There was a time when you could get into property with no money, lenders were happy to provide 100% mortgages or a version of this, then the recession came along and lenders became very cautious.

If you’re thinking of getting into property or have started to look into it, you may be looking at having to save a substantial sum in order to get started.  Buy-to-let lenders want security...

THE QUESTION

I’ve come across a house split into two flats, but without obtaining planning permission. I’ve been told it’s been more than four years since the conversion was done and the current owners have evidence of the work taking place at that time.

If I buy the property and apply for planning permission will I automatically get it or is likely that I will be required to...

When you are ready to apply to refinance a buy-to-let property that you have recently purchased and renovated you’ll need to have it valued.  This is often a point of friction when the valuer doesn’t agree with what you think the property is now worth.

In order to persuade your mortgage lender’s surveyor that you’ve added considerable value to your property,...

THE QUESTION

As a new property investor with an abundance of desire, I see my strategy will be to mortgage at 75% LTV on an interest only, refurb and leave little or no money in, then re-mortgage and live off the cash flow and capital growth.  What advantage would it be for me to buy property outright as a cash buyer using alternative financing, unless I found a few incredibly BMV...

When you launch your property career it’s rare to be cash-rich.  However, most investors own their own home – and frequently have substantial equity in their property.  So it’s obvious – remortgage your home, release a chunk of money and you’re off and running.  Or is it?

If you’ve got an unencumbered or low-geared (less than 25% LTV) property,...

I’ve been in the property for decades and I remember the days of no-money-down property purchases, but these are long gone.

You can’t get a 24-hour remortgage any longer.  Most property investors now see it as a longer haul as that 25% deposit means money is trapped in every property you buy.  The processes to get your money out fast and move on to the next purchase that...

THE QUESTION

Why do some adverts say cash buyers only? I want to buy a property for £99K and have £27K but it says cash buyers only! It’s a gem too.

THE ANSWER

You should embrace 'cash buyer only' properties like your long lost rich uncle.  They are serious money makers.

Cash buyer only' properties represent a fabulous buying opportunity

1. That phrase puts off all...

If you read my last blog post you’re probably wondering what those Ninja Investor Strategies I mentioned are:

• Strategy 1: 50% Below Market Value (BMV) strategy
• Strategy 2: 100% refurb strategy
• Strategy 3: 90% flip strategy

They’re all possible using bridging finance with the right lenders to turn you into an investor who can operate like a cash buyer.

Here’s a brief overview...

Most property investors start out using buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages to finance their property purchases.  The problem is that then your capital is trapped – at least for a while – and your ability to buy more properties is limited.  But not if you’re a Ninja Investor!

What’s a Ninja Investor?

Property investment is not just for people who have substantial cash...

THE QUESTION

For the last six months I've been trying to find the route into the property sector known as Serviced Accommodation.

The first problem was finding the right property that ticked my boxes, as well as being 'fit for purpose'. Having found the elusive house, I went in pursuit of the pennies to pay for it.

Most local lenders seemed totally unable to comprehend the concept of SA....