Sunday, 30 October 2011

Investing in Property

By Agatha Winterborough


Recent decades have produced large profits in the real estate market making investing in property a very popular way of increasing your wealth. The recent financial climate has however seen interest rates level out along with house prices which has left people wondering whether now is still a good time to put your money into real estate. Anytime is considered a good time to commence building up your property portfolio. As long as you are able to commit for a significant length of time such as 10 to 15 years you should see your property increasing by as much as two or three times the price. If you are looking for a fast money making scheme, property investments are unlikely to suit you.

It takes time and plenty of research to know which of the many property investment opportunities is the right one for you. Many books and websites offer sound advice as well as national shows which hold seminars for potential investors. You can invest directly on your own by finding properties that can be improved and renovated, or you can choose to invest through a property investment company that does all the research and makes investments for you. Many of these firms have fully tested means for making sound investments whatever the financial climate and have the influence to make purchases below market value, ensuring considerable profits are made.

With shrewd buying it is feasible to build a sizeable property portfolio in a fairly short length of time, especially if investing in overseas investment property. Interest rates are at an all time historical low, while tenant demand continues to be strong. The healthy rental market continues to offer smart investors decent long-standing prospects. With so many property investment opportunities out there, choosing the right one for you is key to building a successful property portfolio and the more educated you are of the market, the more likely you will be financially successful.

Start off by checking out the current legislation for landlords, read books, attend seminars at property shows and exhibitions and keep a good eye on real estate price trends. Many first time investors find the easiest way is to approach a property investment company or consultancy. These firms do all the hard work for you, scouring the market place and checking out the rules and regulations involved in certain property investments. By investing your money into a property scheme with a regulated firm you are reducing your risks of financial loss. By pooling several investors' money these companies have the ability to buy below market value, increasing the financial return. These firms also have the opportunity to access deals that private investors may well struggle to find.

20,000 to 25,000 will set you up as a property investor. More money will lead to more opportunities and greater returns over time. A property portfolio can consist of a few houses or apartments or be made up of tens or hundreds of properties. It is crucial that you retain some money as a buffer as property will make you money if it is rented out consistently, but will cost you dearly if it is left empty for long periods of time. It is therefore essential to put some money aside to cover all eventualities.

If you decide to avoid firms dealing in property investments and invest independently, it is important that you locate the right property. Think about where the property is and whether you are going to manage it yourself or find a letting agent. Find out through the letting agents what the local rental rates are and what you are likely to receive as a landlord. Go to see all the available estate agents in the area you are looking at and visit as many properties as you possibly can. When you decide to make a purchase, find out everything you can about the seller's situation and make sure you bargain to get the best price. Have a full survey done as you will be liable for any structural problems as a landlord and it may help with the price negotiations.

If you are not sure where to begin when it comes to building up a property portfolio, look at approaching a professional property investment consultancy or firm. Members are privilege to all the research and market data the company has collated, providing investors with facts, figures and information that will allow you to make an educated decision on your investment choice. Property investment opportunities are plentiful and choosing the right one for you is essential for developing and sustaining your wealth.

A property investment goal will always be to maximise profits while reducing any associated risks. By using an experienced investment company you are relying on their structured models which are designed to make profit while reducing risks in all sorts of market conditions. Projects are subjected to rigorous studies and must meet strict criteria to be accepted and approved as potential investments for members. Their ability to purchase below market value also generates substantial returns, making an investment with a professional and regulated property investment company a good place to start for a novice investor wishing to build a successful property portfolio.




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