UK Property
Property investment in the UK has been a very popular choice for professional and amateur investors alike. Many investors like the tangibility of bricks and mortar and the fact that it is a less volatile form of investment than equities with excellent growth potential. UK property has shown consistent growth over the medium and long term with some areas experiencing spectacular growth. Central London property prices grew by 23.5% in the 12 months to September 2006.
Buy to let property
The buy-to-let phenomenon which has recently celebrated its tenth birthday has experienced unprecedented growth amongst the ever increasing class of UK property investors. Many buy-to-let investors view investment property as a retirement nest egg and an attractive alternative to pensions, providing a more tangible and flexible way of planning for retirement. Unlike traditional pension funds your money is not tied up and it does not have to be converted into an annuity when drawn down. You have the freedom to sell or hold on to the investment property.
UK Investment Property
Many UK property investment strategies have focused on buying new build and off-plan property. Off-plan property is attractive to property investors as it requires low deposits and, in some cases, it is possible to get cash-back. Additionally, it is possible to access discounted investment property.
In order to fund such property investment many investors use equity withdrawal to help secure initial deposits and aid leverage. By leveraging any property investment, property portfolio’s can be built for a relatively low amount of initial investment. The greater the leverage - and by implication the risk - the greater the potential return. Any mortgage interest from leveraging can be set against rental income on your tax return.
Caution should be exercised with equity withdrawal, especially if you are heavily dependant on rental income. Guaranteed rental schemes can be a good option for property investors and can help minimise the risk of void periods. Not all guaranteed rental schemes are valid and should therefore be verified.
Population : 60,609,153 (July 2006 est.)
Capital : London
Language : English, Scottish, Gaelic, Welsh
Currency : British Pound
Dialing Code : +44
International Airports : Heathrow (London), Gatwick (London), Stansted (Luton), London City, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham, Liverpool John Lennon, Teesside, Leeds-Bradford, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast
