Frequently asked questions
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Questions about property investment
- What can AIM offer me that is different from other property investment companies?
- Who will I deal with when I purchase with AIMS?
- Do you provide an after sales service?
- What are the benefits of buy to let?
- If I purchase one or more properties can AIMS manage and maintain them for me?
- Can AIMS sell my property for me?
Questions about this site
Questions about HIPS
- Do AIMS properties come supplied with a Home Information Report (HIP) Home Report (HR) in Scotland?
- What does the EPC include?
- What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
- When is a certificate essentially required?
- How long does an EPC last?
- Is it a legal requirement?
- How can my property benefit from an Energy Performance Certificate?
- Who produces the Energy Performance Certificates?
- Why should I have my property surveyed before I buy? Can I simply not rely on the mortgage valuation report?
- Can AIMS assign an independent surveyor for me?
- What is the difference between buying a Freehold and Leasehold property in Scotland?
Questions about property investment
Q. What can AIMS offer me that is different from other property investment companies?
A. AIMS offers an easy way for either experienced investors, busy professionals or those new to the property ladder to build a Scottish property investment portfolio and get started on the road to financial freedom. We are also able to offer our clientele access to the best property investment opportunities, which are often not available to the general public or other purchasers. By visiting our site, you will have made the first, important, step in finding out how investing in the Scottish property market can work for you.
Q. Who will I deal when I purchase with AIMS?
A. AIMS has a dedicated team of highly experienced property managers who specialise exclusively in the Scottish property market. You will be allocated your very own property consultant who will work with you to create a tailored investment strategy to suit your needs, covering everything from funding, acquisition, management and exit strategy. Your consultant will be your constant contact for expert advice and support.
Q. Do you provide an after sales service?
A. Yes we do. Will never desert you after you have purchased your property. We continue to offer a thorough post-completion service for all our investment properties, including Letting and Management facilities as well as partial professional advice whenever you may need it. Our full range of services available can be found by viewing our website, however, do not hesitate to contact your designated advisor who will be more than happy to answer any additional questions you may have.
Q. What are the benefits of buying to let?
A. As for all property rentals, the benefits for a buy-to-let investment is that it consists of a secure income from rental receipts, as well as an increase of capital if house prices go up in due course. This type of investment has become popular in Scotland especially Glasgow over the last few years, when house prices dramatically increased. Another reason for their popularity is the tax advantages that are available for investors. Rental income is considered equally as a salary, and is therefore often taxed at 22% or even 40%. On the other hand landlords can deduct costs from the taxable portion of their rental income, and these costs can include the interest portion of their mortgage repayments as well as maintenance costs on the property. This tax set-up has also proved popular by investors over the last few years.
Q. If I purchase one or more properties can AIMS manage and maintain them for me?
A. Yes. We have an established network of property managers who specialize in lettings and management, with offices all over the central belt of Scotland. Our residential lettings department has been established over a number of years offering a quality service incomparable by other agents. Our services are designed to place the landlord first and to ensure the successful management of their property.
Q. Can AIMS sell my property for me?
A. Yes. If you are looking for an agent who is proactive and strives to get you the best price for your home. If so, please contact us. Our goal is to get you the best possible price for your home and to look after you every step of the way. Our service includes:
- No need to unsettle/remove tenants
- Get revenue up until day of sale
- No for sale board
- No redecoration or viewings
- No Home Information Packs
- Buyers waiting
- Fixed price £750
- No sale no fee
Questions about this site
Q. What does it cost to join?
A. Standard membership is £2.95 per month, for which you'll receive access to our property database and other member services. Premium membership is £49.95 per month, which entitles you to all services in the Standard membership, but with 30% off all costs.
Q. How do I join?
A. You can sign up by clicking the link membership. There is a very short form to complete. An account is set up for you, and you can browse the rest of the site and view the properties.
Q. How do I log in?
A. If you already have an account, just enter your username and password on the member login page. When you want to log out again simply click the logout link on the top right of any page.
Q. I've forgotten my password!
A. During the joining process you will have set a reminder question: just click ÔForgotten your password? and provide your email address. The system will automatically display your reminder question and, if you successfully answer it, an email will be sent to you confirming your password. If you have forgotten both your password and the answer to your reminder question then contact the Customer Support team using the details on our contact page.
Questions About HIPS
Q. Do AIMS properties come supplied with a Home Information Report (HIP) Home Report (HR) in Scotland?
A. No. They do not require a Home Report as they are being sold as part of an investment portfolio. However, they do come supplied with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Q. What does the EPC include?
A. The EPC will include an Energy Efficiency Rating and an Environmental Impact (CO2) Rating. It will also offer advice on how to make cost effective improvements to the building in order to make it more energy efficient. Anything rated A to C is above the UK average.
Q. What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
A. As from the 4th January 2009 all owners of properties in Scotland will require to have an Energy Performance Certificate when they are constructed, let or sold.
Q. When is a certificate essentially required?
A. The certificate is required once:
- Any written information about the property is provided to a request for information received from the prospective tenant
- Any viewing is conducted
- If neither of the above occur, before entering into a contract to let
Q. How long does an EPC last?
A. They last for 10 years or until the property is modified.
Q. Is it a legal requirement?
A. Yes it is.
Q. How can my property benefit from an Energy Performance Certificate?
A. If your property has enhanced thermal standards this will result in cost saving measures and will also increase its value as well as improve letting potential.
Q. Who produces the Energy Performance Certificates?
A. Only accredited energy assessors will be able to produce EPC's.
Q. Why should I have my property surveyed before I buy? Can I simply not rely on the mortgage valuation report?
A. Don't merely rely on the mortgage valuation report. As a buyer, you pay for a mortgage valuation report (MVR) in order to secure a mortgage offer, but this should not be confused with a survey. The MVR simply confirms to the lender that the property is worth as a minimum what they are loaning you – it is not their responsibility to detect any repairs that need doing.
Q. Can AIMS assign an independent surveyor for me?
A. Yes. We can appoint an independent and approved surveyor on your behalf, but you will have to pay for this.
Q. What is the difference between buying a Freehold and Leasehold property in Scotland?
A. Freeholds are the simplest to understand. When you buy a freehold, you own the property outright. With regard to Leasehold to some people, buying a lease may seem just like renting a property, and in a way they're right. Essentially you are buying nothing more than the right to occupy a portion of a building for an agreed length of time. You will have to pay a small amount of regular ground rent and maintenance in addition to a one-off payment that buys you ownership of the lease until you either sell it, or it runs out.