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Blog and News -
Property Investment
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Written by John Angeletta
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Monday, 19 July 2010 09:37 |
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Rents Return To 2008 Levels
With available, let-able UK property at a low and demand for it at a high, it is not surprising average rents throughout the country went up by 1% in June, the highest level since 2008.
The average provincial rent now stands at £673 pcm, with a London average of £942; rents in the North and North East rose a tad by 1.4% and 1.3% respectively whilst in the West Midlands it dropped a little (-1.7%).
Rental yields (rent income as a proportion of purchase price) also rose to almost 5% as BTL property prices fell a little (-0.25%) and, the annual increase slowed to 8%.
A landlord/investor would have typically enjoyed a healthy £19,000 per property during the past 12-months: a combination of c.40% from the rental income with the balance as capital growth.
Commenting on these statistics, David Brown, Commercial Director of LSL, said,The seasonal pick-up was exaggerated by the squeeze in the supply of rental accommodation. Although landlords weren't clobbered as badly as feared, it is possible that some left the market in the run-up to the Budget and concerns over the new Capital Gains Tax rate dampened the number of new investors entering the market in June.
But the restricted availability of buy-to-let mortgage finance has been the underlying factor holding back investment in the sector and the number of new rental properties hitting the market. What We Say ~ Since the Emergency June Budget we now know that only higher rate tax-payers are effected by the higher CGT level (see Blog and News, Capital Gains Tax, 22nd & 23rd June 2010). Also, more BTL funding is becoming available as more lenders return to the market (see Blog and News, Banks Lending Again To BTL Sector, 6th July 2010). When a property is bought from our website saving 25% of market value, typical rental yields of course will rise by 25%. This means you enjoy 6.6%pa, rather than the average 5% on the same property, taking into account its full market value. So a £100,000 property only costs your £75,000 plus you enjoy a substantially higher rental yield! Another advantage of acquiring our BMV property is that they tend to be located in high-demand rental areas, so letting should be quicker providing you with more immediate and ongoing income. Check out our website for examples of Available, Reserved and recently Sold property.
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Blog and News -
Property Investment
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Written by John Angeletta
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Wednesday, 12 May 2010 11:09 |
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Property Is Still The Best Investment!
In the latest monthly survey carried out by the Worldwide Property Group a huge 88% of respondents named property as the best option for investment. Gold was second, with all other investment options, including shares, barely receiving a mention at all.
The company’s April confidence tracker survey also revealed a number of other interesting figures.
The number of people indicating that they are benefiting from the current low level of [mortgage] interest rates has reached the highest level since the survey began nearly a year ago, at 79%.
When asked for their opinions on the direction of interest rates over the next 12 months, 79% said they believe rates will increase; but, not one person was of the opinion that they would rise by more than 1%, which indicates at least another year of very low interest rates.
On the subject of house prices, 71% expect values to increase over the course of the year, with only 8% anticipating a further fall. This is the most positive result since August of last year.
Turning attention to whether now is a good time to buy property in the UK, a staggering 92% said yes.
Three quarters also said that that right now represents a good time to buy a property overseas with the USA attracting the most attention outside of the UK. Once again, these figures are the highest since the survey began.
Commenting on the figures, Kevin Wilkes, Managing Director of the Worldwide Property Group said: “The results of this survey are very encouraging as we can clearly see that confidence in the property market is continuing to increase. "Despite a number of gloomy reports recently in addition to the general uncertainty that surrounded the potential result prior to the general election, people are showing great positivity and faith in the property market, and with very good reason.
"History shows that the period immediately following a recession can be a great time to buy property. When combined with the continuing prospect of very low interest rates and an increase in overall market activity we are certainly seeing a rebound in the market that should continue throughout the year and beyond.”
What We Say ~ Property has always proved a most resilient form of investment. Our typical Below Market Value deals offer an immediate capital return on your investment of 33% plus a typical income yield of between 6-9%pa. Enough said!
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Blog and News -
Property Investment
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Written by John Angeletta
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Friday, 15 January 2010 11:46 |
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Buy-to-let Landlords Enjoy Healthy Return In 2009
Landlords enjoyed 7.6% annual return on their investments by the end of 2009 says, LSL Property Services. In 2008, by contrast, landlords would have typically lost 8.8% even after allowing for rental income.
David Brown, Commercial Director, said: "Despite the worst recession in living memory and despite house prices continuing to fall for the first few months of 2009, investment returns in buy to let were very respectable.
"The £12,700 the average landlord made on a rented property during the year recouped most of the losses in the housing crash of 2008. Brave landlords who added to their portfolios will be celebrating an excellent year."
The trend in prices continues to be favourable with property rising in value 0.4% in December last year with rents up too (+0.2%).
Yields remain well above the 4.2% low point during the peak of the housing market at the end of 2007, when interest rates were far higher than today.
If house prices continue to rise at the current rate of 0.4% per month, equivalent to 4.9% for the full year (see last Blog & News 'Property Growth or Property Collapse 2010?'), a landlord will typically make a total return of £16,000 in 2010, equivalent to 9.8% yield.
