Case Studies...
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Attracting a Property Sale
Small changes can maximise the selling potential of a property and help property investors pull in a quick profit by getting the asking price....
Becoming a Property Developer
Becoming a property developer is not a way to make quick cash, but if new developers use common sense and stick to certain methods it can become a lucrative career....
Best Property Abroad Locations
Buying property abroad can be a risk but there are some overseas locations that are still proving to be excellent investment opportunities....
Building an Extension
An extension can add value to an investment property, but professional help must be sought before planning and construction starts on such a major project....
Buying an Empty Property as an Investment
Renovating an empty property can be an extremely daunting prospect, but with enough money, time and know-how it can prove to be a profitable venture....
Buying an Investment Property at Auction
Bargains can be found when buying property at auction but there are a number of pitfalls that must be avoided, as mistakes can be very costly....
Buying an Investment Property by Private purchase
Make an offer if friends or family are selling a property, and money they save by not employing an estate agent can be knocked off the asking price....
Buying an Investment Property in a Depressed Market
When real estate prices are on the slide, those willing to haggle may be able to pick up an investment property at a rock-bottom price....
Buying an Investment Property in Scotland
A different set of rules applies when buying a house in Scotland and there are pros and cons for those in search of a suitable investment property....
Buying an Investment Property Through an Estate Agent
Help is at hand to find the ideal investment property, but buyers must remember that estate agents will always act on behalf of the seller....
Buying Commercial Property as an Investment
Commercial property, until recently the domain of institutional and professional investors, is now attracting widespread interest from individual investors....
Choosing a Suitable Investment Property
Buying the right investment property makes it much easier to make a profit, and many of the same rules apply regardless of budget and location....
Dealing with Bad Tenants
Even the most careful landlord can end up with a problem tenant and if all attempts to reach an amicable agreement fail, court action may be the only option....
Decorating Tips on Property to Let
It pays to know the basics of painting and decorating, as property investors willing to do some or all of the work themselves can keep costs down....
DIY Basics
DIY can keep costs down when renovating an investment property, but get in experts for the difficult jobs to avoid the risk of a financial setback or even an injury....
Employing Tradesmen
When employing tradesmen, budget carefully, try to deal with an established firm and use a contract that will protect the interests of both parties....
Estate Agents
Try to choose an estate agent with experience and knowledge of selling properties locally rather than just plumping for the one that gives the highest valuation figure....
Expenses and allowances Relating to Property
If planning to let an investment property, make sure to claim all the allowable expenses and allowances in order to reduce costs and maximise profit....
Financing for Property Developers
Finding the right financing is crucial for property developers and there are a few options available through traditional and non traditional lenders....
Good Times to Expand a Property Portfolio
Without the aid of a crystal ball, it's difficult to predict the ideal time to buy an investment property but following certain rules can reduce the risks....
Home Design
Simple and inexpensive changes to the colour schemes, lighting and layout can turn a property into a desirable residence for a wide range of potential buyers....
Home Information Packs
Home Information Packs are full of helpful documents for property investors seeking a bargain and – as sellers must meet the costs – HIPs are free to buyers....
Home Investment in Australia and New Zealand
Australia places restrictions on foreign investors looking for a property in the sun, but New Zealand - one of the world's least crowded countries - is more accommodating....
Home Investment in France
France is the UK’s nearest continental neighbour and second only to Spain in popularity when Britons buy property abroad, but bargains are thin on the ground....
Home Investment in Holland
Going Dutch can be an attractive proposition if the exchange rate is favourable, and it is worth looking beyond capital city Amsterdam before choosing a location....
Home Investment in Morocco
Morocco is only a few miles over water from the Algarve and the Costa del Sol, but properties are cheaper and the cost of living lower....
Home Investment in Spain
Cheap flights from the UK, sunshine, beaches and an unrivalled choice of properties make Spain one of the most desirable locations for a buy-to-let property abroad....
Home Investment in the Rest of Europe
If the prices in the UK do not appeal, there is a daunting choice of properties and locations elsewhere in Europe and investors may find a bargain....
Home Investment in The Rest of World
Travelling outside Europe to buy an investment property will present additional barriers, but the reward when successful can be an exotic addition to an otherwise ordinary portfolio....
Home Investment in USA and Canada
Investors with plenty of financial clout can consider a property in fast-paced New York or tourist magnet Florida, while Canada can offer spectacular natural scenery....
How I Became a Property Developer: A Case Study
Becoming a property developer can be a risk but for those who learn the business and become successful it can be a rewarding and enjoyable career....
How to Avoid Overseas Property Scams
People who are considering buying property abroad should remember a few simple rules to help avoid the scammers and to stop their life long dream turning into a financial nightmare....
How to Buy Repossessed Properties: Frequent Questions
Repossessed properties can be a definite investment opportunity but there are factors to consider in order to limit the risk factor when buying....
How to Get The Most From Your Investment Property
There's still a good chance to make a profit from your investment but timing is crucial....
