Posts Tagged ‘Property Investors’

Are you a property investor looking to acquire bargain properties? Then repossessed properties are worth looking into. Gaining popularity with many individuals, repossessions are convenient ways for investors to grab good bargains. With repossessions in the UK soaring since the beginning of the year, investors have numerous opportunities to make the most of these properties.

Benefits of buying repossessed homes

Sophisticated investors look to repossessed properties as the best type to invest in. This is because buying repossessed homes offers a number of benefits for property investors:

* Below market values (BMV). Most often you can obtain repossessed properties for prices less than their real market worth. Acquiring a property for 20% below market value is best achieved when you are able to successfully deal with motivated sellers. Due to reasons like repossession, divorce or bankruptcy, they resort to a speedy sale to enable them to resolve their financial dilemma.

* Savings. Repossessions can be acquired at a cheaper price compared to other properties. Thus you can set aside a significant amount of money which you can use towards buying another property. But you have to be certain that you buy only properties that have genuine equity and value. Property auctions are one of the best places to find a repossessed property. Of the number of properties sold at auctions, 20% are repossessed properties. New-builds in particular are going for an average 26% below the initial purchase price. I have seen some in Birmingham go for 50% below the initial purchase price!

* Best way to grow your portfolio. Since you can acquire properties cheaper through repossessed homes, you can develop your portfolio at a faster rate thereby allowing you to grow your empire quickly. To ensure that you won’t have to carry out expensive renovation work, have a surveyor examine the property before purchasing it.

How to generate profits from repossessed properties

Property investors who want to make considerable profits in their investment properties – on top of the profits made when buying BMV – may want to consider investment properties such as buy to lets. The market for buy to let homes offers great opportunities to earn profits. This is because the percentage of the UK population opting to rent has increased in recent years – and the numbers are predicted to increase in the next few years.

Another way to take advantage of the property market is to buy properties and rent them out for the long-term. You can also refurbish a repossessed property and sell for a quick profit. But if you want to truly want the best option, why not buy a property in its pre-repossession stage?

By seeking and buying from distressed sellers on the verge of losing their home to repossession, it’s not only you who benefit but also the seller. When you offer a quick sale, you are able to help the vendor prevent a repossession. At the same time, you can obtain the property at a lower price than when you bought it through conventional means.

By taking advantage of repossessed properties, you guarantee yourself a solid way of making significant profits. And due to the substantial growth in the number of repossessed properties, you now have an expansive array of property to select from. Just make sure you select them carefully.

The Spanish property market is facing one of her toughest crises; but can the Mallorca property market steer clear of the eruption? This question is of acute importance to many UK property investors, especially if the trends of the Mallorca property scenario are analysed. It is apparent that the British top the list of Mallorca overseas buyers. The stated trend is not true just because celebrities have opted to buy property on this largest Spanish island and have therefore added to the hype, but also because the island is mesmerizing, easily accessible, the tourist inflow is high, there are low cost airlines for all important routes, and Mallorca property businesses have been yielding decent results for investors. What more could one ask for?

There are regions in Mallorca which are really expensive, for instance the south west corner of Mallorca, which happens to be the most developed, carries with it a pricey tag. Perhaps the golf courses, infrastructural developments, year around lively atmosphere, together account for the variance. But if Mallorca property is this expensive and despite the downfall as evident, yet it remains at a high cost, would it really make sense in investing in property now?

The answer to this question is partly there in the lines above. Prices have decreased in areas, but high end properties have not witnessed a steep downfall. The impact of the global property crisis in case of Mallorca property has not been universal. Although there are areas that have been adversely affected, especially those at the lower end of the market, there are regions, which have managed to breathe, despite the suffocated Spanish property scenario. This has been substantiated by an analysis report released by Engel & Völkers. As per the report, the south west is proving the most resilient market, while the north east is benefiting from the completion of the Palma – Manacor highway.

One of the reasons that Mallorca is overall riding the credit crunch is because Mallorca property market displayed an equal balancing act with its properties. In other words, Mallorca has not had an abundance of buildings for sale, as supply has matched demand, but, the stated is not true for all areas because there are regions that have suffered the blow. Low and mid range constructions have been affected, essentially on account of the bust of construction market. However, if analysed well, this downfall and thus the obvious competition, proves to be an opportunity for many buyers, who could not earlier invest in Mallorca property market. For example: inland Mallorca can now be considered as two new golf courses are close to completion, the Palma to Inca motorway is already completed and overall the road system is being developed at a rapid pace, thereby making the interior of Mallorca easily accessible. Palma flats and apartment zones are also complying with new building regulations.

