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Investment, Property Investment
How to Find the Best Property Development Opportunities
How to Find the Best Property Development Opportunities Maybe you’ve been bingeing Homes Under the Hammer and thought “Hey, I could do that!” Or maybe you’ve already renovated one property and now you’ve got a taste for it. No matter the reason why you’re looking for property development opportunities, in this short blog post, we share the two things you need to know when searching for your first (or your next) big project. 1. Property Development Opportunities: It’s All About Location x 3 There’s a well-known phrase when it comes to property development; it’s all about location, location, location. But this isn’t a tired old cliché — you really do need to spot the up-and-coming areas before anyone else. And to do that, you have to scour the internet and pound the pavement. First, look at properties for sale on the likes of Rightmove and OnTheMarket and note their asking prices. Next, read up on new developments (shops, bars, restaurants) and check local newspapers, forums, and social media for insight. Finally, scroll around Google Maps to measure walking and driving distance from important amenities (schools, parks, train stations, etc.). Found an area you like? It’s time to visit in-person and ask yourself: Do any of the properties stand out as having potential? Some property developers like to look for the worst property on the nicest street as this means there’s room for improvement. Is there a variety of property types, or are they all the same? If it’s the latter, this could mean that each house on the street has the same maximum sales potential, so it could be a challenge to add enough value to achieve a healthy profit. Are there any skips or signs of development? This could mean fellow property developers are in the area, or it could mean the owners see enough value in their property to do some renovation work themselves. Either way, you could be onto a winner. Are there new-builds nearby? Whether it’s a shiny new flat complex, student housing, or a new-build estate, these sorts of developments are usually followed by new or improved local amenities. Buying and renovating a nearby property could mean selling while demand is high for the area. 2. Finding the Best Property: Estate Agents Are Your Friends Once you’ve identified your development area, reach out to the local estate agents. Whether it’s a call or an email, introduce yourself and outline what it is you’re looking for in a property. Discuss timelines, financials, and your end goal (place tenants in the property or sell for profit). With the right “profile” of property, the agents can start sending property development opportunities directly to your inbox. This will save you precious time, and they might even send you a hot tip for a property that’s yet to be posted online. The best estate agents know their local market, so if you’re looking for a buy-to-let in Glasgow, a buy-to-let in Edinburgh, or HMO development opportunities, they’ll be able to point you in the right direction. Looking for property development opportunities in Scotland? Make Cairn your new best friend. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll be happy to help. Contact us here.
Investment, Buy To Let, Glasgow, Student Accommodation
Buy-to-Let in Glasgow: 4 Reasons Why You Should Do It
Buy-to-Let in Glasgow: 4 Reasons Why You Should Do It Learn why buy-to-let in Glasgow is a no-brainer in this post from Cairn Estate & Letting Agency. Once an industrial powerhouse, home to factories and shipyards, Glasgow is today every inch a modern European city. Full of culture, diversity, and a growing population, it’s little wonder that Dear Green Place has resonated with property investors. And in this brief post, we share 4 reasons why you might buy-to-let in Glasgow. Why Buy-to-Let in Glasgow? 1. A thriving economy With the largest economy in Scotland (and the 4th largest in the UK), Glasgow is home to a range of established and emerging sectors. The likes of health, education, retail, and finance — alongside digital, biotech, and low carbon industries — are attracting talent from far and wide, providing ample opportunities and competitive salaries. And with all these talented, well-paid individuals needing places to live, demand for properties is massive (more on that below). 2. A vibrant student population If you’re interested in investing in student accommodation, then look no further than Glasgow. With three top universities and eleven colleges in and around the city, it’s home to around 185,000 students. That makes it, by far, the biggest student city in Scotland, and the second-biggest in the UK. What’s more, Glasgow was recently named as the best UK city for millennials owing to an abundance of graduate job prospects, entertainment options, and overall quality of life. 3. Vital transport links Glasgow is incredibly easy to navigate, with plenty of reliable transport links dotted around the city. But the best part is, it looks like there could be significant improvements in the pipeline. For instance, the Subway (the third-oldest underground system in the world) is often the subject of audacious expansion plans, while a modern tram or light rail network has also been proposed. If these plans become reality, it could result in certain areas of the city becoming more desirable to commuters. And this could mean a greater return on investment for investors. This phenomenon isn’t anything new in Glasgow, either. As it stands, the proximity to a Subway station can actually push up rents due to demand. 4. Huge rental demand Finally, speaking of demand, Glasgow (alongside Edinburgh) is one of the best cities in the UK in which to purchase a buy-to-let property. According to these stats, the average rent in the city is currently £840 PCM, while the average time-to-let for a one-bedroom property is around 27 days. So, if you do invest in buy-to-let in Glasgow, you’ll enjoy terrific yields — and it’s unlikely that it’ll sit empty for very long! Cairn: Buy-to-Let Glasgow Experts Interested in exploring buy-to-let property in Glasgow? Get in touch with our property investment experts to learn more about our approach and services.
Investment, Buy To Let, Edinburgh, HMO Properties, Student Accommodation
4 Huge Reasons Why You Should Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh
In truth, there are loads of reasons to invest in buy-to-let property. From passive income and tax planning to long-term capital growth, it remains a popular and lucrative investment opportunity. But why should you focus your attention on buy-to-let in Edinburgh specifically? In this short post, we take a look at 4 reasons why Scotland’s capital remains in-demand with property investors. Why Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh? 1. A growing population The population of Edinburgh has been trending upwards since the 1990s and shows no signs of slowing. As of 2020, it sits at a whopping 536,775, and this is projected to grow to over 603,000 by 2035. This means it could rival — and even overtake — Glasgow at some point in the near future. And a growing population means a greater demand for housing stock. Worth bearing in mind if you’re trying to choose between the two cities. 2. A thriving student market Edinburgh is home to 6 universities and 3 colleges. The city attracts students from across Scotland, the UK, and the rest of the world, not just for its outstanding educational facilities, but also for its rich history, architecture, and nightlife. According to a recent census, full-time students comprise around 12% of the city’s population — and these students need somewhere to live! Investing in high-quality HMO student accommodation can meet that demand and deliver greater yields for property investors. 3. Opportunities for young professionals As we mentioned, Edinburgh’s population is growing rapidly, and a significant factor in that growth is the younger generation calling the city home. Around 20% of the population are in their 20s (only Aberdeen has a higher percentage in Scotland) and 15% are in their 30s. And as of 2018, the Scottish capital was the most prosperous UK city outside London. Around 40% of the workforce are in high-skilled jobs, with an average full-time salary of £30,700. This certainly ticks a few boxes for would-be property investors; namely young, full-time working professionals with a high level of disposable income. 4. The biggest arts festival in the world In 2019, a record 3 MILLION people descended on Edinburgh for the largest arts festival going. And although new legislation will be introduced in 2021 to control Airbnb-style short-term lets, the sheer number of tourists and performers visiting the city each year represents a massive opportunity for property investors, both in the short and longer-term. Cairn: Buy-to-Let Edinburgh Experts Interested in exploring buy-to-let opportunities in Edinburgh? Get in touch with our property investment experts to learn more about our approach and services.
Investment, Buy To Let, Tenanted Properties
Buying A Tenanted Property
Thinking of buying a tenanted property? Worried how much it’s going to cost you? In short, buying a tenanted property maximises cashflow and reduces capital expenditure. When you buy an empty buy to let property you do have to factor into account your additional costs, property fit out, licenses, certificates, agency fees, […]
Investment, HMO Properties
INVESTING IN A HMO PROPERTY ?
Guide: Investing in HMO properties Average rent prices are still on the rise virtually everywhere in the UK. The figures, from Zoopla, show that its up 2.6% annual increase in rents across the UK is the highest rate seen in three years. With both Glasgow and Edinburgh having a shortage of supply, competition for available […]
Investment, Buy To Let, HMO Properties, Letting, Student Accommodation
Become A Parent Investor With Cairn
Become A Parent Investor With Cairn For many, when their children go to university or college there are only a few options open to them; continue to have them live at home, have them register for a space in the student halls, or look for a private rental property they can stay in while in […]
Investment, HMO Properties, Letting, Student Accommodation
A Parent’s Guide to Student Accommodation
A Parent’s Guide to Student Accommodation Your teenager is off to university and needs somewhere to live – not sure where to start? We talk you through the ins and outs of the student accommodation options available these days. They’ve come a long way from your student digs, trust us. University-owned accommodation The most popular […]
Investment, Hints & Tips
Improve Instead of Move – What Renovations Add the Most Value?
Improve Instead of Move – What Renovations Add the Most Value? With an unpredictable property market and the stress of moving, if you’re a homeowner with some capital, why not consider improving your home rather than selling up? You can add real value to your house with some investment and clever tips and tricks. Conservatory […]
Investment, Buy To Let, Landlords, Tenanted Properties
Pros and Cons of Buying Tenanted Properties
The UK is experiencing an upsurge in the sale and purchase of tenanted properties but is the trend just a fad or a viable option for property investors? A tenanted property is one sold with tenants currently living there. The removal of tax relief for buy to let finance costs has led some landlords to […]
