Property investments have several benefits over other types of investments. Real estate provides a more predictable cash flow than stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Most properties increase in value over time, allowing you to keep up with inflation; they may also provide higher returns due to positive leverage.
They’re also excellent investment options, with the potential to generate ongoing passive income and leave you with valuable assets to pass on to your children.
However, there are a few things you should think about before you decide to invest. Purchasing property can be expensive, even before you factor in maintenance costs and potential income gaps between tenants.
You’ll also need to be aware of the current circumstances that influence investment decisions. Property prices are very likely to be affected by crises and political tensions. For starters, Brexit has caused a shift in the UK property market. While it has made investors more wary of investing in real estate, a poll featured in one of our previous articles revealed that half of those polled were optimistic that real estate activity would pick up post-Brexit.
So far, we’ve seen the country’s real estate market maintain its integrity despite political upheaval.
Certain parts of the market have even slightly dropped in price, which may be an opportunity for you to make your move. After all, when it comes to property investments, timing is everything.
When you have sufficient funds
When purchasing property, you have a number of payment options to choose from. Most people, however, choose to put down a deposit and pay a mortgage.
The amount you put down as a deposit, total household income, and your credit score all play a role in whether or not you qualify for a mortgage. Even before you speak with a mortgage broker, check your credit score.
You should pay off your debts, credit cards, and loans before applying for a mortgage, as a higher credit score increases your chances of getting a good mortgage.
You could, on the other hand, pay for property in cash if you have the entire amount ready when making an offer to buy a property. Of course, being a cash buyer necessitates large sums of money, and it’s unlikely that someone just starting out on the property ladder will be able to put down the full amount.
However, you might want to think about this arrangement if you’re in your 40s or 50s and looking to invest. You might have enough money saved up at this point.
Being a cash buyer also has its benefits, such as increased security, a faster turnover process, and no interest.
Whether you choose a mortgage or a cash purchase, investing is a good idea, especially at this age. You should begin looking into property investments that can provide you with long-term passive income.
After working hard for most of your life, you should be able to enjoy the fruits of your labour, and investing in property could help. With the UK’s life expectancy currently at 81, you have plenty of time to consider whether this is the best option for you.
Income from property investments, in addition to a pension, could provide you with a comfortable and meaningful retirement.
The market conditions are favorable.
The real estate market is affected by supply and demand. Before you put money down on a house, find out if the market conditions are favorable to you. A buyer’s market is one such condition to keep an eye out for.
This occurs when supply exceeds demand, causing market prices to fall. During the pandemic, we saw this happen. In fact, experts from Zoopla, Right move, and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) predict a 5% drop in house prices by the end of 2021.
While a buyer’s market may occur when the national economy is in a slump—a similar phenomenon occurred during “The Great Recession” in 2008—it may be the ideal time to make an property investment at a significantly lower price.
In contrast, a seller’s market can occur when demand exceeds supply. Because of the scarcity, bidding wars erupt, driving up prices. Needless to say, the current market situation is not ideal for investors.
Overall, there are numerous advantages to investing in real estate, so make sure that when you do make a move, you are doing so to get the best deals at the best possible times!
