Best way to procure a second residential property in the UK?

I own a mortgaged property jointly with my partner. We have had it for 8yrs. What would be the easiest and cheapest way of buying a second property? We re looking into buy-to-let options or, alternatively, purchasing a property jointly with another couple in the family. Raising the deposit for a 250k - 300k property will not be an issue. Any tips on what would be the best way to buy that second property? A little lost, at present!

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