How To Make the Most from the Thriving UK Property Market

Mark Twain once said, "Buy land; they're not making any more". The world's population is growing, and they will all need somewhere to live.

The prospects of buying UK property for investment goals have never looked better, so we've put together a list to make the most of the thriving UK buy-to-let property market to help you.

Don't Just Consider the Rental Yield

It is an investment package, so consider it as such. In recent times, rental yields in UK properties have provided profits to many investors. So, the investors look closely at a property's rental yield and capital appreciation combined.

London property prices increased by 17.6% in 2014, whilst rental yields typically provided 5% returns. If you calculate all aspects of the investment, you will want to sell your property for a significantly higher price than you bought it for and realise the increase in value.

Take Account of Costs

It's pen and paper time. If you plan on financing your purchase partly with a mortgage, you will want your monthly rent to cover your mortgage repayments. In addition, you must pay the stamp duty, other legal charges and taxes as the keys are handed over.

Once your property is up and running and tenants pay rents, the operating maintenance costs and agent's fees typically take around 25% off your gross rental income. However, it is an investment so let your decisions be guided by your head rather than your heart.

A 'Peace of Mind' Investment

Presumably, you do not live close to your rental property; if you are based abroad, you will probably have to travel thousands of miles away to visit your foreign property; therefore, you would probably look for a completely 'hands-off' management approach.

You do not want a late-night phone call from a tenant asking you to deal with a broken window or a leaking water pipe. Instead, search for companies that offer a full service; there are a few companies that offer not just the initial product sale but also a comprehensive after-sales service that covers everything from furniture packs to full property management, including dealing with maintenance and breakages.

Your objective is to relax, sit back in your armchair, and watch your investment grow.

Location 

The most important factor when purchasing a UK property is its location. There are many thriving, booming areas of the UK where property prices and rental yields are propelled upwards mainly due to regeneration schemes and improved local transport links. However, you may not get a low-cost property in some of the prominent locations.

Be sure your investment fits your basic criterion to get the best location. A home in an undesirable location may sit empty for months, generating zero income and may not even get an appraisal in value as you may not get buyers for such cheap homes.

Consider Your Tenant

Try to imagine you are the tenant renting your property to know who your tenants are likely to be, what they want, and what they may be looking for. For example, young workers and professionals might look for a home near an educational institute or university.

A young family will want something different; perhaps they are looking for something not furnished, students want fully furnished – this will affect your interior décor decision.

Research the Market

Research the markets in certain postcodes in London, Manchester, Liverpool or Milton Keynes. Depending on your needs and budget, determine if you could afford a one- or two-bedroom apartment detached home duplex or triplex, student accommodation or residential.

The questions are endless, the options are endless and often bewildering, especially if the chosen country of your intended investment is not your country of residence.

The key is to do as much research as you can. For example, if you are looking to invest in the UK, speak to someone (preferably an expert) from the UK; if you are thinking of London, do your research on London and try to talk to someone from London.

UK property investing has paid off handsomely to many individuals in terms of income and capital gains. Nevertheless, it would help if you went into it with your eyes wide open, acknowledging the potential advantages and disadvantages.