While all can make most of this opportunity, cash buyers are the ones in the most privileged slot. Credit squeeze, low income balances and other such negative variances have ensured that if a buyer is willing to pay in cash, the seller is willing to negotiate to once unthinkable levels. However, before investing your valuable wealth in Mallorca property, do take time to analyse the region and your property choice as well. Precise property valuation will not only assist striking a balanced deal, but it will also be a prudent step towards a profitable investment.

Buying an overseas property is an exciting time for anybody, however, when you are buying a property from the Mallorca property market it is always advisable to seek legal advice from a bilingual solicitor.

Being one of the closest countries to the UK, France has always dazed the British property investors in every sense of the term. Historically, culturally, and politically, France has always lured investors from all over the world with its prized natural possessions spread across the country.

The nation better known as the love capital of the world has several things in its favour, which make it the much-desired property investment destination in the world today. As they say, there’s something about Paris that keeps you hooked on the nation’s capital. Perhaps, there’s no better place to spend a romantic break than in the city of the lovers.

Property Market in France

After experiencing a recent lean patch, the property market in France is once again in favour with the British investor. As one of the most sought-after destination for commercial and industrial powerhouses, the country has always remained one of the best investments for business and commerical property.

Paris is also one of the hottest fashion destinations in the world and as such property in the capital city definitely commands a premium. Indeed, according to a recent survey, Paris has become out of bounds for the average property investor. But small investors need not worry as they can still find suitably priced properties throughout the picturesque French countryside and coastal towns.

Since the property market is going through a transition phase in France, an intelligent investor can strike an interesting deal even in some of the major towns and cities of the country. To give you a price indicator, you can grab apartments in Languedoc Roussillon starting from GBP 40K. But you’ll still need to spend in the upward range of 50K+ for a decent flat in the Var region of Provence . However, closer to Paris, you can lay your hands on comfy apartments in Ile De France for a little over 40K. Alternatively you could consider a mobile home in France starting from 13K already sited.

Coming back to the alternatives to Paris, prospective investors are well advised not to just hook on to the capital city, as there are lots of other cheaper and viable options available all around the countryside. The country cottages in the rural settings, or ski chalets in the mountains are an immediate turn-on for the tourists, and offer the best investment if you are looking for a steady regular rental income from your property investments in France.

Even other prominent areas, like the Cote d’Azur are getting increasingly out-of-bounds for the average property buyer. Similarly, the cities along the French Riviera, considered as the millionaire’s playground, are just too expensive for an average property investor. However, if you are an above-average investor, then these places should be an automatic choice for any kind of investment.

Overall, the natural choice of property investment in France include the resort properties all along the coast, the Alps, residential property, apartments, villas, and mansions in major cities, like Paris, Toulouse, Monte Carlo, and Nice – and business and commercial property in and around the capital city of Paris.

And here is a tip for any prospective property investor looking to buy a property in France. The majority of French nationals speak and understand only French. So, it’s an added advantage if you polish up on your French before investing in the country.

Why the British love buying property in France

Though France attracts investments from all across the world, it holds a special place of pride among the British property investor. Here are some of the reasons for this favourable trend -

- Both the country’s are founding members of EU and enjoy considerable mutual goodwill among the people.

- Regular flights from low cost airlines between the two countries makes the countries easily accessible.

- Who can overlook the undersea road tunnel the Channel Tunnel that runs between the two countries and the Eurostar high-speed rail system?

- France offers the closest and one of the globally recognised holiday destinations in the world for the British with coastal and mountainous resorts beckoning the property investor from all walks of life into France.

- French food and wine (not to mention Champagne!) is just too good to resist.

- French Leaseback Property option is a great incentive for the British investor to cash in on the property boom in the country.

- France offers better rates of returns on real estate property both for short-term and long-term investors. All it requires is the fulfilment of certain legalities and you are the proud owner of a French property.

- France is a fashion powerhouse and offers one of the best standards of living in the modern world.

- Regular tourist influx to boost rental income from the property.

If you are considering investing in Provence property, you would be well advised to concentrate your search on its southernmost department, le Var.

Le Var is considered to be the gateway to not only the Cote d’Azur, but also the Provence Alpes, including the greater part of the former within its borders. It is a largely mountainous region and with more than 55% of its area covered by forest, it is the second most verdant department in all of France.

Le Var is also a very beautiful region and as a consequence it is extremely popular with hikers. Amongst its principal attractions is the Canyon du Verdon, which at a length of 25km, and a depth reaching a staggering 700m, is the second largest canyon in the world.

