Property Strategies – Breaking Down the Acronyms

The world of property investment is full of abbreviations and jargon that can feel overwhelming if you’re just starting out (or even if you’ve been around a while!). What’s a BRRR strategy? Is DTV a legal term or something to do with your telly? And what exactly is an “accidental landlord”?

At The Property Edge, we believe in making property knowledge accessible and jargon-free. So here’s a simple breakdown of the most common property strategies and acronyms you’re likely to come across — and what they actually mean.

Accidental Landlord

An accidental landlord is someone who didn’t originally set out to rent out a property but ended up doing so — often due to changes in personal circumstances like inheriting a property or moving for work while keeping their old home as a rental.

All Money Out Deals

This strategy refers to deals where you’re able to recover all of your initial investment — usually after refinancing the property post-renovation. The dream for many investors, it means you can recycle your capital into the next project.

BRR (Buy, Refurbish, Refinance)

A classic strategy where you buy a property below market value, add value through refurbishment, then refinance based on the new, higher valuation — releasing funds to invest again.

BRRR (Buy, Refurbish, Refinance, Rent)

An extension of the BRR strategy — the added “R” stands for rent. After refinancing, you rent the property out to create a long-term income stream while still having your capital freed up for future deals.

BTL (Buy to Let)

This is one of the most common property strategies — purchasing a property specifically to rent out long-term, usually to a single household. A stable, entry-level investment approach.

BTR (Build to Rent)

Typically used by large-scale developers, this strategy involves building properties specifically for the rental market — often blocks of apartments — to hold and let as a long-term investment.

Commercial to Residential Conversion

This involves purchasing commercial buildings (like offices or shops) and converting them into residential homes or flats. It can be profitable, especially with permitted development rights and the right planning knowledge.

DTV or D2V (Direct to Vendor)

This strategy focuses on sourcing property opportunities directly from the owner (the vendor), without going through estate agents. It’s often used in off-market deals and can lead to more flexible terms.

HMO (House in Multiple Occupation)

An HMO is a property rented out by three or more unrelated people who share communal areas like kitchens or bathrooms. This strategy can offer higher cash flow but comes with stricter regulations and management responsibilities.

Land/Planning Gain

This strategy focuses on buying land or property with potential to increase value through obtaining planning permission. It’s often used by developers to profit from the uplift in value rather than doing a build themselves.

Lease Options

Lease options give you the right (but not the obligation) to buy a property at an agreed price within a set timeframe, while renting it out in the meantime. It’s a creative strategy often used when traditional finance isn’t available.

Rent to Rent

This strategy involves renting a property from a landlord (usually under a management agreement), then renting it out at a higher rate — often as an HMO or serviced accommodation. It’s a way to generate cash flow without buying the property.

SA (Serviced Accommodation)

This involves renting out a property on a short-term basis (like Airbnb), typically for higher nightly rates than traditional lets. It’s a popular strategy in tourist and business hubs but requires active management and compliance with local rules.

Vendor Finance

With vendor finance, the seller agrees to lend you part (or all) of the purchase price. It’s a powerful creative strategy, especially when banks say no — but it requires trust, legal advice, and a clear agreement.

In Summary...

Whether you're brand new to property or looking to sharpen your strategy, understanding the language is the first step. These acronyms might sound intimidating at first, but once you break them down, they’re just different tools — each with its own strengths depending on your goals.

At The Property Edge, we’re here to demystify the property world, one deal, one acronym, one event at a time.

Got questions about a strategy or need help figuring out which one suits you?

Book a free consultation with Milesh at www.thepropertyedge.co.uk/consulting