UK Property – Can I Build to Let?

Many an accountant, marketing manager, shop assistant or graphic designer is actually a wannabe property developer. The idea of creating a "forever home" that suits the most individual needs will always have a certain charm.

But sometimes, the drive to construct is not with the intention of personal use. There are potential investors who are looking to increase monthly incomings by building a property that can subsequently be rented out. Here, Return on Investment is key. 

UK Television programs such as "Homes under the Hammer" often see inexperienced property developers who have spotted an opportunity. In many of these cases, the sensible longterm option is to rent the property. This eliminates the need for fancy furnishings and clever finishing touches – the key to profit here is practicality and functionality. But in the real world, are these "opportunities" really advisable?

Well, Dawson & Associates have a great deal of experience on this matter – and we know that, as with all things property related, sound advice and research is a must! 

Can I make a profit with Buy to Let?
It is true that the brave independent property investor has indeed been rewarded on many an occasion. Surprisingly few people can envisage the potential that a run-down townhouse has and so, with just small aesthetic changes, a poor rental marketplace can soon provide significant wealth.

BUT... (for there is always a "BUT" when it comes to property)...
there are many, many potential pitfalls.

Of course, the intended property MUST always have undergone a detailed survey from a RICS regulated chartered surveyor. Renting a property incurs many responsibilities so you must be extremely confident that your tenants will be safe and secure.
And the area of the UK in which you are planning to invest plays a huge part in the level of profit that you are likely to make.

Rental prices vary greatly in the UK from North to South and East to West. And, as always, London is an independent economy playing to its own unique rules. It was recently reported that "big-money overseas private landlords" have monopolised the market within our capital, making things extremely difficult for institutional investors looking for Buy to Let ROI.

Property development is often an issue of timing. Those who bought, built and commenced a rental plan 10 years ago are now likely to be reaping the rewards of their investment.

For more information on how to make a sound property investment in London or other areas of the UK, contact Dawson Surveyors. Initial advice is provided free of charge. 01424 882263



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£250 million Russian Investment in London Property

The Russian Billionaire Andrey Goncharenko is now reported to have invested a total of £250 million in London having now bought up a total of four luxurious properties. Goncharenko is apparently well known for excess and therefore, it is of no surprise that his purchases include Britain's most expensive home – the Hanover Lodge in exclusive Regent's Park. 

Hanover Lodge was previously owned by conservative peer Lord Bagri who had purchased the property in 1994 for £5.9 million. He then refurbished the grade-II listed building to glamourous standards. It is said that Goncharenko now plans to spend a further £1.2 million with even more renovation works to the 33,000 sq ft home.

Goncharenko's other properties are 50 St James Street, Mayfair, which sold for £70million; a mansion in Lyndhurst Road, Hampstead, sold for £41million; and 102 Eaton Square in Belgravia, sold for £15million.

This year has seen even more Russian investment in the UK than ever before. It is thought that continued unrest in Russia is encouraging those to set-up homes across the country and, in particular, in London. Jones Lang La Salle estimated that Russian money accounts for 7pc of all property, both old and new, worth more than £1m in the capital’s core. The short 4 hour transit by aeroplane makes it an appealing prospect for those seeking more stable bricks and mortar investments. 

“London is seen as liquid,” said Tom Mundy, head of research Russia at JLLS. “It’s easy to buy, easy to sell and it has a depth of stock not available in Moscow. Pricing is not dissimilar and the pound is relatively strong compared to the rouble.” [source]

Foreign investment stimulating the London new-build property market also take the form of Middle Eastern , African and Eastern European investment.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2690093/Revealed-Billionaire-party-animal-s-snapped-Britain-s-expensive-house-120m-London.html#ixzz3GgJ1znCP

Dawson & Associates are able to advise on your international property investment with full property consultation bred from over 40 years of professional practice. We can provide thorough and accurate Building Surveys, Party Wall Awards, Property Design, Construction Management & Legal Services for your property in the UK. Be asured that a team of professional are providing the best possible results from your UK property investment/portfolio. Contact us now for more info.

Premium Property Costs in South Kensington

South Kensington is well known as being one of the most exclusive addresses in the world. Affluent professionals and A Listers aspire to call it home. A 3 bedroom penthouse previously owned by Kylie Minogue was previously on the market for £6.5million. Foxtons state that the average price of a South Kensington 2 bedroom flat is £1,546,735 whilst a 4 bedroom house would set you back around £3,012,500. This compares to £250,000 for the UK property average.

However, Dawson & Associates has seen time after time that even if you are interested in paying these premiums, locating a property in this densely populated area is easier said than done.  Perhaps that is why an apparently “uninhabitable” South Kensington flat recently sold for more than £600,000. The telegraph reports that this property, with only 30 years left on the lease has been deemed worthy of such a high asking price by an anonymous buyer (despite the fact that it may shake when the underground passes by).

James Wardle, director of the selling real estate agency, Hamptons International, said: "Stanhope Gardens is one of South Kensington's most sought-after garden squares, with apartments selling for well over the £1 million mark.” Due to the extreme high demand for properties in this area, it seems that there is still potential to make a profit on the purchase.

But any potential property investors should beware. These development projects often prove risky and a successful outcome solely depends upon finding the right property in the first instance. Even in areas such as South Kensington, good profits cannot be obtained if the property itself is not structurally sound. With over 40 years of experience, Dawson Surveyors can evaluate any residential or commercial real estate and provide a true current and future value. Do not risk making an investment without professional, specialized advice from a chartered surveyor.

Afree instant property survey quote can be received here.