Maximising Your Investment

If you're thinking of buying an investment property, then it's essential that you follow your head - not your heart. Purchasing a quirky house that appeals to you (but not to a mass audience) will not help you to make a quick and profitable sale.

Do Your Research

Make sure that you do your homework before you buy:

• find out how much properties are selling for in the area you are interested in
• work out how much you will need to spend on renovation (if needed)
• estimate the fees associated with buying and selling
• work out how much capital gains tax you may be liable for

Investment Pointers

The following tips are designed to help you to find the right property to maximise your investment:

Consider:

• A large property that can be split into two semi-detached homes or converted into apartments.
• A property with outbuildings that can be turned into self-contained apartments, playrooms, studios or gyms.
• Houses with a large garden, part of which can be sold off as a separate building plot.
• Houses in an up-and-coming area.
• Well designed homes with wide appeal.
• Property in a historic or university town.
• Houses with good road and rail links (or planned links).
• Large loft apartments and penthouses with large balconies or patios.
• Houses with off-road parking or a garage.
• A property with the potential to add value, such as an extension or loft conversion.
• Period properties .
• Waterside properties.
• A property with good amenities close by, for example, shops, parks, schools and leisure facilities.

Avoid:

• Small studio or one-bedroom apartments.
• Property in towns without private parking and no free parking nearby.
• Houses in rundown areas or areas with high unemployment.
• Unusual or non-traditional houses without universal appeal.
• Homes prone to regular flooding.
• Poorly designed or quirky homes.
• Apartments attached to commercial premises; for example, above a shop.
• Houses close to sources of noise, such as a busy road or airport.
• Characterless modern homes built in the '60s, '70s and '80s.