It pays to be a little cynical when it comes to positive comments about the state of a market. This is especially the case when they come from parties with vested interests. Nevertheless, it is worth considering comments that have recently been made by ‘informed people’ regarding the residential sector. According to one of the …
At the time of the Brexit vote we commented that it would be the end of the year before there was an indication of its effect on property prices. The good news is that forecasts of the UK’s house price boom coming to an end have proved largely unfounded. Ultra-low mortgage rates, record high employment and …
The UK and Brexit – a damp squib for the property market? Read More »
The Brexit result took most commentators and analysts by surprise and, we must admit, us as well. The bookmakers were expecting the Remain campaign to prevail, but the underlying discontent over issues such as immigration resulted in a vote that is going to impact the socio-economic structure of the UK in many ways. Does this …
Is Brexit an opportunity? For some it is, for some it isn’t Read More »
We have long advocated the attraction of a secure income stream and smaller properties: In December 2012 we sent out a property bulletin advocating HMOs (House in Multiple Occupation) which produce high rental returns In May 2014 our property bulletin highlighted the demand for smaller centrally located properties and the value they offered compared to …
London’s Evening Standard newspaper is required reading for many of the city’s residents and commuters heading home and further afield. Its articles are, in general, unbiased and objective although it is always reminding its readers what a great city they live in. With the price of London property rapidly becoming a political issue due to …
The answer to the above question seems obvious – most investors want both. Whilst it is possible to achieve this in some emerging markets, such opportunities come with high risk. The currency, political stability, ownership entitlement, re-sale potential are all issues that affect the medium viability of emerging markets. Most investors we speak to are …
Do you want high income or high capital growth from your property investment? Read More »
Many investors have entered the student accommodation sector through managed funds. Some of the funds have performed well, others such as Mansion and Brandeaux have experienced serious liquidity problems. Nevertheless, the underlying assets, i.e. the student accommodation units, have preformed well with most operators experiencing 99% occupancy rates and healthy investment returns. When investors want …
Student accommodation funds, liquidity and the benefits of direct ownership Read More »
There is an ongoing shortage of purpose built student accommodation in the UK and if comments made by that country’s universities minister the shortage is only going to grow. Universities in the UK have seen a squeeze on places in recent years, with thousands of students failing to get on courses. In a recent paper, …
The bears are certainly in retreat when it comes to the UK residential sector. Bullish reports from analysts and commentators now seem to be the norm, a different picture to the last couple of years. One such report has just been released by the Centre for Economics and Business Research. It advises that the average …
UK prices forecasted to rise, a shortage of homes and yes, you can invest outside London Read More »
The Australian residential property market got off relatively lightly during the financial crisis of 2008/9 and surprised many people with its resilience. A recovery in 2010 raised hopes that the market would power on but 2011 saw price reductions and a lack of interest from overseas buyers as the strong Australian dollar deterred investment. As …
Is the Australian residential property market set to recover? Read More »
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