Brown concludes: "This year is likely to be an interesting one for the buy-to-let market. The proposed introduction of regulation should help filter out unscrupulous mortgage advisers which will be positive for the sector, particularly for inexperienced landlords.
"The downturn has already pushed many of the short-term speculators out of the market too. Buy-to-let is an essential part of our housing market - we need well capitalised, experienced, professional landlords. With returns rising, they can once again look forward to investing more in the sector to meet our housing needs."
Source Mortgage Solutions
What We Say ~ Brown's comments is another example of confidence in a rising market for 2010.
We have always recommended three properties are acquired by a new landlord in their portfolio as soon as possible. This dramatically reduces the risk of a void period of tenancy with the landlord having to find the mortgage payments on a single property. It is unlikely three properties will be void simultaneously. Once the cornerstone of a portfolio has been laid, adding suitable property at a steady rate should establish a good level of excess rental income above that needed to service loans, settle agent fees and maintain each property.
For example a £100,000, 3-bed, house puchased 25% *BMV for £75,000 would produce £200+pcm excess rent over costs. Five such properties would produce £1,000pm; ten properties, £2,000pm.
Without mortgages however, five properties produce £2,500pm before running costs and income tax; ten properties, £5,000pm: quite useful money in retirement. PLUS of course, assuming 5%pa growth, your original purchase investment would double in value every 9-years!
As a tactic, we recommend every landlord aims for at least 10 good properties in their portfolio. This allows the option of selling earlier acquisitions to settle the total mortgage debt at a time when you want to enjoy unencimbered rental incomes, retirement for example.
Do call us to discuss this in more detail if you wish. *Remember, our typical cash investment to you is between £5-9,000.
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Blog and News -
Property Investment
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Written by John Angeletta
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Tuesday, 05 January 2010 10:13 |
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RICS Comment On Bank Of England Mortgage Approvals
Commenting on Bank of England mortgage approvals, RICS senior economist Oliver Gilmartin said:
"... figures support our view that increasing momentum in the housing market will see further rises in house prices during early 2010. Mortgage approvals have now been rising consistently for a year and the latest credit conditions survey from the Bank of England continues to suggest a gradual improvement in the lending environment over the coming months. Lenders reported an increase in credit availability for borrowers with loan to value ratios above 75% in Q4 2009 whilst the maximum loan to value ratio rose for the first time in over 2 years. Despite an expected increase in property listings and the onset of several headwinds during 2010, the current imbalance between demand and supply is set to underpin further price gains in the near term.
"However, the more buoyant housing market allied to the pick up in economic activity, now under way, is likely to bring forward the day when interest rate rises are back on the agenda. We expect the base rate to be raised during the second half of the year which will inevitably filter through into higher mortgage rates. Significantly, the standard variable mortgage rate will be moving off a low base (currently more than 40% below historic norms) meaning that small movements in interest rates have a bigger proportional impact on monthly payments."
What We Say ~ As ever whilst keeping a wary eye on mortgage rates, this year should still present us with an on-going opportunity to add to, or even begin, our BMV property portfolio. Mainly due to the rise in fees for finding suitable BMV property, acquisition costs are predictably on the increase however, still remain very attractive. Where else can we obtain a significant capital gain and income producing asset for less than £10,000 investment?
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Blog and News -
Property Investment
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Written by John Angeletta
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Tuesday, 10 November 2009 11:02 |
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Property Supply May Struggle To Keep Up With Demand: RICS
Yet more evidence indicates 'sellers' are returning to the housing market, according to a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) UK housing market survey.
The latest research shows the net balance of surveyors reporting that new instructions to sell increased again in October, with all regions reporting a rise in instructions for the first time since the onset of the credit crunch, especially in the North, the South West and London.
Transaction levels continued to rise with the average, over the past three months, reaching 19 sales per surveyor. As a result the 'sales to stock ratio' - a key indicator of future prices - climbed for the tenth consecutive month.
The net balance of chartered surveyors also reported house prices, October over September, at the highest levels since 2006.
London, traditionally leading the way, shows prices rising quickest with the current increase being its highest since December 1996.
On the negative side, surveyors also report a slight downturn in 'buyer' interest for the fourth consecutive month.
Jeremy Leaf, spokesperson at RICS said, "... it [RICS] expected further price gains in the near term [future] as the supply of property would struggle to keep pace with the increase in demand".
Source Mortgage Solution
What We Say ~ With Christmas coming, a reduction in demand for property is no surprise, but it is bound to have a knock-on effect to the early New Year period for actual sales. When demand overtakes supply, prices naturally go up! Add to the property equation that the Financial Services Authority (FSA) will 'highjack' the Buy-to-Let market sometime next year (or the year after) and, though Below Market Value (BMV) deals will still represent a most attractive investment opportunity, the sub-£5,000 total cash investment deal will probably become a thing of the past due to increasing licensing fees plus additional insurances the FSA will no doubt insist upon for property agents.
