The UK property market can feel intimidating. You know it’s a powerful way to grow your capital, but the learning curve seems incredibly steep. From understanding local market trends in cities like Liverpool to handling the legal complexities of tenancy agreements, it’s a lot to take on alone. This knowledge gap is often the barrier that stops potential investors in their tracks. But what if you didn’t have to be the expert on every detail? A successful hands-off property investment UK strategy is built on partnership. It allows you to leverage the deep knowledge of a professional team, giving you access to their experience and systems while you remain in control of your asset.
Key Takeaways
- Earn Rental Income Without the Landlord Duties: A hands-off strategy lets you benefit from property investment while a professional team manages tenant relations, maintenance, and rent collection, freeing you to focus on your career or other goals.
- Vet Your Management Partner Thoroughly: Your investment’s success hinges on the quality of your management company. Investigate their track record, demand full transparency on all fees, and confirm they are a responsive and communicative partner before committing.
- Act Like a Strategic Investor, Not a Passive Owner: “Hands-off” doesn’t mean “eyes-closed.” Regularly review performance reports, stay informed about market trends, and make smart decisions about reinvesting profits to ensure your portfolio continues to grow.
What Is Hands-Off Property Investment?
Hands-off property investment is a straightforward way to build a real estate portfolio without becoming a full-time landlord. Think of it as a method to grow your money through property, but without the constant demands of managing it yourself. Instead of spending your weekends vetting tenants or your evenings dealing with maintenance requests, you invest your capital and let a professional team handle the day-to-day operations. This approach is perfect for busy professionals, overseas investors, or anyone who wants the financial benefits of property ownership without the operational headaches.
The core idea is simple: you own the asset, but you delegate the management. This means you can still benefit from rental income and long-term capital appreciation, all while freeing up your time to focus on your career, family, or other investments. It’s a strategic way to enter the property market by leveraging the experience of experts who know the industry inside and out. You get the investment, they handle the work. This partnership allows you to build wealth through property in a more passive, streamlined way.
Hands-Off vs. Traditional Investing: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between hands-off and traditional property investing comes down to your level of direct involvement. With traditional investing, you are the landlord. You’re responsible for everything: finding the property, securing tenants, collecting rent, arranging repairs, and handling all the legal paperwork. It’s an active role that can feel like a second job.
In contrast, a hands-off investment means you outsource these responsibilities. A professional management company takes over the operational workload. They find and screen tenants, manage the property, handle all communication, and deal with any issues that arise. You remain the owner and the ultimate decision-maker, but you’re freed from the daily grind of property management.
Why Passive Income Is So Appealing
The biggest draw of a hands-off strategy is the opportunity to generate passive income. This is money that you earn without having to actively trade your time for it. For many, it’s the key to building long-term wealth, planning for retirement, or achieving greater financial freedom. The goal is to have your assets work for you, providing a steady stream of income that can supplement or even replace your primary salary.
However, it’s important to have realistic expectations. While real estate can be a fantastic source of passive income, “hands-off” doesn’t mean “eyes-closed.” A successful investment still requires your oversight. You need to perform due diligence upfront and stay informed about your property’s performance. This is where a trustworthy partner becomes invaluable, providing clear communication and expert guidance so you can make informed decisions without getting bogged down in the details.
What Are Your Hands-Off Investment Options?
Once you’ve decided that a hands-off investment strategy is the right fit for your goals, the next exciting step is figuring out how you want to invest. The world of property investment isn’t one-size-fits-all, and there are several fantastic ways to generate passive income without becoming a full-time landlord. Think of it like choosing your own adventure—each path has unique benefits and leads to different types of opportunities. Below, we’ll walk through four of the most popular hands-off investment options in the UK, so you can find the one that aligns perfectly with your financial ambitions and lifestyle.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Think of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, as a way to invest in a large portfolio of properties without buying a single one yourself. These companies own and often operate income-producing real estate—from apartment buildings to shopping centres. You can buy shares in a REIT on the stock market, just like you would with any other public company. This approach allows you to earn income through dividends and potential capital appreciation. It’s a popular choice for beginners or those looking to add real estate to their portfolio with maximum simplicity and diversification, as your investment is spread across many different assets.
