Buy-to-Let Yield Calculator

Updated August 2026 Last reviewed 10 August 2026 Mortgage & Property HMRC: tax on property income

Buy-to-let returns depend on the purchase costs, mortgage interest and income tax as well as the rent. This calculator gives you a realistic net yield for a basic-rate taxpayer.

Enter the price, rent, running costs and annual mortgage interest.

Your details

Letting fees, insurance, maintenance, voids

Results

Net yield after tax
2.64%
Basic-rate taxpayer, interest relief applied
Net yield before tax
2.80%
Gross rental yield
6.00%
Profit before tax
£5,600.00
Profit after tax
£5,280.00
Estimate — exact tax depends on your total income
Stamp duty on purchase
£11,500.00
Includes the 5% additional property surcharge

How the calculation works

We believe numbers should be transparent. Here is the formula behind this calculator.

Net profit = rent − costs − mortgage interest · Tax = 20% of profit − 20% of interest · Net yield = after-tax profit ÷ price

Worked example

Worked example: £200,000 property, £1,000/month rent

Annual rent £12,000, minus £2,400 costs and £4,000 interest → profit £5,600.
Basic-rate tax: 20% of £5,600 = £1,120, less 20% interest relief £800 → tax £320.
After-tax profit ≈ £5,280 → about 2.6% net yield on £200,000.

Important assumptions

  • Assumes a basic-rate (20%) taxpayer with mortgage interest relief at 20%.
  • Stamp duty includes the 5% additional property surcharge on each band.
  • Ignores purchase fees, capital gains tax and the wear-and-tear allowance.

Rates & official sources

Every calculation is based on the official rates and rules published by GOV.UK and HMRC.

Frequently asked questions

How is buy-to-let tax calculated?

Rental profit is added to your income and taxed at your marginal rate. Since 2020, mortgage interest gives a 20% tax credit instead of being deducted as an expense. This calculator uses the basic-rate example.

What stamp duty do I pay on a buy-to-let?

A 5% surcharge is added to every stamp duty band for additional properties. If you already own a home, expect roughly 5–6% of the price in stamp duty, depending on the price and when you buy.

What is a good buy-to-let yield?

A net yield after tax of 4% or more is generally considered decent in the current market. Many properties in high-rent areas achieve 5–7% gross, which drops after costs, interest and tax.

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Related guides

New to the topic? Read a plain-English guide on mortgage & property, with worked examples and tips.

These calculations are estimates for guidance only and are not professional financial, tax or legal advice. UK rates and rules change, so always verify important figures with official GOV.UK / HMRC information or speak to a qualified professional. See our full disclaimer.