How to invest in property – UK guide to getting started with property investment

Investing in property can be a lucrative way to grow your wealth, especially in the UK where there is a strong and stable property market. However, investing in property is not as simple as buying a house or flat and waiting for the value to appreciate. – read our property investment guide to learn more!

There are various factors to consider and steps to take to ensure that your investment is a success. In this guide, we will take a detailed look at how to invest in property in the UK.

Property investment guide

• What types of property investment are available in the UK?
• How much money do I need to invest in property?
• Purchasing property through a SPV versus limited company
• How to invest in property
• How does stamp duty work when purchasing investment properties?
• Conveyancing process for purchasing investment properties
• Property investment FAQ

What types of property investment are available in the UK?

There are several types of property investments available in the UK, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types of property investment:

• Buy-to-let
• Commercial property
• Property development
• Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
• Property crowdfunding
• Student accommodation

Buy-to-let

Buy-to-let properties are residential properties that are purchased with the intention of renting them out to tenants. Buy-to-let is a popular form of property investment in the UK, with many investors choosing to purchase properties in high-demand areas with good rental yields.

Pros:

• Provides a regular rental income stream
• The property can increase in value over time
• Potential for long-term capital appreciation
• The investor has control over the property and can make improvements to increase its value

Cons:

• Requires a large upfront investment
• Rental income may not cover the cost of mortgage repayments and ongoing expenses
• Tenant vacancies can result in a loss of rental income
• The property may require ongoing maintenance and repairs

Commercial property

Commercial properties are buildings that are used for commercial purposes, such as office space, retail units, or industrial buildings. Commercial property investment can provide higher yields than residential properties, but it also involves more risk and requires specialist knowledge.

Pros:

• Can provide higher rental yields than residential properties
• The tenant may be responsible for some of the maintenance and repair costs
• Longer leases can provide greater stability and a steady income stream

Cons:

• Requires specialist knowledge and expertise
• Higher risk due to the potential for longer vacancy periods
• A downturn in the economy can result in a reduction in demand for commercial property
• The investor may be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the property

Property development

Property development involves purchasing land or existing properties with the intention of refurbishing or developing them to increase their value. Property development can be a high-risk investment, but it also offers the potential for significant returns.

Pros:

• Can provide significant capital gains if the development is successful
• Provides an opportunity to create value through refurbishment or redevelopment
• Potential for a high return on investment

Cons:

• High level of risk due to the uncertainty of the development process
• Requires specialist knowledge and expertise
• May require significant upfront investment with no guarantee of success
• The development may take longer than anticipated, resulting in additional costs

Real estate investment trusts (REITs)

REITs are a type of investment fund that invests in property. REITs allow investors to invest in property without owning the physical property itself. REITs can provide a stable income stream through rental income and capital growth.

Pros:

• Provides access to property investment without the need for a large upfront investment
• Diversified portfolio can spread risk across different properties
• Professional management of the property portfolio

Cons:

• The investor does not have control over the selection of properties
• The investor is dependent on the performance of the REIT’s management team
• The value of the investment may fluctuate depending on market conditions
• The returns may not be as high as investing directly in property

Property crowdfunding

Property crowdfunding allows investors to pool their money together to invest in a property. This can be a good option for those who want to invest in property but do not have the resources to purchase a property outright.

Pros:

• Low minimum investment required
• Allows investors to diversify their portfolio across multiple properties
• Professional management of the properties

Cons:

• The investor does not have control over the selection of properties
• The value of the investment may fluctuate depending on market conditions
• Crowdfunding platforms may charge fees or commissions
• The returns may not be as high as investing directly in property

Student accommodation

Student accommodation is a popular form of property investment in the UK, with many investors purchasing purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) or HMO (houses in multiple occupation) properties. These types of properties can provide good rental yields and are often in high demand.

Pros:

• High demand for student accommodation in many areas
• Potentially higher rental yields than traditional buy-to-let properties
• Long-term tenants with the potential for repeat business

Cons:

• Higher risk due to fluctuations in student numbers or changes in government policy
• May require specialist knowledge of the student accommodation market
• The property may require ongoing maintenance and repairs
• May require a higher level of management due to multiple tenants

These are just some of the types of property investment available in the UK. It’s important to research each type of investment carefully and consider the risks and potential returns before making any investment decisions.

How much money do I need to invest in property?

The amount of money you need to invest in property can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the location, the type of property, and the investment goals. In the UK, the average cost of a property can range from £250,000 to over £1 million, so the upfront investment required can be substantial.

In addition to the cost of the property itself, there are other upfront costs to consider, such as the deposit, stamp duty, legal fees, and survey costs. These can add up to several thousand pounds or more, depending on the purchase price.