For those who revel in more leisurely pursuits, there are of course the famous beaches of the Cote d’Azur to enjoy. If swimming and water-sports are your thing, you needn’t confide yourself to the coast as the interior offers a number of rivers and crystal clear mountain lakes.

It is largely as a result of its superb natural landscapes that Var continues to enjoy a sustained popularity amongst both tourists and property investors alike. However, the consequence of such popularity has seen the average price of property in Var, rise to well above the French national average.

It is worth noting, however, that the average price of properties in Var has been skewed by the inflated prices of properties within the more exclusive resorts of the Cote’ d’Azur. Included amongst these is Saint Tropez where luxury property is amongst the most expensive in Provence, if not France.

For those whose budget does not stretch to luxury property, Var offers plenty of alternatives. Although properties in Toulon, the capital city of Var, are relatively expensive for the region, they nevertheless offer great value for money when compared to similar properties in towns such as Saint Tropez.

If you are looking for less expensive property for sale in Var, then you should concentrate your search inland. Not only does the Var interior offer properties that are far more affordable than those of the coast, but it also offers respite from the international masses that gather there. If you invest in inland Var property, you will find that you enjoy a far more authentically Provencal living experience.

You will find a great range of properties for sale in the interior of Var, including converted farmhouse, village homes, and maison de maitres. Although there are a few purpose built developments, many of which include superb amenities such as swimming pools and golf clubs, these are few and far between as a result of the strict planning restrictions that operate in the area.

Despite the relatively high average cost of properties in Var, they nevertheless represent some of the best real estate (immobilier) investment opportunities in all of Provence. The fact that the region is so popular with tourists means that the rental market is extremely strong and if you are intending to buy a holiday home, then you should give serious consideration to renting it out during your absences.

Firstly there is a new type of landlord – homeowners who are unable to sell their properties are renting them out. The homeowner may set their rental cost at only the amount that they need to cover the mortgage rather than on market rates and also at a rate that will as good as guarantee a tenant.  The condition of homeowner property is also generally of a very high standard and as a result this new competition drives down previous market rates.  This generally affects larger, family properties rather than smaller flats.

Availability of finance is dramatically reduced and as a result the profile of a property investor has changed.  Prior to the credit crunch no deposit was needed – a mortgage could be given on the expected yield provided the rental yields were 125% of the mortgage repayments.  Now, a standard 25% deposit is required and the applicant must have a good credit history.  When mortgages were easily obtainable, buyers could turn around a property quickly i.e. buy, renovate and sell on at a profit, and then repeat the process, cashing in not only on the price increase due to the renovation work but also on the cash increase from the rising property prices.  Now, the profile of the property investor will be someone who has cash for a sizeable deposit, a good credit history, and someone who is willing to hold onto the property for a few years waiting for the property market and economy to turn around. 

And for the newer property developers?  Well, for some who kept securely on top of the figures or those that did not overstretch themselves then they should survive the downturn.  But for those novice property developers who perhaps bought property without fully researching the possible pitfalls, well, they could be in trouble.  If they were assuming to sell on their property quickly and at a profit, they are likely to be selling it at a loss, if they can sell it at all.  Or, possibly they are unable to rent out their property and need to cover the mortgages themselves.  Or they have taken on too many properties and find that their own employment is at risk and their main source of income will not be the safeguard it was.  Or they were keener to buy a set number of properties rather than buying property that met strict criteria i.e. properties that would yield a set positive cash flow each month.  Or they have come to the end of a mortgage deal and now the mortgage rates for buy-to-let are less favourable.  The list could go on…

However, for the property investor who ticks all the right boxes 2009 could be a good year.  The key is that you are credit safe in order to secure a mortgage.  If you can secure a mortgage or have enough cash, then you will be able to find some bargains, particularly in the latter half of the year as the recession continues to bite.  If you are thinking of buying an investment property you need to consider the five following points:

1. Consider it to be a mid-long term investment – the property market is likely to fall and then stabilise for a few years before rising again.

2. Your expected rental yield has to be realistic and has to cover the costs of the mortgage, insurance, maintenance costs and void periods.

3. Although interest rates have fallen again, they will go back up at some point – you need to factor this into your costs, or choose a mid to long term fixed rate mortgage to avoid unfavourable rate changes.

4. Research and know where you want to buy property and be sure to stay within this patch – your rental yield depends on it.

5. Always make a low offer when purchasing, stick to your figures and know your limits.

2009 could be a great year for property investors providing you research, plan and take care at every turn.