Increasing the Rent in an Investment Property
If a landlord is not getting the going rate from his investment property it may be time to increase the rent, but be sure to follow the rules....
Investing in a Property Investment Course: Frequent Questions
There are a huge number of property investment courses available and undertaking some research on the actual courses should ensure you are not throwing your money away....
Investment Opportunities With a Second Home
Buying a second home can be an excellent investment opportunity and can be a lucrative source of income if the buyer considers the holiday and residential renting options....
Investment Property and Insurance
It is easier for landlords to relax if the proper insurance policy is in place to protect their investment, so take time to choose the appropriate cover....
Investment Property and Tax
Stamp Duty Land Tax, Capital Gains Tax or Income Tax may be due when buying or selling an investment property, so find out which ones, if any, will apply....
Is it Time to Sell Your Property: Frequent Questions
The right time to sell your property will be dependant on certain motivating factors and these factors can make a difference to the return you achieve on your investment....
Know Your Limits as a Property Investor
It takes time to build a large investment property portfolio, so remember that slow and steady wins the race and don't take unnecessary risks....
Let It Yourself
Landlords who forgo letting agents can gain financial rewards, but they must be prepared to put up with the hassle and worry that can ensue....
Letting Agents
A letting agent can reduce the risks involved in letting a property and remove some of the burden from landlords, but fees vary so shop around for a deal....
Letting an Investment Property to Students
An investment property will take more than its fair share or wear and tear with students as tenants, but landlords can cash in....
Making an Offer on an Investment Property
It's vital to pay the right price for an investment property to avoid a money-spinner turning into a liability, so don’t let your heart rule your head....
Managing a Bigger Investment Property Portfolio
Time is precious for many landlords, so take steps that make it easier to cope with a growing investment property portfolio....
Managing the Project
Those willing to take on the role of project manager for a renovation project will save money, but dealing with contractors and suppliers is not for the faint-hearted....
Mortgages and Investment Property
Buy-to-let mortgages cost more than standard mortgages and lenders will typically demand a large deposit, but good deals are available for those who shop around....
New Landlord and Successful Letting: A Case Study
Becoming a new landlord is not always as straightforward as it seems and there are a few key components that should always be used when letting out a property....
Planning Permission
Ignoring planning and building regulations can be an expensive mistake, so follow the rules before embarking on renovations or building work to improve a property....
Property Investment Clubs
Many of the claims made by some property investment clubs sound too good to be true, and in a lot of cases they very probably are – so buyers beware....
Property Investment Trusts and Accounts
A real estate investment trust is a good way to invest in a portfolio of properties without actually buying one, but there are still risks to be considered....
Repairs and Maintenance on Your Properties
Landlords must keep their properties in good repair in order to comply with regulations, and tenants are more likely to stay in a well-maintained property for longer....
Researching the Property Market
Many overlook the need to thoroughly research an area before buying an investment property, but a little time and effort can pay handsome dividends and reduce the risks....
Screening Potential Tenants
Choosing the wrong tenants can be an expensive mistake if it results in rent arrears or damage, but for a small fee it is easy to screen potential tenants....
Sell it yourself
Think carefully before ditching estate agents in favour of a private sale, as the local estate agent is still the first stop for the vast bulk of potential buyers....
Selling an Investment Property in a Depressed Market
Try to avoid selling an investment property in a depressed market if at all possible, but if there is no option take steps to maximise the price....
Spotting the Signs of Rising House Prices
The right time to sell a property can come down to a fair amount of speculation but there are some factors that will influence the rise of property prices....
The Best Countries to Invest in Property
There are certain countries that provide excellent property investment opportunities and most will only be a few hours flight from the UK....
The Best Property Investment Towns in Britain
While no property purchase can be regarded as fail safe there are certain locations in Britain that are regarded as excellent performers in the property market....
The Legal Minefield of Buying Abroad
Legal systems can vary considerably from one country to the next and so do the rules and regulations governing the purchase of property, so seek advice....
The Risk of Over-stretching a Property Portfolio
There can be a strong temptation to add to an investment property portfolio as soon as possible, but taking on too much too soon can wreck plans....
Tips for Buying Repossessed Properties
Buying repossessed properties can be a great investment but there are buying issues to consider and there will be competition from other investors....
Tips on Climbing the Property Ladder
Climbing the slippery property ladder can be a daunting process but it is a business transaction where the one of the main considerations should be the investment potential....
UK Property Hotspots
There's no need to invest in a crystal ball to locate the next property hotspot, just follow a series of rules and make an educated guess....
What Returns You Can Expect from Property Investment?
Investment properties can result in a decent profit but research and timing are key....
Why Expand a Property Portfolio?
The more buy-to-let properties an investor has, the greater the rewards can be, but remember that there are risks involved....
Your Investment Property: Conveyances
The legal process of buying and selling a property is a complicated business, so it’s wise to employ a conveyancer - but shop around for the best deal....
Your Investment Property: Surveyors
Buying a property is a massive investment and before taking the plunge it is worth spending a little money to get the professional opinion of a chartered surveyor....