Once you have purchased the property, you will also need to consider ongoing costs such as mortgage repayments, property maintenance, and management fees if you choose to hire a property management company.

Overall, the amount of money you need to invest in property will depend on your investment goals, budget, and the type of property you are interested in. It’s important to carefully consider all the costs and potential returns before making any investment decisions. It’s also advisable to seek professional advice from a financial advisor or property expert before investing in property.

Purchasing property through a SPV versus limited company

When purchasing an investment property in the UK, there are different ways to structure the purchase, such as through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) or a limited company. Here is a brief explanation of each:

Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)

Limited Company

An SPV is a separate legal entity created specifically for a single investment purpose. When purchasing an investment property through an SPV, the property is owned by the SPV rather than the individual purchaser. This can have benefits for tax and liability purposes. For example, if the investment property incurs any liabilities, it will be the SPV that is responsible, rather than the individual. Additionally, the profits generated by the investment property will be taxed at the corporate tax rate, which is currently lower than the higher rate of income tax.

A limited company is a separate legal entity with its own legal identity, assets, and liabilities. When purchasing an investment property through a limited company, the company becomes the owner of the property, and any profits or losses are attributed to the company. This can provide certain tax advantages, such as the ability to offset mortgage interest against rental income before calculating tax liability. Additionally, owning the investment property through a limited company can provide limited liability protection for the individual owner, meaning that the personal assets of the owner are not at risk if the investment property incurs any liabilities.

It’s important to note that purchasing an investment property through an SPV or limited company is not suitable for everyone, and the structure should be chosen based on individual circumstances and advice from a qualified professional. Additionally, there may be certain tax implications and legal requirements associated with each structure, and it’s important to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

How to invest in property

How does stamp duty work when purchasing investment properties?

Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) is a tax paid when purchasing a property or land in England or Northern Ireland. The amount of SDLT you pay depends on the purchase price of the property and whether you are a first-time buyer, a buy-to-let investor, or purchasing a second home.

When purchasing an investment property in the UK, the stamp duty rates are higher than those for residential properties. As of May 2023, the stamp duty rates for purchasing a second home or buy-to-let property are as follows:

• Up to £500,000: 3% of the purchase price
• £500,001 to £925,000: 8% on the portion of the purchase price above £500,000
• £925,001 to £1.5 million: 13% on the portion of the purchase price above £925,000
• Above £1.5 million: 15% on the portion of the purchase price above £1.5 million

For example, if you are purchasing an investment property for £600,000, you would pay 3% on the first £500,000 (£15,000) and 8% on the remaining £100,000 (£8,000), for a total stamp duty of £23,000.

It’s important to note that the stamp duty rates and thresholds can change, and it’s important to seek advice from a solicitor or conveyancer to ensure you are aware of the current rates and how they may impact your investment property purchase. Additionally, there may be certain exemptions or reliefs available for certain circumstances, such as buying multiple properties at once, and it’s important to discuss these with your solicitor or conveyancer.

Conveyancing process for purchasing investment properties

These are the steps that your property solicitor will probably follow when you instruct them to assist in a property purchase:

1. Instruct a solicitor or conveyancer: The first step is to find a solicitor or conveyancer who will handle the legal aspects of the purchase. You can do this by researching online, asking for recommendations, or contacting a property investment company who may have a preferred solicitor.
2. Provide details to your solicitor: Once you have chosen a solicitor, you will need to provide them with details of the property you wish to purchase, including the address, purchase price, and any other relevant details.
3. Initial checks: Your solicitor will then carry out initial checks, such as verifying the property title and checking for any legal issues that may affect the purchase.
4. Draft contract: Once the initial checks are complete, your solicitor will draft a contract that outlines the terms of the purchase, including the purchase price, any conditions of sale, and any obligations of the buyer and seller.
5. Pre-contract inquiries: Your solicitor will then raise pre-contract inquiries with the seller’s solicitor to clarify any details about the property or the sale.
6. Search and survey: Your solicitor will carry out various searches to check for any planning or environmental issues that may affect the property, and you may also want to arrange a survey of the property to identify any structural issues.
7. Exchange of contracts: Once all pre-contract inquiries have been answered and any issues resolved, you and the seller will sign and exchange contracts. At this point, you will be required to pay a deposit, usually 5-10% of the purchase price.
8. Completion: On the agreed completion date, your solicitor will transfer the full purchase price to the seller’s solicitor, and you will receive the keys to the property.
9. Post-completion: Your solicitor will then register the property transfer with the Land Registry and pay any applicable stamp duty or other taxes.

It’s important to note that the conveyancing process can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the purchase, and it’s important to work closely with your solicitor throughout the process to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

Property investment guide FAQ