What do lenders look for when they assess an application?

Having found a suitable property – or preferably whilst looking for a suitable investment property – you will then need to look at financing your investment. There are many ways to finance a property, but let’s assume you plan to approach a traditional lender. This poses the question “what do lenders look for when they…

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The very first thing to do BEFORE buying your first property

What do we need to do before we buy our first buy to let investment property? Surely all we need to do is go down to the local estate agents, choose one, and buy it? Sadly, that is how some people treat property investment and perhaps, not surprisingly, they are the ones who are most…

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One simple tip to help you buy the RIGHT property

Many new investors are often confused about what to do next having decided upon a possible investment area or areas. A classic mistake is often to jump in and start researching properties for sale with a view to identifying a specific property for purchase. This is NOT the first thing you should do. Researching which…

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Buying property from developers

BMV sales themselves can set the tone of value, rendering the price paid the true value and not a discounted value. This concept is heightened when buying property from developers, particularly with regard to buying off plan. With this in mind, in this video I consider whether it’s truly possible to buy a property at…

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Do developers really give discounts?

Last week we took a look at how many inexperienced property investors assume that asking price equates to value, and how many believe that they are buying below market value when in reality they are probably buying below asking price. We also discussed how the main flaw in buying BMV is that market value is…

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True “BMV” versus “below asking price”

Many assume that a property’s asking price equates to its value. It doesn’t, or at least, it might or might not, and it’s important not to assume that the asking price reflects the true market value. In this video I take a look at the major flaws with BMV and consider why valuation is an art, not…

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The truth behind below market value (BMV)

When starting out in property it’s easy to believe that it’s all about buying below market value; after all, no self-respecting investor would attend a property networking event or post on any property forum if they weren’t negotiating furiously for 20%, 25% or 30% discounts from market value. But as I’ve mentioned before, although we…

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How to finance your refurb project

Finance costs tend to be the greatest expense for any buy to let investor and those looking to hold and rent a property will need to think carefully about finance to be on the right path towards guaranteeing a profit. Any increase in the value of a property following a refurbishment can be potentially drawn…

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Light refurbishment loans explained

Buying a property that needs a bit doing to it and giving it a bit of TLC and a quick refurb can be one of the easiest and most satisfying ways of making a profit in property. But before you can begin to enjoy the benefits of forced appreciation, you must first tackle the complexities…

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The foundations of property profits

Some say there’s one thing every successful buy to let property investor should do – and that’s buy an investment property where one can add value. There are certainly many advantages to doing this. In these videos, we’ll look at why buying a property and adding value by a refurb makes financial sense for any property…

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