Managed Rental Properties
If you like the idea of owning a physical property but not the thought of late-night calls about a broken boiler, managed rental properties are an ideal solution. With this strategy, you purchase a property but then hand over the operational work to a professional management company. They handle everything from finding and vetting tenants to collecting rent, coordinating repairs, and ensuring legal compliance. This lets you enjoy the benefits of rental income and property appreciation without the day-to-day landlord duties. It’s a perfect middle ground, giving you direct asset ownership with expert management to make it a truly passive experience.
Property Syndicates
A property syndicate is essentially a form of crowdfunding for real estate. It allows a group of investors to pool their money together to purchase a much larger or more valuable property than they could afford individually, like a block of flats or a commercial building. A professional syndicate manager finds the deal, organises the funding, and oversees the entire project, from purchase to management and eventual sale. This collective investment model gives you access to high-value deals that are typically out of reach for a single investor. It’s a great way to diversify into larger-scale projects while the day-to-day operations are completely handled for you.
Buy-to-Let Schemes
The classic buy-to-let model involves purchasing a property with the specific goal of renting it out to tenants. While this can be a very hands-on venture, it becomes a passive investment when you bring in a property management company. By hiring professionals to manage the tenancy, you can create a completely hands-off experience. They take care of tenant relations, maintenance, and all the administrative tasks, leaving you to simply receive the rental income. This strategy is fantastic because you retain full ownership of the asset and have more control over your investment, while still benefiting from a steady, passive income stream.
Why Choose a Hands-Off Investment Strategy?
Deciding to invest in property is a big step, but it doesn’t have to mean becoming a full-time landlord. A hands-off investment strategy is about working smarter, not harder. It allows you to reap the financial rewards of the property market without getting bogged down by the day-to-day responsibilities of property management. Think of it as having an expert team in your corner, handling everything from finding tenants to fixing leaky taps, while you focus on what matters most to you.
This approach is perfect for busy professionals, overseas investors, or anyone who wants to build wealth through property without the associated stress. Instead of spending your weekends dealing with maintenance requests or chasing rent, you can trust a professional team to manage your asset effectively. This frees you up to either grow your portfolio further or simply enjoy the passive income it generates. It’s a strategic choice that makes property investment more accessible and sustainable for the long term.
Save Your Time
Your time is your most valuable asset. A hands-on approach to property investment can quickly turn into a part-time job you never signed up for. Screening tenants, collecting rent, handling emergency repairs, and staying on top of legal paperwork all take significant time and energy. A hands-off strategy gives you that time back. By entrusting your property to a management company, you offload all the operational tasks. Professional managers handle the tenant communication, maintenance, and administrative duties, letting you profit from real estate without the daily grind. This allows you to focus on your career, family, or other passions, knowing your investment is in capable hands.
Access Professional Expertise
Unless you’re a seasoned property expert, managing a rental can involve a steep learning curve. A hands-off approach gives you immediate access to a team of professionals who live and breathe property management. These experts understand the local rental market, have efficient systems for finding and vetting tenants, and maintain relationships with reliable contractors. Their experience helps minimize vacancies and ensures your property is well-maintained, which protects its value. This professional oversight provides incredible peace of mind, as you know your investment is being managed by people with a proven track record of success. You’re not just buying a property; you’re investing in a seamless, professional service designed to get the best results.
Diversify Your Portfolio
One of the golden rules of investing is not to put all your capital in one place. Property is an excellent way to diversify your investment portfolio beyond traditional stocks and shares. Real estate is a tangible asset that often performs independently of the stock market, providing a valuable hedge against volatility. A hands-off strategy makes adding property to your portfolio incredibly straightforward. You don’t need to become an expert in a new market or take on the duties of a landlord to benefit. It allows you to easily spread your capital across different asset classes, creating a more balanced and resilient financial foundation for your future.
Generate Passive Income
The ultimate goal for many investors is to create a reliable stream of passive income—money that works for you, not the other way around. Hands-off property investment is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. Once your property is tenanted, the rental income provides a consistent cash flow directly to you, with minimal ongoing effort required. This steady income can supplement your primary salary, help you reach financial goals faster, or be reinvested to compound your wealth. It’s a simple and powerful way to grow your money over the long term, building financial security without sacrificing your time and freedom.
What Are the Risks and How Do You Handle Them?
