Upgrading your buy-to-let pays rental dividends

Landlords who scrimp on furniture and fittings to make savings could lose money in the long run.

A Four Seasons apartment after renovation.

Investing in an upgrade is more advisable for some at a time when those wanting a buy-to-let are searching-out bargains ahead of the end-of-year deadline for the Capital Gains Tax waiver. The advice also comes as some investors seek to beat the threat of a possible increase in stamp duty in next month's budget.

Investors who improve the furniture, decor and fixtures of their flats achieve even higher rent increases than those being ...