Property Cycles - Phase 1 - Stagnate/Watch Cashflow

This is the "boring" phase of the property cycle. Your property will remain at the same value or perhaps increase in line with inflation but not much more. So property bought in this phase is unlikely to be easily sold or refinanced in the short term.

What is a "set and forget" property investor?

Below is the first draft for the introduction on my forthcoming book, would love comments.

How much should you receive in rent?

As much as possible is the short answer, but in truth you should have a reasonable idea through your property club BUT do not take this at face value. I use a simple rule of thumb for my clients; I call it the "2 rents in property".

No Perfect Deal, Only Perfect Timing

We have previously discussed the fact that the perfect deal does not exist and that you'll have a long wait for one to come along. The moment you say that it's is the wrong time to buy you are actually saying one of two things...

Why a 10% deposit is required to buy off-plan

One of the biggest challenges a property club face is the need for sales versus the need to fully inform clients. Most of the clubs around have opted for sales over education and do not fully inform clients of the risks involved.

Managing your lettings agent (Part I)

You don't let new employees work unmanaged and the same goes for a lettings agent. Their job is to find you a tenant but you must still manage them.

Upfront and honest policy

One of my biggest bugbears about property clubs is the level of sales VS the level of education. I am definitely not adverse to sales but my philosophy has always been educative sales so that clients understand what they're doing before making decisions.

Should you ever pay off your property?

This question needs to be broken into two questions. Should I ever pay off my home? Should I ever pay off my investment properties? Let's deal with each, one at a time.

Getting the Inside Track to property Investment... and not paying an arm and a leg for it!!!

There are many companies out there that are providing training, seminars, courses that offer you the inside track to property investment. The inside track to property in my books is certainly something that is worthwhile, but at what price?

Brett's 10% rule of thumb

I always weigh up the initial capital investment of any opportunity and against the property valuation and as long as this comes to less than 10% of the valuation, I invest. There are some caveats, but in general this works most of the time.

• Latest videos...
  • YPC Property News Update: Buy to Let mortgage is on the up
  • Brett reporting from Malaysia, should we open up an office in Malaysia?
  • How will the Euro affect you as an investor?
  • Is it realistic to have cashflow positive investment property 100% of the time?
  • How Much Capital Do You Need To Get Started In Property Investment?
  • How Quickly Should An Investor Build Their Property Portfolio?

• Latest blogs...
  • YPC Property News Update: Buy to Let mortgage is on the up
  • Beautiful charity Shine, sent us a letter of thanks today =)
  • Congratulations to Charlotte's promotion as 2nd In Command!
  • Why I dismissed the draft EU Legislation on restricting Buy To Let Mortgages...
  • WOW - Woolwich is back to lending at 75pc