Every investment comes with a set of risks, and property is no exception. The key to a successful hands-off strategy isn’t avoiding risk altogether—it’s understanding it and knowing how to manage it. Many investment mistakes happen when people react emotionally to market shifts instead of sticking to a well-researched plan. By preparing for potential challenges, you can make informed decisions and protect your investment for the long run.
Prepare for Market Changes
The property market has its own rhythm of ups and downs. The best way to handle this is to do your homework. A property in a growing area with strong rental demand is better insulated from wider market dips. Working with a team that has deep, local knowledge helps you choose the right properties and gives you the confidence to hold steady, even when the headlines get noisy. You can stay informed on your own by reviewing the official UK House Price Index for a reliable overview of market performance. This helps you base your decisions on data, not fear.
Understand the Fees and Costs
Jumping into an investment without a clear picture of the costs is a common misstep. A hands-off property investment involves more than just the purchase price. You need to account for management fees, service charges, potential maintenance costs, and letting fees. A trustworthy investment partner will be completely transparent about these expenses from the start. Before you commit, ask for a detailed breakdown of all anticipated costs. This ensures there are no surprises and that you have a realistic understanding of your potential buy-to-let profits. This clarity is crucial for making sure the investment aligns with your financial goals.
Know How Much Control You Have
While hands-off investing can generate passive income, it’s a myth that it’s entirely passive. You’re delegating the day-to-day work, not giving up all oversight. The goal is to free yourself from dealing with tenants and repairs, not to be left in the dark about your own asset. A good management partner will establish clear lines of communication, providing you with regular updates and consulting you on major decisions. Before signing on, clarify the process: How often will you receive reports? What is the protocol for unexpected expenses? Understanding your level of involvement ensures you feel secure and in control, even from a distance.
Why Due Diligence Is Crucial
Due diligence is your most important task as an investor. Taking the time to investigate every detail upfront helps you avoid common pitfalls and sets you up for long-term success. For a hands-off investor, this process goes beyond the property itself. You also need to thoroughly vet the management company, the developer, and any other partners involved. Look into their track record, read client testimonials, and carefully review all legal documents. A solid partner will welcome your questions and provide all the information you need. This initial effort is what separates a stressful experience from a smooth, profitable investment journey.
How to Start Your Hands-Off Investment
Jumping into property investment feels like a huge step, but breaking it down makes it much more approachable. A hands-off strategy is all about setting yourself up for success from the start by making smart, informed decisions. It’s not about knowing everything yourself; it’s about knowing what questions to ask and who to trust. Think of these next steps as your personal checklist for building a solid foundation for your investment. With a bit of research and careful planning, you can confidently begin building your property portfolio.
Research Your Options
First things first, let’s figure out what kind of hands-off investment feels right for you. You have a few paths you can take, and each one offers a different level of involvement and return. The most common investment types include Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which are like stocks for property, and managed buy-to-let properties, where a company handles everything for you. A managed rental gives you direct ownership of a property without the day-to-day headaches of being a landlord. Take some time to learn about each one and consider which aligns best with your financial goals and how involved you want to be.
Evaluate Management Companies
Once you’ve decided on a strategy, finding the right partner is your most important move. A great management company can make or break your investment experience. Before you commit, you need to do your homework on their track record. Look for reviews, ask for case studies, and don’t be shy about asking about their experience, especially in the market you’re interested in, like Liverpool. A company’s reputation for communication and transparency is just as important as the properties they offer. You want a team that is responsive and proactive, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
Understand Fees and Returns
It’s easy to get excited by big numbers, but it’s crucial to have a realistic view of your potential returns and costs. Some investments might promise incredibly high returns, but remember that higher returns often come with higher risks. A trustworthy partner will be upfront about all associated costs. Make sure you get a clear breakdown of all management charges, service fees, and any other potential expenses. Understanding the complete financial picture helps you accurately calculate your net return and ensures there are no surprises down the line.
Review Legal and Financial Details
This is the final checkpoint and one you absolutely cannot skip. Before any money changes hands, you must conduct thorough due diligence. This means getting all the legal and financial paperwork in order. You’ll want to conduct legal checks to ensure the property title is clean and run a full financial analysis to verify the investment stacks up. If possible, getting an independent property inspection is also a wise move. Taking these precautions protects your capital and confirms that you’re making a sound, secure investment for your future.
