Question:  

I'm new to purchasing property for investment, I've only ever bought property to live in and, while I've managed to negotiate a small discount here and there, I've never pushed things too hard as I've always really wanted to buy the place (so an emotional rather than subjective mindset).

Now that I'm looking at property as an investment I'm understanding more and more that...

THE ANSWER

Neither is better, they're just different strategies.

Buying to sell (BTS) gives you a significant cash lump sum (if you do it right) within months.

Buy-to-Let (BTL) gives you a much smaller monthly profit (if you do it right) for years to come, with the bonus of potential capital growth (depending on where you buy).

• Some people focus on BTS because their current circumstances mean...

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...