ASK218: Can I buy my first investment property with a residential mortgage? PLUS: Have I been given bad stamp duty advice?

The Robs are back this week for another episode of Ask Rob & Rob, and we’ve got two fantastic questions....  First up we’ve got Jonathan who’s a newbie podcast listener who has a really interesting question on renting a property vs. buying one.  Jonathan lives and works in London - he’s lived here for the past decade and wants to continue to do so. However he is now looking to start his investment journey but wants to put his money where the most growth is.  He’s been looking at Manchester and Liverpool as potential options, however, he would like the first property that he purchases to be in his personal name. Jonathan is wanting to know if it’s possible to buy a property with a residential mortgage and then rent it out, if it has a lower interest rate? He’s also questioning if he had to buy it with a buy-to-let mortgage, would he be allowed to live in the property for a short period of time whilst he saves up the funds to purchase his own place to live?  So what’s Jonathan’s best option?  Next we have James, also from London, who’s after some clarification on tax advice that he received from a tax advisor.  He’s been told that you only pay stamp duty in a limited company if you’re paying it on a single property.  James is looking to spend around £330,000 in a limited company on property, which, according to his tax advisor, would mean he’d pay £6,200 in stamp duty. Whereas if he were to purchase that property in his own name, he’d be paying £16,400.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But what do Rob & Rob think about this tax advice?  Tune in to find out… Do you have a buy to let or property investment related question for Rob & Rob? You could feature on the next episode by giving us a call on 013 808 00035 and leaving a message with your name and question (normal UK call rates apply).    Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead. The next question on Ask Rob & Rob could be yours.  Have you joined us over on the Property Hub Forum yet? Our online community is friendly, informative, and the members are waiting to welcome you with open arms. So get yourself over and introduce yourself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.