How to Choose the Right Hands-Off Investment
Finding the right hands-off investment is a bit like finding the right business partner. You need someone you can trust to manage your money and property with the same care you would. The goal is to build a profitable partnership that lets you enjoy the returns without the daily grind. This means looking beyond the glossy brochures and asking the tough questions. A great investment partner will be transparent, experienced, and aligned with your financial goals. Taking the time to vet your options thoroughly at the start will save you headaches and protect your capital down the line. Here’s what to focus on to make a smart choice.
Check the Company’s Track Record
Before you commit to any investment, it’s essential to do your homework on the company managing it. Think of it as a background check for your money. Look into their history. How long have they been in business? What projects have they completed, and what were the outcomes for investors? You should be able to find case studies, testimonials, or reviews that give you a clear picture of their performance. A company with a solid track record demonstrates stability and expertise. Don’t be shy about asking for this information directly. A reputable firm will be proud to share its successes and be upfront about its experience in the market.
Look for Transparency and Clear Communication
Clear and consistent communication is non-negotiable. From the very beginning, the company should be transparent about everything, especially fees, potential risks, and expected returns. You should never feel like you’re in the dark or that your questions are a bother. A professional management team is there to handle the complexities of property investment for you, from tenant issues to maintenance. This means you need a responsive point of contact who provides regular updates. If a company is vague about its process or hard to get a hold of, consider it a red flag. You want a partner who makes you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Plan Your Exit Strategy
It might seem strange to plan your exit before you even begin, but it’s one of the most important steps. An exit strategy is simply your plan for how and when you will sell your investment to realise your profits. Will you sell after a certain number of years? Or when the property reaches a specific value? Your decision should align with your personal financial goals and risk tolerance. Discuss potential exit strategies with the investment company. They should be able to provide a clear outlook based on market projections and their own experience, helping you understand the best time to divest and what the process involves.
Confirm Regulatory Compliance
Any legitimate investment opportunity in the UK will operate within a clear regulatory framework. Be cautious of companies that promise unusually high returns without explaining the associated risks. As investors on platforms like Reddit often warn, promises of 12% annual returns or more can sometimes signal a venture that is much riskier than it appears. Check if the company is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or another relevant body. Regulatory compliance ensures the company adheres to strict standards designed to protect investors. This oversight provides an extra layer of security and confirms you’re dealing with a professional and accountable organisation.
Top Hands-Off Property Investment Companies in the UK
Finding the right partner is one of the most important steps in your hands-off investment journey. You need a team you can trust to manage your assets and communicate clearly. To give you a head start, I’ve looked into some of the most reputable hands-off property investment companies in the UK. Each offers a slightly different approach, so you can find the one that best fits your financial goals and investment style.
Portico Invest
If you value clear communication and dedicated support, Portico Invest is a fantastic choice. They are a property management consultancy that helps you through the entire process of buying, letting, and maintaining residential properties. What really stands out is their client feedback; investors consistently praise their professional and responsive team for providing proactive guidance. With a focus on making the process smooth and stress-free for both UK and overseas investors, their reputation for thorough research in property investment makes them a highly reliable partner. They truly specialize in creating a turnkey, hands-off experience for building your property portfolio.
Property Partner
Property Partner offers a straightforward way to get into the property market without buying an entire building. Their platform allows you to buy shares in residential properties, making real estate investment more accessible. This model is ideal for anyone looking for a completely hands-off approach. The company takes care of everything from finding tenants to handling maintenance and all other aspects of property management. You simply invest and collect your share of the rental income and any potential property appreciation. It’s a great way to diversify your investments across multiple properties with a relatively low entry point, spreading your risk while they handle all the legwork.
Cogress
For those interested in the development side of real estate, Cogress provides a unique opportunity. Instead of investing in existing rental properties, their model allows you to invest in property development projects. This is a different kind of hands-off investment where you’re backing new builds or major renovations from the ground up. Cogress manages the entire process, from sourcing the initial deal to overseeing construction and the final sale. It’s an excellent option if you want to tap into the potential returns of property development without needing the specialized knowledge or time commitment that direct involvement requires.