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Blog and News -
Property Investment
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Written by John Angeletta
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Thursday, 17 September 2009 13:45 |
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All landlords need to ask themselves, "Why am I building a property portfolio?"
Most answers would include, "So I can give up working for someone else" or, "To provide a decent income in retirement" or, "To leave my family a significant inheritance after I'm gone".
For every £1,000 per month pre-tax income you want to enjoy, you would typically need two unencumbered middle-market properties that are tenanted i.e. mortgage free rental income.
The most vulnerable financial time for any working landlord however, is when property debt (total mortgage loans), is more than 50% of the value of their portfolio holdings. This is because if they die, suffer a critical illness or became disabled, their net rental income from their portfolio after all interest payments and on-going expenses are met, may not be enough to replace their lost income from current employment.
Satistics tell us ~ 14% of landlords have never thought about what happens to their property property if they died, suffered critical illness or temporary disability. 10% say their family would lose everything, and 40% have made no plans through, Wills or Trusts, to reduce/remove their Inheritance Tax liability (40% of your entire estate beyond the zero rate tax band).
What We Say ~ people buy life assurance for one or more of four reasons: to remove debt; to replace lost income; to pay tax; and, to leave a legacy. If you have not recently spoken to an Independent Financial Adviser and a Will Writer to ring-fence all your hard work, we recommend that you do. If you don't know who to speak to, give us a call and we shall introduce you to an appropriate adviser in your area.
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Blog and News -
Property Investment
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Written by John Angeletta
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Tuesday, 01 September 2009 12:48 |
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Any spare cash at your disposal needs to work hard to grow beyond inflation and with markets currently depressed it is a 'Buyers Market'. But, where should you consider investing your hard won money. Here is food for thought ... All investments share the same four basic features ... 1. A product i.e. stocks, shares, precious metals, precious stones, works of art, cars, property etc; 2. A buyer i.e. this can range from a small number of professional collectors or institutions seeking, for example, fine art, to many thousands of ordinary people accepting share options from their bank or building society to, private individuals or investor clubs; 3. A seller i.e. someone with something of value to sell; 4. A good price i.e. traditionally where demand exceeds supply, prices will be forced upward and, where supply exceeds demand, prices will be forced downward. In addition to the above, the very best investments have two other key-features: 5. They are bought with someone else's money i.e. legitimate borrowing; and, 6. They attract *tax breaks i.e. deductable business expences and, Capital Gains tax relief. Only one of the mentioned investments contains all 6-features and we are here to find these deals for you. Here are three comparable examples of £100,000 investment : 1. Gold, gemstones, stocks & shares etc. for £100,000. Will cost you cash £100,000. Day one equity in that investment will be c.£95,000 due to the costs of trading (5% dealer fees). Net cost to you £100,000. Day one return on your investment minus £5,000. 2. An Estate Agent bought property for £100,000. Will cost you cash £25,000 deposit (plus £312:50 per month (@ 5%pa) to service a £75,000 mortgage, and if you let the property, the rental income of c. £350per month will cancel out the costs of the mortgage repayment). Day one loan £75,000. Day one equity £25,000. Net costs to you £25,000. Day one return on your investment £Nil 3. A Below Market Value, Buy-To-Let property for £100,000. You will purchase for only £75,000 (typically 25% off market value). Will cost you cash c.£5,000 (plus £312:50 per month (@ 5%pa) to service a £75,000 mortgage, less rental income of c. £350per month, which cancels out the costs of the mortgage repayment). Day one loan £50,000 (Deposit Paid). Day one equity £25,000. Net costs to you £5,000 (Fees). Day one return on your investment £25,000 or 5-Fold. In A Nutshell: If you had £100,000 to invest, you could buy up to twenty (20), Below Market Value, Buy-To-Let properties with a true market value of two-million pounds or more; Or For every £5,000 you have to invest, you could buy one (1) BMV/BTL with a true market value of 10-20 times more than your investment! To find out more about how BMV property works and strike the 'market' whilst the iron is hot, call Gina Angeletta 01275-846662 for an informal discussion. *It is your responsibility to seek independent tax advice.
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Blog and News -
Property Investment
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Written by John Angeletta
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Friday, 21 August 2009 10:17 |
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Properties 25% off Current Market Values Examples: 3-bed Blackpool, Lancs Valued £125,000 For sale at £93,750 Saving £31,250 2-bed Burton-on-Trent, Staffs Valued £110,000 For sale at £82,500 Saving £27,500 3-bed Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs Valued £110,000 For sale at £82,500 Saving £27,500 2-bed Liverpool, Merseyside Valued £67,500 For sale at £50,625 Saving £16,875 3-bed Jedburgh, Borders Valued £125,000 For sale at £93,750 Saving £31,250 3-bed Abercan, Newport Valued £75,000 For sale at £56,250 Saving £18,750 3-bed Durham, County Durham Valued £80,000 For sale at £60,000 Saving £20,000 1-bed Bradford, West Yorkshire Valued £55,000 For sale at £41,250 Saving £13,750 see www.bmvpropertyinvestmentdeals.co.uk for details
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