Making money from UK property can be a rewarding venture; however, it is important to approach this with the right strategies in mind. We are focusing on five proven methods or strategies which could generate income and potentially build wealth through property investment and development.
Buy-to-Let (BTL or BRRR)
This is the probably the first strategy that most people think about when considering starting their property business. It is one of the most popular strategies and in simple terms, is where investors purchase residential properties with a view to renting them out, either as they are or usually with a minimal amount of renovation/refurbishment (occasionally, a complete gut job on the property is required but most purchasers buy with the idea of a quick facelift to ready the property for the rental market - Buy, Refurb, Rent, Repeat). This approach can provide a steady stream of rental income, especially in high-demand areas. A key figure to calculate here is your net yield.
Key points to consider:
Location: Choose areas with strong rental demand.
Tenant Avatar or Profile: Understand your target tenant (students, families, professionals).
Management Costs: Decide whether to manage the property yourself or hire a letting agent.
Property Flipping (BRR)
Flipping involves buying properties that need renovation (sometimes major renovation), improving them, and then immediately selling them on for a profit - Buy, Renovate, Repeat. This strategy can yield significant returns if executed well. Another alternative to this strategy is Buy, Refurb, Repeat, where the property needs only cosmetic improvements before being put back on the market. The gains from this are usually lower but can still prove to be a lucrative option, as you are making savings in time, allowing you to move on quickly to the next project.
However, there are some budgetary considerations that should be factored in when calculating your eventual net profit. Firstly, with all property sales you will have to pay tax: either Capital Gains Tax which is required to be paid within 60 days of the sale, income tax if you are a sole trader/partner or corporation tax if your property business is in a limited company. The rates for each of these vary and there is a personal allowance available for deduction on CGT each tax year. Depending on the complexity of your transactions, it may be worthwhile seeking the advice of a qualified accountant. Secondly, in Labour's Autumn Budget (2024), they focused on Wealth Inequality and one of those areas that they are considering making changes to in order to close the wealth gap, is property flipping. They believe that by extending the time that a 'flipper' has to hold the property between purchase and sale, will somehow make a difference to the wealth gap - I'm still trying to figure this one out?
Key points to consider:
Market Research: Identify undervalued properties in desirable locations.
Renovation Budget: Plan and stick to a budget for renovations.
Timing: Sell at the right time to maximise profits.
Sales Costs: Factor in tax implications and keep an eye on changes to CGT etc.
Joint Ventures in UK Property
Joint Ventures are a particularly useful option to explore for several reasons: a) Partnering with other investors through joint ventures can be useful for larger projects that may be financially daunting for a single investor.
b) Joint Ventures allow the inexperienced investor or developer to throw in their lot with someone who has greater experience in development, investment, property purchasing or selling and so on.
c) Where someone is cash rich but time poor, joint ventures allow for someone else to take on the burden of time to progress a project or investment.
d) Joint Ventures allow all involved to share the risks of the project, meaning a better spread of resources with individuals not having to put all their eggs in one basket (project). However, it is important that the parameters of the relationship(s) are established from the outset; best practice here would be a formal written agreement laying out, as far as possible, each persons role in the joint venture partnership, their profit share, their monetary contribution and so on.
Key points to consider:
Shared Expertise: Leverage the skills and knowledge of your partners.
Risk Mitigation: Spread financial risk across multiple investors.
Clear Agreements: Establish clear terms and responsibilities in the partnership.
Make Money from Passive Investment In UK Property
Investing into property used to be mainly reserved for High Net Worth Investors or Sophisticated Investors with high entry levels but with the advent of crowdfunding and online investment platforms, the world of passive property investment has been opened up to retail/restricted investors. Entry level amounts have been lowered and the ability to manage portfolios through apps and online platforms has revolutionised the way we invest. Control has been handed back to the investor. However, it should be noted, that the risks of investing remain and a concern for regulatory bodies like the FCA is the possible lack of understanding of these risks i.e. that your capital is at risk and you could lose all your money.
Having said that, the opportunities for investing into a wide and varied range of products has never been greater. For example, Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms allow you to lend money (debt) to property developers or buyers, and with moderate capital, you can start earning interest much like a mortgage lender. Equity investing into property projects can also be accessed through property crowdfunding platforms - with the risk being greater (with no security over your capital) the returns for this are often higher. A top tip is do your due diligence on the entity behind the project or only invest a small amount (what you can afford to lose). There are also opportunities that allow you to do first or second charge lending on a project, if you know the right paths to follow.
Hands off or passive investment may reap substantial rewards without the time, hassle or stress of owning your own property portfolio. A great option if you are cash rich but time poor.
Key points to consider:
Due Diligence: Do detailed research on any entity you wish to invest in.
Risk vs Reward: Carefully weigh up the potential for loss and only invest what you can afford to lose.
Legal Agreements: Ensure that you read and understand the agreement between you and the entity you are investing in; query any clauses you don't understand.
Sourcing
An often forgotten money making strategy, sourcing is probably the one option that requires the least amount of deployed capital to get started. Basically, sourcing involves seeking out undervalued properties for investors or property developers. Sourcers are usually paid via a finding fee from the prospective purchaser, although some continue to have an interest in the project by becoming JV partners or seeking payment through a percentage of the net profits. Additional commissions can come from the relationships built up with other property professionals. The ideal is where sellers are contacting you to reach out to your network of buyers.
Develop a Network: An extensive network of property professionals can be very beneficial and may lead to further commissions.
Understand Market Values: To be able to property evaluate whether a deal is worth progressing, an understanding of local market values is crucial.
Negotiate: Be prepared to negotiate either with the seller or the prospective purchaser to ensure the best deal all round.
Conclusion
Investing in UK property is still a viable option when it comes to making money. By utilising one of these five proven strategies, it is possible to access the property ladder and make money from property, even if you don't own any physical property.
Each strategy has its own set of risks and rewards, so, as noted above, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and consider your financial goals before diving in.
Do your due diligence or alternatively get in contact with us at PropFundrs and we can help set you on the path to success, whether that is through exploring JV partnerships, looking at your passive investment options or sourcing funding for your projects. We are here to help and are only a phone call or email away. Click the link below to access your free call (at a time and day that suits you) or contact us at Support@PropFundrs.com
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