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Where to find investment properties for sale

There are specific investment properties listed for sale across the internet, but many more regular listings that can be turned into great investments.

9 min read · April 2022

Where to find investment properties for sale

When embarking on investing in buy-to-let properties, one of the first challenges will be where to find them. You can find ready-made investment properties, such as those with a tenant in already or a property with an existing HMO license if that is what you are looking for. The good news is, it's not hard to rent out an existing property, making it a buy-to-let purchase.

There are a few specific things your property will require (annual gas check, electricity check, and in the future, a minimum EPC rating), but these are manageable checks, and will also be required for existing investment properties.

Investment property listings

There are sites where you can find properties for sale with existing tenants. The drawback with these is, people are unlikely to sell great investments. Buying properties which are already tenanted can save some work, but also require investigation to check if they are in arrears, etc - which they can be.

If you are looking for commercial properties:

Regular property listings

Regular listings occasionally have properties designed to be let out. These will be refurbished, with new kitchens, paint, carpets etc. The buyer has often bought the property in a state that requires refurbishment, and is now selling it to make a profit. Don't be put off by them - refurbishing a property definitely takes capital - in money or sweat.

Regular property listings also occasionally tenanted properties. To find investment properties for sale that include all of the above, consider using a tool which scans thousands of listings daily to find the best property investments

The Secret to Finding the Best Property Deals

The UK is one of the most popular markets for property investors, for understandable reasons. Property prices in the UK, particularly in prime areas, are relatively high; but similarly robust demand and relatively low supply keeps them high. Add to this a range of tax incentives and other legal options open to savvy investors, and it’s all too easy to understand why so many international investors are flocking to this market.

But of course, traditional due diligence and market analysis is still key to succeeding in this field. No matter the size of one’s investment, it’s vital to identify the best property deals.

Property data websites are particularly useful because they also provide individual property data for each listing, including detailed financials and legal requirements. This will give you the most up-to-date information needed to make an informed decision.

The first, and perhaps most obvious, way of finding the best deals is to scour the market yourself. Using a combination of local knowledge, research from industry databases, and cost comparison websites, it’s possible to gain a clear view of the current market. This can be a little tedious, but it could pay off big in the end.

Another option is to use online search services, such as those provided by property data websites, to find the ideal property. These services give you access to a vast array of properties, and the results can be tailored to suit your particular investment goals. They often have several different search filters, and you can further refine the results with geographical or price-based criteria.

Speaking of legal requirements, and of the market in general, it’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations of individual areas. The local council or planning authority has the authority to enforce these rules, and thus influence how attractive a property is for investment.

For example, a property in a zone designated for residential use will typically be more desirable from a property investor’s perspective than a building in the same neighbourhood marked for commercial usage. Knowing this kind of detail can be crucial in terms of making profitable deals.

Finally, it’s important to be aware of the current trends in the UK property market. Knowing the market intimately can help you to identify opportunities for high returns in the future. Keep an eye on local press and industry reports, as well as news on price rises and falls. Additionally, it’s worth joining forums and groups on social media to gain insights into the current state of the market.

A Guide for Investors

Investing in property is a lucrative business, especially in the United Kingdom (UK). With good returns and attractive prices, many UK property investors are finding great investments on the market.

The best locations and times to buy can fluctuate, but currently the UK has strong rental demand. We recommend checking the latest data on rental demand, rental prices, expected yield when making a decision. The property prices are currently dipping at time of writing, but with a strong rental market there may be great opportunities arising.

Discovering the Hidden Gems of the UK Property Market: The Benefits for Investors

As the UK's property market continues to flourish and attract outside investors, it has become increasingly important to understand the nuances of the UK's property market. The sheer variety of investment options available in the property market can often be overwhelming, and with so much choice, it can be hard to know where to begin.

One of the best ways to get a great property investment is to look for the hidden gems of the UK's property market. By digging deeper and finding the less obvious, yet still profitable, opportunities, investors can get a real edge and boost the profitability of their investments.

What Are The Hidden Gems Of The UK Property Market?

The ‘hidden gems’ of the UK property market refer to those properties that have yet to be discovered by venturing investors. These are pockets of property that offer potential on both a short and a long-term basis, providing investors with yields and capital growth that they wouldn’t have found elsewhere.

These hidden gems can often be found in less populated and less obvious areas, such as small towns, rural villages and coastal towns outside of the big cities. Small-scale projects often provide attractive opportunities for investors and the flipside is that these areas typically have fewer competitors.

However, uncovering these hidden gems, and uncovering the potential of these properties, can be difficult - especially when an investor needs to be aware of the wider economic, environmental and geographical conditions of the area. In this sense, the hidden gems of the UK’s property market require an element of research and knowledge to truly unlock the potential.

What Are The Benefits Of Investing In UK Property Hidden Gems?

Investing in UK property hidden gems can offer certain advantages over more traditional investment options. In this section, we will outline the main benefits that investors can enjoy when buying property in the UK’s hidden gems:

  1. Lower Costs: One of the most attractive benefits of investing in UK property hidden gems is that they tend to have lower costs associated with them compared to more popular destinations. This is because these properties are undervalued, so investors can get a better deal and make more of their budget. Of course, investors must be sure to thoroughly research the property to ensure that any savings are worthwhile.

  2. Yields: Yields are typically higher for properties in the UK’s hidden gems, as there is less competition for the rental market in these areas. Investors can make use of the rental possibilities, either by letting out the property or by choosing to rent out rooms.

  3. Capital Growth: Investing in UK property hidden gems can also provide a longer-term capital growth strategy. Even though these properties may be undervalued to begin with, because of the increasing demands for rental properties and tourism outlets in these areas, the prices could rise considerably in the years to come.

  4. Less Competition: Less competition in the UK’s hidden gems can also prove to be beneficial for investors. Not only will they have less competition to drive up prices, but they will also have more access to the property and its immediate surroundings, creating a more intimate relationship with the asset.

Developing A Strong Investment Strategy For UK Property Hidden Gems

When it comes to investing in UK property hidden gems, it’s essential to have a robust investment strategy in place to ensure that the potential rewards are worth the risk. Here are some steps to consider when creating a UK property hidden gems investment strategy:

  1. Set A Budget: Setting a budget ahead of time will help investors to properly assess their finances and determine the type of property that is available for investment. Calculating possible yields and capital growth in advance will also help investors to make more informed decisions about the property.

  2. Research The Area: Investors should research the area thoroughly in order to identify any possible issues with the property or its surroundings. Conducting extensive background checks on the areas of interest and ensuring that any legal issues are in order should help to minimise risks and optimise returns.

  3. Understand The Property Market: Understanding the property market is especially important when investing in UK property hidden gems, as due diligence is incredibly important. Familiarising oneself with local market trends and prices, as well as understanding the different types of property available, all go towards creating a successful investment strategy.

  4. Use Property Data: Analysing property data is another important step in identifying the hidden gems of the UK’s property market. Using this data to help decide where to invest will not only provide investors with an extra layer of security, but it could also help provide further insights into the potential of an area.

  5. Utilise The Right Resources: Investing in UK property hidden gems can be a straightforward task if the right resources are used to support the investment decision. Working with local estate agents, market analysts, and industry experts can help investors to uncover the true potential of hidden gems and make successful investments.

Investing in UK property hidden gems is a distinctly rewarding strategy, but it’s important to understand the nuances of the property market, and the particular opportunities available in each area. Those who take the time to research the area, employ data-driven insights, and utilise the right resources can gain a real edge in the UK’s property market, and the rewards can be considerable.

Investing in specific cities

One trend to be aware of is the increasing demand for rental property. With a decrease in available housing, rental properties have become more popular than ever before.

London

One city that’s definitely worth mentioning is London. It’s one of the most expensive cities in the world, and property prices remain high despite the coronavirus pandemic. While prices are likely to fall in the short-term, this presents an opportunity for investors to get a bargain on London property. 

Manchester

Another great city for property investment opportunities is Manchester. The city has seen strong house price growth over the past few years and is home to a booming economy, making it an attractive prospect for investors. 

In addition to London and Manchester, other cities such as Birmingham and Bristol are also robust rental price growth.

Knowing the market

When looking to invest in UK property, it’s important to have an understanding of the current situation. Properties are in high demand in certain locations and areas, so you need to be aware of who is searching for what kind of property, when this demand is likely to change, and whether there is potential for growth.

Using property data can help you to get a clear picture of buyer demands, as this will give you insight into the trends that are arising in the market. It can also help you to more accurately plan your finances, as you can get a clearer idea of the value of different properties and the expected return on investment.