Copyright (c) 2008 Parmdeep Vadesha

More and more people are putting UK and international property into their portfolio of savings and investments. With property investing comprising a big industry in the UK, it is natural that it is attracting a lot of investors who are on the lookout for great investment opportunities. If you are interested in property investing in the UK, you might want to take a peek at what’s going to be in store for you.

The United Kingdom holds a place as one of the world’s greatest trading powers and is home to the biggest financial center in the world. The country’s economy is the fourth largest in the world. Aside from these facts, here are a few more that make investing in the UK a practical alternative.

Rental Property Is Big Business in the UK

Purchasing a home today requires enormous financial commitment. With the prices of houses constantly increasing, a lot of young professionals perceive house-buying as next to impossible. They find it difficult to raise adequate capital for a deposit on a property. What becomes the next most viable alternative is renting. This then creates a big opportunity for property investors, who will find the established rental market in the UK an advantage.

Low-deposit structure. A lot of new-build properties belong to a low-deposit structure, making it possible for property investors to buy more than one apartment. This allows them to spread the risk factor between units.

Buy-to-let schemes are attractive alternatives. Property investors will find that buy-to-let financing is appealing since many schemes allow multiple purchases without the need for additional proof of financial standing. This is because the mortgage is obtained on the value of the property and the rental income rather than the individual making the purchase.

More investors are coming in. With high city bonuses house markets are being driven higher as a growing number of people are seeking to invest their money in property which is considered the most secure type of investment. Property investing in the UK is a lucrative endeavour, but if you don’t feel too confident about being able to do it, finding an experienced property investor to guide you would help you get the boost you need. You can find them in property investing web sites, or from friends or relatives who are also in the business.

As sometimes word-of-mouth is not enough, you may want to seek more information and advice from other property investors who have invested in the UK. You can do this by joining the tycoons-forum.com, where more experienced property investors are constantly meeting up to discuss all things related to property investing. This is one way of gathering information on the latest and most exclusive investment properties. You can also find resources on different issues related to property purchasing, such as land ownership, legal, infrastructure, rental and management, taxation, and more.

The steady and continuing growth of the property market in the UK poses a profitable opportunity for property investors. As long as you are equipped with all the information you need to have to endure in this industry and you keep yourself well-informed, there is no reason why you won’t make it big in this business.

For first time buyers and the property investors repossessed properties are very tempting. You will be wrong thinking that all repossessed properties are going to be bargains. If you ask to any property investor which type of property they find to be most attractive, the chances they will say a flat or a house is very less, they would say repossessions. They have attained an almost a trendy status in the property world, very much so that to even question the basis on which their position rests is equal to heresy.

So at the risk of being burnt at the chance examine these from an investment point of view. The first thing with these properties is that they come in all shapes and sizes together with good conditions and locations. Due to this reason it is very difficult to generalize them on any other basis apart from price. Here again, as it is price which tends to dominate and also an determining factor for all property investors, if these properties could be brought considerably below the market value, then the price alone would make them worth pursuing.

Contrary to the usual myth, not all of the repossessions would be sold at lower market value. Supply and demand alone determines the price as with all sales in the free market. That is said, banks are very serious sellers and they generally require a quick and sure sale. For all these reasons they are unlikely to agree to offers from those stuck in a chain and would prefer a purchaser who could move swiftly. So the market for these properties is somewhat more restricted than it is in the case for general sales. This consequently demands and on an average leads to a lower sales price.

So if we are accepting the reservations that repossessions are much cheaper than the general market property, the remaining question is where you can find them? Each lender has policies of their own for selling the property. Public auctions are a popular way to market since lenders have a responsibility of care their borrowers not to undersell their properties. These auctions are a way of lender realizing the benefit in a competitive open and fair fashion.

In order to know about these coming to auction you should either register with all 200 plus auctioneers in the UK, select only local auctioneers, or you can join an auction information service similar to that provided by choices acquisitions and investments. Again if you are leaving to buy at auction you must also very thoroughly familiarise your self along with the process first. Apart from auctions, some lenders will go through asset management companies who would select a local estate agent so as to sell their properties. You might have probably seen the notices in the local property papers for best offers by a closing date. These apply to the property and should be published by law before an offer is finally accepted.

In abstract, repossessed properties does not mechanically mean cheap properties but for the investors who could act rapidly and are so good at doing their due diligence then they surely represents one, although by no means the lone, source of below market property.

Location, location, location. This is what property investing is all about. Just as full-time property investor Alan Forsyth stresses: The location of a property commands the profits you bring in and capital growth it provides. However, not all investors are knowledgeable enough to recognize a profitable location.

