THE QUESTION

We want to get started in property with our first UK buy-to-let (BTL). I am not a UK national, although my wife is British, but has been living outside UK for the last 3 years.

We had some discussions with a property company, who recommended putting the property in her name as we can get better rates. However, I’m not sure if she is considered as a UK resident while living...

THE QUESTION

What are the pros and cons of investing in non- standard construction (NSC) houses which are bit dated and needs TLC – apart from getting a lender. Are they difficult to sell and don’t appreciate as normal brick and mortar houses?

THE ANSWER

If you consider what is called as standard construction, every other building material is, by definition, non-standard. Standard...

THE QUESTION

We have 5 BTL properties on mortgages.  We have used all our funds for the deposits on these houses and now have about 50k left.  We want to continue to grow as proper investors. What are our options to continue to move and grow? 

We would like to buy and renovate a property, but not really sure how this would work as the property we are considering has no heating...

THE QUESTION

We have a property which the whole ground floor is our residential home, and above we have 3 two-bedroom flats, which we let out. The current mortgage ends in later this year approx. 30%LTV.

Our ages are slightly problematic as my husband is 76 and I am 63.  Our current broker is suggesting gearing up our other properties and paying off this one, they say this is the cheapest...

This is the perennial dilemma when you don’t have a big nest egg to use, how do you fund your deals?  What do you do when a juicy deal comes along and you just can’t find the deposit?

Usually, when you find a deal that needs doing quickly, you don’t have someone with private money that is ready to invest right now.   Conversely, when you have built up the trust...

THE QUESTION

I'm constantly looking at properties to add value to, but they always seem to be marketed by the estate agents at finished value - the renovation cost i.e. with little or no profit margin once complete.

Or they sell at auction for way too much.

What am I missing?

THE ANSWER

Getting all your money out (i.e., 25% deposit and refurb costs) at the point you refinance is a lot harder...

Less than 5% of people in UK invest in property - so it’s not for everyone.  There are plenty of uninformed people who will tell you it’s a mug’s game and advise you not to risk your money, but if you have the desire and are willing to learn, it’s probably one of the least risky ways to turn a modest cash pot into a substantial profit.

So where do you start?  ...

THE QUESTION

Can you buy a property on auction with a mortgage?

THE ANSWER

Theoretically, yes, BUT mortgage lenders have, with few exceptions, struggled to fully underwrite and get their offer out in time for conveyancing to be completed in the timeframe required by auctions - usually 28 days, sometimes less.  The same goes for most residential conveyancing solicitors, some are of the view...

The stamp duty holiday for a large part of 2021 created a buyer’s market - in fact some estate agents were desperate for more properties to sell.  But as we all know trends change and as property prices rise the pendulum may swing the other way.

However, a smart property investor doesn’t look at the overall property prices, but seeks out the juicy deals that aren’t within...

"I’m often asked for advice by new investors or people thinking about getting into property.  The most frequently asked question is ‘which is the right strategy for me?"

Unfortunately, there is never a definitive answer to that question!  The best strategy for anyone is hugely dependent on a number of factors relating to their personal situation.  So before you start...