risks. Get in touch with AST Assistance today to discuss your options and receive expert guidance.
What is the HMO fire risk assessment cost?
An HMO fire risk assessment typically ranges from around £150 to £500. The exact cost you pay will depend on factors such as the size of the property, the number of occupants, and the complexity of the building layout and fire safety systems in place.
We will provide guidance on the expected cost for your property and, if needed, introduce you to reliable fire risk assessors.
How much is an HMO licence?
The total cost of an HMO licence is made up of two parts - the administration fee and the grant fee -which together form the full HMO licensing cost. The amount payable will depend on whether you are submitting a new application, a subsequent new application, or a renewal, as well as the number of occupants at the property. A discount of £50 is available for subsequent new applications and £200 for renewals.
If you are preparing to enter the HMO rental market, AST Assistance can advise you on how licensing fees apply to your specific property and circumstances. We provide clear, comprehensive guidance on HMO licence requirements, helping you understand your obligations and avoid costly compliance issues.
Contact us
For comprehensive property and HMO investment assistance, contact AST Assistance on 01706 619954 or fill out our online contact form. Our team is here to provide clear, professional support, helping you maximise the potential of your property investments. Speak to us today to see how we can assist with your plans.
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