Many investors, especially beginners, tend to be shortsighted and limit their sights to the area where they live. While this may seem the most sensible decision, what these investors do not realize is that they are curbing their chances of finding profitable opportunities for the long term. In comparison, professional property investors sometimes go out of their safety zone and scout farther out of their area to find profitable properties.

If there’s one thing that novices to property investing should avoid, it’s restricting themselves to being partial to areas just because they would like to live there. Instead, they should concentrate on the following: the potential returns, expenses involved in buying and selling, costs of loaning money, and the appeal the property will have on prospective tenants or buyers.

Thus, building wealth through property investments mean that you need to find a location poised for capital growth, which means places where values in property are expected to rise, allowing you to build your wealth and expand your portfolio. Some aspects that suggest growth are: a developing economy, places where demand for properties exceeds supply, and where costs of borrowing are low.

Now, you might be the type of investor who wants to make sure that your property will only suffer less when the market adjusts, and which will likely hold its value, making the investment a stable in the long-term. Here are some pointers to consider:

1. Quality. If you want an excellent long-term bet in an uncertain market, you have to make sure that the property is of good quality in addition to excellent location. This may mean houses with unique features, or it could be located in a pretty town that will have people yearning to live there, or being in close proximity to schools or amenities. These factors win over buyers and make the place more resilient to any declines in the market.

2. Popular locations. There are certain places that seem to constantly attract buyers. These include locations by the seaside, market towns, appealing suburbs with family houses, and good commuter towns. What all these places have is a mixture of healthy demand and inadequate supply.

3. Buy in places with established reputation. Be on the lookout for areas that have been left behind in the property boom. In times when the market is strong, the surge extends outwards and buyers tend to move to the fringes. During a slow market, the tide will retreat, prompting values to decline faster at the edge.

Building wealth out of investment properties is not difficult if you have the determination to succeed and the knowledge to guide you in the right direction. By following the advice and the footsteps of property experts like Alan Forsyth, who offers relevant advice and educational courses for investors, you will be well on your way to becoming the next successful property investor.

Searching for an investment property can be an overwhelming experience. Today’s market is generally characterised by stabilising property prices, high interest rates and picky lenders. While the hunt for your perfect reasonably-priced property investment might be a challenge, it is not impossible. Yes, good property investment deals are still out there – if you only know where to look.

One of the more popular sources of a sensible property investment is repossessions. The repossession property market offers some of the best opportunities available for the novice property investors. Most of these houses were once owned by homeowners who have defaulted on a loan on which said property was put up as a security. As a result, the bank or loan providers repossessed the property and subsequently sold them at auction or via estate agent to recoup their investment. While the repossession process is indeed an unfortunate occurrence for the cash-strapped homeowner, it is a window of opportunity for the property investor on the lookout for a below market value property.

As you may know, the property market can be tricky to navigate. You need some business-savvy and a whole lot of common sense to succeed in property investment. Here are some things you need to do before purchasing a repossessed property:

* Explore the various types of repossessions.

Learn about the different types of repossessed properties because the earlier you come into the picture, the cheaper you can purchase the property. For many buyers, the pre-repossession stage is the best option. In this particular situation, the buyer purchases the distressed homeowner’s home that is threatened by an impending repossession. For many, a pre-repossession is a win-win process for both the buyer and seller. The homeowner gets the money he needs to pay off his mortgage. In view of the sales transaction being completed in a speedy manner, the property investor obtains a property at a very low price.

* Go to an auction.

Most repossessed properties are being sold at an auction for a fraction of their price at the regular market. If you are new to the property investment industry, an auction sale could intimidate you. Get to know how it works before you participate in one. It is also advisable to seek the advice of property mentors or an experienced friend to guide you through the auction process.

* Shop around for the right financing.

Make sure that you are financially prepared when you go to an auction. When the hammer falls after you bid, the property is yours. This normally means that you have to pay 10% cash deposit right away with the balance of the purchase price to be paid 28 days after. If you do not have the cash straight up, make sure that you have a mortgage already ironed out. Go to an auction informed and financially-ready. You do not want to end up with a deadweight and more importantly, you want to come out with a repossessed property that fits your investment needs.

Before you get all excited about selling rental property for juicy profits, it’s crucial for you to learn how to slash your capital gains tax first so that you can maximise your hard earned profits. Find out how smart property investors cut down or even eliminate their taxes on capital gains right now.

How are You Affected by Capital Gains Tax When Selling Rental Property?

