Property investment is a proven way to gain a greater degree of control over your life.  This can mean different things to different people. 

• It might be that you want to create an alternative means of income to give you the freedom to leave your current job or career.
• It might be that you love what you do, but you want to create something for your own and your family’s future....

The degree of success you achieve in your property investment career is determined by your mind-set; by your ability to take action, to get you from where you are now to where you want to be.

Education is vital too, as it gives direction to your actions, but that counts for little if you never put your knowledge into action.  

“To know and not to do is really not to know.”

So...

THE QUESTION

If an advertised (e.g. on RightMove) property says ‘cash buyers only’.  Could you use a bridging loan and still be considered.  If so, do you need to tell the agent/vendor you’re paying with a bridge?

THE ANSWER

Your understanding is correct; bridging is equivalent to cash for this type of property.  Cash buyer only properties are great to target if...

When you’re setting out as a property investor it can be easy to get carried away, especially if you decided to buy at auction.  If you want to make a profit and see a good return on your investment you need to how to work out the maximum price you should offer - before you leave home!

This isn’t a global exercise, you’ll need to do it for every property you’re...

If you’re serious about being a property investor you need to know the right people – so you need to work on building a strong network that you can call on when you need them.

If you’re just getting into property then it’s worth attending your local property networking events.  You’ll meet other people who ‘get’ property investment and a...

THE QUESTION

Can you get bridging finance on a house you want to live in? 

I’ve found a 7-bed detached house that looks like it’s been converted into three flats - I suspect without planning permission as it’s advertised as ‘Cash buyers only’, 

I have some development experience and could afford it on my income with a mortgage when appropriate.  I...

Anyone who isn’t familiar with property investment will tell you that it’s the quickest way to lose your money or to get stress overload.  However, that doesn’t explain why so many people are serious property investors.

The tax regulations for landlords and investors have changed over the past few years and it’s important to abide by the rules to protect your...

Property investment takes time. 

If you put down a 25% deposit and get a buy-to-let mortgage for the rest that’s the first step.  Then you probably need to do some work on the property to improve it and wait until you’ve owned it for six months.  Only then can you apply to refinance it with a different lender and get a proportion of your money back out.

What’s...

THE QUESTION

I have seen several large houses for sale in auctions that have been split into self-contained flats; it seems quite common.

The house is on one title the agents describe it as a ‘large house currently being used as flats’.  But there doesn’t seem to be any planning permission for use in this way or building regs for extra kitchens and bathrooms.

I...

Before you stop reading because you don’t think your bank balance is big enough to buy property for cash – STOP!

Have you noticed that cash buyers always get the best deals?  It’s those magic words “What discount will I get for cash?”  Whether that’s buying a car, a new washing machine or a suit, cash buyers often pay less. 

Unfortunately,...