Frequently Asked Questions

Question - How did you get started?
Answer - You can read about it on the Biography page. However, the market has changed so much since then, that it is unlikely that you could do the same today.

Question - How much will I need to get started?
Answer - About 15% of the value of the property.

Question - How do you deal with a bad tenant?
Answer - The easiest way is to avoid them altogether – through early recognition and a thorough vetting process. Having rental insurance on the tenancy ensures not only that the rent will always be paid, but is an extra vetting process as the insurance company is unlikely to provide cover for anyone who poses a risk.

Question - What sort of properties do you buy?
Answer - We target properties that experience tells us that people want to rent.

Question - Should I use a managing agent?
Answer - By managing the property yourself, you negate the agents fee. However, the process of finding and vetting new tenants is time-consuming to the property investor. You need to weigh up the cost of the agent’s comission versus the time spent managing the property.

Question - Should I invest in an old property or a new one?
Answer - This will depend on the time and expenses you have. An old property may be a cheaper investment, but there will be more maintenance costs involved, especially if you sub-contract the maintenance out. A new property on the other hand will be covered by guarantees, and is less likely to need maintenance.

Question - Where do you buy properties?
Answer - We look for houses in areas where there is a good rental market, and high capital growth potential.

Question - What are your best types of properties?
Answer - The houses which attract most capital growth are two bedroom mid terrace houses.

Question - Why do you not own flats?
Answer - Although flats bring in good rental returns, they do not enjoy the capital growth of houses.