Capital gains tax is a type of tax that is imposed on the profits that you earn from selling investments such as your shares or rental property. As the name suggests, you won’t have to pay a single cent in capital gains tax if your rental property was actually sold for a loss.

So how much capital gains tax can you expect to pay? Depending on which country you live in, you can expect to pay anything between 10 to 30%. The good news for some is that there are actually no capital gains tax for them to worry about. This includes rental property sellers who are lucky enough to be in Hong Kong, New Zealand or Singapore.

If you are from the U.S. and hold on to your rental property for at least 1 year before selling it, your capital gains tax is will range from 10% to 25% depending on your income tax bracket.

However if you sell off your rental property after holding it for less than 1 year, your profits are considered as short term capital gains and you will be taxed more heavily at the same rate of your ordinary income tax. This will mean you can expect tax rates of 10% to 35% depending again on what is your taxable income.

How to Cut Down or Even Totally Eliminate Your Capital Gains Tax

Before selling rental property take a closer look at your country’s capital gains tax laws first to see if you can spot any loopholes that you can exploit.

For example do you know that foreign property investors in the U.K. do not have to pay capital gains tax and in Russia you can avoid capital gains tax completely by owning the rental property for at least 3 years.

If you live in the U.S. , it’s vital to know how the legendary 1031 exchange works so that you can milk it to legally avoid paying any money for your capital gains.

What makes the 1031 exchange so popular with rental property owner is that it allows your to defer paying your capital gains tax as long as you reinvest the money from the property sale to buy another similar type of property.

In some countries such as the U.S., home owners enjoy lower tax rates than property investors when selling off their homes. If you can find a way to qualify as a home owner instead of a rental property investor, you can enjoy these tax savings as well.

For example in the U.S. you can be considered as a home owner if you lived at least 2 of 5 years before selling off the property.You are also allowed to rent out your property for 14 days or less every year without being taxed.

Teo Zhenjie has been showing landlords how to manage their tenants and rental property effectively on Propertydo http://www.propertydo.com/ – To learn more important tips on selling rental property, visit his website today for step-by-step real estate guides, free resources and forms.

Overseas property buyers have two choices when investing in a property – either buying off-plan property or buying a second sale property. Buying off-plan property means a purchaser is buying a building, such as a villa or an apartment, while it is still in the design stage on paper, and it is a popular choice with many property purchasers.

Buying off-plan property abroad is presently being regarded as the new ‘quick money idea’ as it is becoming ever more possible for ordinary people to own international property without being millionaires. Investors often use their overseas property as a source of rental income, and terminologies like ‘buy-to-let’ and ‘jet-to-let’ are being framed to describe this new phenomenon. In doing so this has helped many property investors with their ‘not so secure bank balances’ due to the present economic climate that has affected many countries in the world

In the UK alone, during the last five years, buying off-plan property abroad has become a sort of national fixation. It has been observed that the British prefer to buy off-plan properties to resale properties. Buying off-plan property abroad is a trend that has acquired a band of loyal followers, and everyday, the number of these followers keeps on increasing. The internet is a starting point for the search of the ideal off-plan property, and novice investors are making a beeline for the emerging property markets, such as Dubai.

Statistics have brought to light the fact that Britons purchased 1,000 homes a week in foreign lands, with Spain being the most-preferred destination accounting for about 80% of sales. Spain with its 300 days a year of sunshine, good quality infrastructure and lower cost of living is indeed one of the most ideal country’s for property investment. There is also Brazil that has some of the best beaches in the world and is now being touted as the ‘next-preferred’ destination by investors. Bulgaria has outstanding properties which are priced reasonably. Investors who were wise enough to foresee the developments in the real estate business were quick enough to pick on Latvia as the upcoming holiday destination. Those who invested in Latvian property now stand to enjoy profit as the real estate price increases by 3-5% per month in certain areas of the country.

There are more people who would prefer to buy off-plan property then there are resale property buyers, and not only because the buyers would like to own a new property rather than an old one. Off-plan property investors have a wider choice as there are number of projects going on at any given time. Some developers even offer a payment concession, and investors get a chance to make certain minor alterations in their chosen off-plan property as per their individual needs.

Buying off-plan property abroad does take some ground work. It is vital to work out the budget, and more specifically the upper price limit. Investors need to consider the conditions of the local market, and it is necessary to look for an off-plan property that is in a popular area with a strong resale market. The overall development of a town or city will also have to be taken into account while selecting a property. Last but not least, the local law vis-à-vis the international buyers needs to be considered as different countries have different laws and rules regarding the sale of property to foreigners. Therefore it is advisable to seek the advice of a property expert when buying off-plan property abroad as they would be well versed with the nuances of the property market.