Bricklane
Bricklane is another strong option for those who want to invest in a portfolio of properties rather than just one. Their platform focuses on investing in residential property through diversified funds. This means your investment is spread across multiple properties in different locations, which can help cushion you from localized market slumps. Bricklane’s team handles all the management duties, including tenant sourcing and property upkeep, allowing you to benefit from rental income and capital growth passively. Their approach is designed for investors who want a simple, accessible, and hands-off way to build exposure to the UK residential property market.
Yielders
Yielders operates on a crowdfunding model that makes property investment accessible to a wider audience. Through their platform, you can buy shares in buy-to-let properties that have already been sourced and vetted by their team. This is a great fit for anyone seeking a hands-off investment, as Yielders manages the properties and all tenant relations on your behalf. You get the benefits of property ownership—namely, a share of the rental income and potential capital gains—without any of the landlord responsibilities. Their focus on providing a simple and transparent process makes it an attractive option for both new and experienced investors looking to diversify their portfolios.
How to Increase Your Investment Returns
Once your hands-off investment is up and running, your work isn’t completely over. While you won’t be dealing with tenants or maintenance, staying engaged with your investment’s performance is the best way to make sure it’s working as hard as you did to earn it. Think of it as a partnership—your management company handles the day-to-day, while you keep an eye on the big picture. This doesn’t mean you need to become a property expert overnight, but it does mean shifting your role from a landlord to a strategic investor. Your focus moves from fixing leaky taps to understanding financial reports and market movements.
Taking a proactive role in monitoring your portfolio allows you to make smart, timely decisions that can significantly improve your financial outcomes. A few simple, consistent habits can be the difference between a good return and a great one. This means scheduling time to review your statements, asking your investment manager informed questions, and thinking about your long-term goals. Is this property still aligned with your five-year plan? Could the profits be working harder for you elsewhere? By staying informed and strategically guiding your investments, you can ensure your passive income stream continues to grow. Here are four key strategies to help you get more from your hands-off property investments.
Review Performance Regularly
It’s tempting to adopt a “set it and forget it” mindset with a hands-off investment, but regular check-ins are essential. Consistently reviewing your property’s performance helps you understand what’s working and what isn’t. By analysing your portfolio, you can spot underperforming assets and make informed decisions about whether to hold, sell, or improve them.
Your management company should provide you with regular, easy-to-understand statements. Look at the key metrics: What is your rental yield? How does it compare to projections? Are maintenance costs in line with what you expected? A clear understanding of your net rental income is the first step to optimising it. This regular review keeps you in control and ensures your investment stays on track to meet your financial goals.
Stay Informed on Market Trends
The property market is always changing, and staying informed is crucial for making smart decisions. Keeping up with market trends, interest rate changes, and economic forecasts allows you to anticipate shifts and adjust your strategy. For example, knowing about a major new infrastructure project in the city where you’ve invested could signal future growth in property values and rental demand.
You don’t need to become a full-time analyst, but subscribing to property news updates or following reports from trusted sources can provide valuable insights. This knowledge helps you have more productive conversations with your investment manager and positions you to act on opportunities. Staying current on UK property market news helps you understand the broader context of your investment’s performance and plan your next move.
Reinvest Your Profits
One of the most powerful ways to grow your wealth is by putting your profits back to work. When your property generates income, you can use that cash flow to expand your portfolio. This strategy harnesses the power of compounding, where your earnings begin to generate their own earnings, accelerating your wealth accumulation over time.
Instead of withdrawing all your rental profits, consider using them as a deposit for your next buy-to-let property or to invest in a property syndicate. Reinvesting your profits can significantly shorten the timeline to achieving your long-term financial goals. It turns a single successful investment into a foundation for building a much larger and more profitable property portfolio, creating a cycle of sustainable growth.
Balance Your Portfolio
Putting all your eggs in one basket is rarely a good idea, and the same is true for property investment. Diversification is a key strategy for managing risk. By spreading your investments across different types of properties or locations, you can protect your portfolio from localised market slumps. For instance, if the market for city-centre flats slows down, your investment in suburban family homes might still be performing strongly.
