When most people think about a side hustle, they picture online shops, freelancing, or trading crypto in their spare time.
But more professionals are starting to see buy-to-let property as a serious alternative. It’s not a trend or a quick fix. It’s a long-term income strategy that works alongside their main career.
What Is a Side Hustle and Why Are More People Turning to Property?
A side hustle used to mean picking up freelance work, renting out your spare room on Airbnb, or turning a hobby into extra income. In the last decade, digital platforms have made it easier than ever to start something alongside your main job.
But while flexible, most of these options still require ongoing time, effort and attention. Even then, the returns can be inconsistent.
Buy-to-let rarely gets mentioned in the same conversation as e-commerce or content creation, but the goal is the same. People want a second income stream that doesn’t rely on their day job.
Property offers something that many modern side hustles do not: a real asset, stable returns, and the ability to grow long-term income without needing to be involved every day.
It is not surprising that more people are considering buy-to-let as a serious side income strategy. For professionals who do not have time to run a second business, property offers a practical way to build wealth that fits around an existing career.
The Quiet Rise of the Part-Time Landlord
The typical buy-to-let investor is changing. It’s no longer just experienced landlords expanding portfolios.
More people are entering the market with a clear goal: to create a second income without disrupting their main career.
Many are first-time investors who have no interest in managing properties themselves.
They’re looking for something that sits between active business ownership and passive investing. Property, when approached with the right structure, fits that space.
Rising living costs, unstable pensions, and low-interest savings accounts are all pushing people to find more effective ways to grow their money.
“We’re seeing more professionals entering the buy-to-let market not to become landlords, but to build a reliable second income stream alongside their careers.
A hands-free investment service makes it achievable without needing to take on the day-to-day management.”
— Shiv Haria, Lifestyle Property Group
Why Buy-to-Let Works as a Side Hustle
Buy-to-let remains one of the few investment options that can deliver both steady income and long-term growth.
For those looking to build a side income without committing to a second job, it offers a unique combination of benefits.
Rental demand remains high
In many parts of the UK, rental demand continues to outpace supply.
This is especially true in regional cities, where populations are growing and housing stock is limited. High demand supports stable rents, reduces void periods, and helps ensure consistent income.
Regional cities offer better value
Cities like Leeds, and Sheffield offer strong yields and lower entry prices compared to much of the South.
For new investors, this makes it possible to get started without needing significant upfront capital. These areas also tend to see strong tenant demand from students, professionals and families.
Most of the work can be outsourced
Today, investors do not need to take on every task themselves.
Sourcing agents, refurbishment teams and management companies can handle everything from finding the property to placing tenants and overseeing maintenance. This level of support makes property far more accessible to people with limited time.
It delivers both income and growth
Unlike many side hustles, which rely entirely on effort and time, buy-to-let creates two streams of value.
Rental income generates regular cash flow, while the property itself can appreciate over time.
That combination appeals to those planning for retirement, building wealth for their families or simply trying to make their money work harder.
For many investors, this balance is what makes property so compelling. Once the right systems are in place, the income becomes predictable and requires minimal involvement.
How Passive Do You Want Your Investments?
Mindset is the biggest factor. The investors who succeed treat buy-to-let like a business.
They build a clear strategy, focus on the numbers, and bring in professionals to handle what they can’t or don’t want to do themselves.
Many live nowhere near the properties they own. Some have never seen them in person. They rely on data, local insight, and trusted partners to make informed decisions.
This marks a real shift from how buy-to-let used to work. The landlord isn’t always the person holding the keys.
Increasingly, it’s a full-time professional in finance, healthcare or tech, building a portfolio in the background.
According to the 2024 English Private Landlord Survey, 45% of landlords were in full- or part-time employment.
That’s nearly half of all landlords running their property portfolios alongside their careers, showing that buy-to-let is no longer just a full-time pursuit.
How to Get Started as a Passive Buy-to-Let Investor
Buy-to-let can be a powerful side income strategy, but success depends on having the right structure in place from the start.
For time-poor professionals or first-time investors, the key is to approach property like a business and build a system that runs efficiently with minimal involvement.
Here are the essential steps to get started.
Set clear financial goals
Decide what you want from your investment. Are you focused on generating monthly income, building long-term capital growth, or a mix of both?
Knowing your goals will shape decisions about location, property type and financing.
Choose the right location
Not all rental markets perform equally. Look for areas with strong rental demand, growing populations and solid local infrastructure.
As mentioned, regional cities like Leeds and Sheffield often offer better yields than southern markets and are popular with young professionals, students and working families.
Understand your budget and financing
Know what you can afford to invest, and explore your mortgage options early.
Many buy-to-let investors purchase through limited companies for tax reasons, but this approach is not suitable for everyone. Speak to a mortgage broker who specialises in investment lending.
Build your team
You do not need to be hands-on to succeed, but you do need the right support.
Consider working with a sourcing company, property manager and refurbishment team. A fully managed, end-to-end service can help you find the right property, handle the purchase and oversee tenanting, all without you needing to be on site.
Prepare for the long term
Buy-to-let is not a short-term win. Be realistic about timelines and returns.
Income may take time to stabilise, and property value growth happens over years, not months. Patience and a clear plan are essential.
Investing in property is not just about buying a house, it is about building a system that works around your life.
The more you treat it like a business, the more likely it is to produce reliable, long-term results.
Investing in Property is Not for Everyone
Like any investment, buy-to-let carries risk. There are regulations to follow, costs to plan for, and decisions to get right. If you’re looking for something entirely passive from day one, this may not be it.
It also gives investors more control. Unlike savings rates or stock performance, buy-to-let allows you to influence the outcome.
From choosing the area and tenant profile to deciding how the property is managed, each decision has a direct impact.
That level of involvement, even when delegated, adds a layer of stability many investors are now looking for.
It won’t deliver overnight results, but it can significantly strengthen your financial position over time.
Final Thoughts
Buy-to-let isn’t for everyone, but it’s becoming a smart option for people who want more control over their finances without taking on another job.
It requires capital, planning and the right setup. In return, it offers real-world income and long-term value.
With the right approach, it can be genuinely passive. That is exactly why more people are choosing it. Not to replace their careers, but to build income and security alongside them.
Hallie Lonsdale is a freelance writer specialising in property, interior design and investment.
This article was written in collaboration with Lifestyle Property Group, a UK-based company helping professionals build hands-free buy-to-let portfolios in high-yield Northern cities. www.lifestylepropertygroup.co.uk