“Seek mentors who have done

what you desire to do

and who have become

what you desire to be”

If you speak to any successful person you will find that he has or has had great mentors to get him to where he is today. If you want to become successful in property, I would advise you to find someone you can learn from and who can help you to take that first step. If at all possible, find a mentor you can speak to personally, rather than someone who will only speak to you if you are part of a group in a seminar-style setting.

A mentor will be someone whose work you admire. He will be someone who has achieved what you want to and is in a position to get you where you want to be quickly. A mentor will also have access to a network that you may wish to be part of.

For example, your property mentor will have a team of property finders, solicitors, financiers, surveyors, architects and builders etc who he uses in his daily business. Good professionals often take years to source. However, you could greatly enhance your chances of success by tapping into the same team that your mentor uses.

As a property entrepreneur, I have several mentors who have helped me to achieve quick results that would otherwise have taken me several years to attain.

A good mentor will

-Coach you

-Guide you

-Nurture you

-Challenge and criticise you to get the best results possible

-and much more until you succeed

So how do I find a mentor?

There are several methods you should be using to find your ideal mentor. Ive listed a few here:

-Network

By attending networking events and meeting other successful property investors, you should very quickly be able to pick out a couple of people you think could help you in your property career.

Its then a question of approaching them and asking them if they offer any mentoring. If they dont, ask them if you can help them in their business for free in return for some general guidance. This normally works quite well.

-Surf the internet

Use the internet to research existing property entrepreneurs in your area. Again, look for someone who has achieved what you wish to achieve and looks like someone you could work with.

-Ask a friend

If you have any successful property investor friends, you could ask them to guide you. Alternatively, ask them if they have any mentors that they wouldnt mind you working with.

-Source authors of property books and courses

If there is any book or programme that you have bought in the past and learnt from, you may want to approach the author and ask him if he offers mentorship. This is a great way to find an established and recognised expert.

Once you have chosen a mentor, you will be spending a lot of time with him so please ensure he is someone you are comfortable working with him. Good communication is essential. Common goals and similar interests will definitely help here.

UK property investments have been producing wealth for property investors for many years now. According to the Housing Statistics Briefing, English Partnerships, UK property prices increased by 410% between 1986 and 2006. The rise has been driven by population growth, rising number of households, increasing migration, sustained economic boom and demand from global investors. These explain why property investors have always been keen on building a property portfolio.

The value of a property portfolio

For many sophisticated property investors, expanding their property portfolio is considered a wise option when properties can be picked up cheaply. And despite recent rate increases, property investors’ confidence in their portfolio still remains as strong as ever.

A Paragon Mortgages survey of property investors revealed that 50% of the respondents think that the value of their portfolio will rise. This is because landlords anticipate an increase in the value of their existing portfolio over the medium to long term.

Why expand your property portfolio

There are numerous benefits to growing your portfolio. The chief one is that you will be better diversified so that costs incurred in sorting out one problem property can be absorbed by the profits from the others. In other words you’ll be spreading your risks across several various properties that are efficiently being rented out. While the value of your property increases, your tenants are paying your mortgage obligations.

How to expand your property portfolio

If you’ve had your buy to let property or properties for a few years, you’ll have already learned the basic rules. You already know how to acquire new tenants and how to maintain the quality of your property. Your rental income is covering your expenses and your mortgage dues. More importantly, the value of your property will have risen.

So now your next move is to expand your property portfolio. Here are two ways to achieve it:

* Re-mortgaging. If you presently are the owner of a property that has had time to appreciate in value since you got your first mortgage, there’s a good chance that the equity is sufficient enough to allow you to obtain the money needed to expand your portfolio. Taking out a buy to let remortgage on one or more of your properties will allow you to gain access to cash based on the value of your property and use the capital to fund the purchase of additional properties. Since you’re using debt to fund your growth you won’t have to pay income tax or capital gains tax as you would do if you sold properties to fund growth.

* Interest-only buy to let mortgages. This type of mortgage is typically suitable in a slower moving property market. With an interest-only buy to let mortgage, you will only be paying off the interest every month rather than the capital. The benefit of an interest-only buy to let mortgage is that your monthly payments are kept to a minimum. If you opt for this sort of mortgage all throughout the length of the loan, you’d only be left with the initial capital to repay at the end of the loan term.

There isn’t any magic trick involved in growing your portfolio property. By using time-tested strategies of expanding a property portfolio, you will be on your way to building the property empire you’ve been aspiring for.