A balanced portfolio might include a mix of student accommodation, residential apartments, and buy-to-let houses in different cities. This approach not only reduces your overall risk but also positions you to benefit from growth in various sectors of the market. Working with an investment company that offers a diverse range of properties can make it much easier to build a resilient and well-balanced portfolio.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Hands-Off Investing
Hands-off investing is an incredible way to build wealth, but “hands-off” shouldn’t mean “eyes-closed.” A few common missteps can turn a promising investment into a real headache. Being aware of these potential pitfalls from the start is the best way to protect your capital and ensure your property journey is a smooth one. Let’s walk through the key mistakes to watch out for so you can sidestep them with confidence.
Don’t Skip Due Diligence
It’s easy to get excited about a property and want to move quickly, but jumping in without thorough research is a classic error. Relying solely on the information provided without doing your own homework can leave you exposed. True due diligence means looking beyond the glossy brochure. You should investigate the developer’s track record, understand the local rental demand, and research the neighbourhood’s future development plans. A great property in a declining area is not a great investment. Taking the time to conduct thorough due diligence is essential for making an informed decision and feeling secure in your choice.
Don’t Ignore Market Trends
Even though you won’t be managing the day-to-day, you still need to have a pulse on the market. Failing to understand broader market trends is like sailing without a compass. Is the city you’re investing in growing? Are there major infrastructure projects planned that could increase property values? What are the average rental yields in the area? Staying updated on these conditions helps you understand your investment’s performance and ask your management team the right questions. Keeping an eye on UK property market news ensures you know how your investment fits into the bigger economic picture and what to expect in the future.
Don’t Underestimate Costs
One of the quickest ways to ruin your returns is by underestimating the true cost of owning an investment property. The purchase price is just the beginning. Many new investors make the mistake of not factoring in all the associated expenses, which can eat into your profit margin. Be sure to account for property management fees, service charges, ground rent, landlord insurance, and a contingency fund for unexpected repairs or maintenance. It’s also wise to budget for potential void periods between tenants. A clear understanding of all potential buy-to-let costs will give you a realistic forecast of your net income.
Don’t Go It Alone Without Advice
Hands-off investing doesn’t mean you have to be a lone wolf. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes is not building a team of trusted professionals around you. Trying to handle all the complexities of property investment by yourself can be overwhelming and risky. Seeking professional advice from a team that understands the market inside and out provides a crucial safety net. Experts can help you vet opportunities, understand legal documents, and avoid common pitfalls you might not see on your own. Collaborating with a responsive and supportive team gives you the guidance you need for a stress-free buying experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much work is actually involved for me in a “hands-off” investment? Think of your role as shifting from a hands-on landlord to a strategic owner. You won’t be getting calls about leaky faucets or screening potential tenants. Your main job is to do your research upfront to choose the right property and partner. After that, your involvement consists of reviewing performance reports, staying in touch with your management team, and making key decisions about the asset’s future. You’re free from the daily tasks, but you remain in control of your investment’s direction.
I don’t live in the UK. Can I still use a hands-off strategy to invest in property there? Absolutely. In fact, a hands-off strategy is ideal for overseas investors. It removes the barrier of distance by giving you a professional team on the ground to handle every detail, from finding tenants to managing the property. The key is to partner with a company that has specific experience working with international clients. They will understand the unique requirements and ensure the entire process is smooth and transparent, no matter where you are in the world.
What’s the most important thing to look for when choosing a management company? While a strong track record is crucial, I believe the most important factor is clear and consistent communication. You are entrusting someone with a significant asset, so you need a partner who is responsive, transparent, and proactive. They should make you feel informed and confident, not left in the dark. Before you commit, pay close attention to how they answer your questions. A team that communicates well from the start is likely to be a reliable partner for the long term.
Besides the property price, what are the main costs I should budget for? It’s smart to look beyond the purchase price to get a true picture of your investment. You should always account for the property management company‘s fees, which are typically a percentage of the monthly rent. You’ll also have costs like landlord insurance, any service charges or ground rent if it’s a leasehold property, and letting fees for finding new tenants. I always recommend setting aside a separate contingency fund to cover any unexpected maintenance or periods when the property might be empty.
How do I know if my investment is actually performing well? Your management company should provide you with regular financial statements that clearly break down the income and expenses. To see how your investment is doing, you’ll want to look at the net rental yield, which is the annual rental income minus your costs, shown as a percentage of the property’s value. Don’t be afraid to schedule regular calls with your manager to discuss these reports. A good partner will be happy to walk you through the numbers and compare the property’s performance against the initial projections.