With the rock bottomed economic conditions, the property markets around the Planet have nosedived today. However, the Irish property market has reacted to the economic slowdown in a different manner. The property investors really have no clue whether to invest in the Ireland Property Market as they are unaware of the future Irish property values. The Ireland property prices are the lowest since the past two decades and for the moment of truth, this is the right time for investing in Ireland properties. The very cheap pricing of the Property for sale Ireland is really good news for the investors and not for the property owners. The Ireland Property market is expected to re-gain its shape by the second half of 2009 and hence this will be the ideal time to buy the Property for sale Ireland.

Ireland was able to survive the toughest market conditions

You’d have noted that the Ireland property values didn’t fall beyond a certain limit while the other worldwide real estate and property markets hit the bottom of the turf. The main reason for this survival of the Ireland property market is that the land owners. where not forced to sell their properties even under the worst Global economic conditions. The Ireland home owners we able to get a steady income in the form of house/ property rent. It has to be noted that the Property to rent in Ireland are of high demand today. According to various market forecasts, the Ireland properties will be of very great value due to the opportunity to earn huge cash by renting them. With the Property to rent in Ireland becoming more and more popular worldwide, the value of the Ireland properties will be certainly increasing in the second half of 2009.

The Dublin property to get more demand

Almost 21% of the total population of Ireland lives in Dublin. The Dublin property prices are expected to rise by the mid of 2009 because, Dublin is the place where most of the industrial operations are going and hence the employees will prefer the place because of its close proximity to their work places. With almost half of Dublin already occupied by now, the demand fro Dublin property will reach it peak by the end of May 2009.

The Availability of new Houses

You will be well aware of the fact that more than 100,000 new homes where built in Ireland through the last decade. Various Ireland property market surveys indicate that the rate of building new homes has almost doubled by 2009. Hence there will be countless numbers of new homes available by the second half of 2009. This will be an excellent opportunity for the Ireland property buyers to choose the homes from a huge collection.

The above mentioned facts are the Ireland property market forecasts for the second half of 2009. According to this forecast, buying an Ireland property will be a wise investment today.

UK property investors may buy either residential or commercial property to sell on at a profit or they may decide to go for buy to rent properties. This is where investors find a property that has been allowed to run down; the investor does a minimal amount of renovation to make the property rentable and then rents it out either to individuals or to businesses. Sometimes investors opt for what are referred to as guaranteed rental property in the UK and abroad.

Many new investors opt for buy to rent properties, particularly if they have seen the success that some new investors have achieved in television programmes. The buy to rent market has become so popular that some developers and property management companies are now offering what is known as a guaranteed rental property in the UK. Investors may also buy this type of property abroad as the company they buy from will often be managing the property in the owner’s absence for an agreed period of time.

Guaranteed rental property in the UK is especially popular with new investors who have mortgage repayments to meet. If an investor knows that a fixed sum will be coming to them every month for the agreed rental period then they can use this to offset their mortgage costs.

Generally speaking guaranteed rental property in the UK is offered to investors through a property management company. The company will guarantee an agreed amount of rent for a period of time and they will also manage the property; find tenants and collect rent for the investor. This service can take a lot of the hassle of owning rental property off of the shoulders of someone wanting to invest in guaranteed rental property in the UK. However, this guarantee does not mean that the investment is risk free or that the property may not become a burden once the agreed guarantee period is over.

Property management companies have to cover their own costs. Costs might be front end loaded in the price that the investor pays for the property; or they might come out of the rental income that the investor is getting. Many property management companies that deal in guaranteed rental property in the UK and elsewhere will collect the rent and take some of it out to cover their costs before passing the remainder on to the investor. If you decide not go for guaranteed rental property in the UK then you need to make sure that you are clear on what this is going to cost in terms of money and time over a longer period. Investors who put their money into the buy to rent market also need to take into consideration the fact that there may be times in the year when they do not have a tenant – this is especially the case if the investment is in a holiday property which may only be available for rent at certain times of the year.

While most property management companies are up front with their investors there are also those companies who will use certain properties as a guaranteed rental property in the UK because they are difficult to sell. These properties might be in a rough location or miles away from certain amenities. Once the guaranteed rental period is over then the owner may have trouble renting the property out again. Some investors discover that their guaranteed rental property in the UK was never rented out in the first place but the company they were dealing with used the scheme to sell a previously unsaleable property.

Most guaranteed rental property schemes in the UK and abroad operate quite well and are beneficial both to the property management company and the investor. As with all investments it pays to find out as much as you can about guaranteed rental property in the UK if you want to avoid losing money.