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The Property Podcast

The Property Podcast from Property Hub (propertyhub.net) is the podcast for all property investors, new or experienced. Rob Bence and Rob Dix discuss a different property topic and property news item every week, passing on their knowledge and experience to the listeners. They both invest in UK property so they practise what they preach. No hard sell, no bull, just straight-talking property investment advice!
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Now displaying: 2017
Jun 27, 2017

It's time for another couple of questions in this week's edition of 'Ask Rob & Rob' Noel and Tory...

...ask Rob & Rob...How can I protect myself when buying off-plan? PLUS: Why is tax not included in deal assessment calculations?

ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION TO ROB & ROB!

Don't be shy! All you need to do is leave a message with your name and whatever's on your mind.

Just pick up the phone and call 013 808 00035 (normal UK call rates apply).

Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead.

NEED MORE ANSWERS?

The Property Hub Summit is the place to get all your questions personally answered by Rob & Rob, and build a network of other smart, motivated investors.

Over the course of a full day at a swanky hotel we'll help you set your goals, form a plan to get you there, overcome your obstacles, and give you the support system you need to make sure nothing gets in your way.

Just don't hang around - there are only four Summits each year, and just 16 places available at each!

Interested? Click here to find out more.

Jun 22, 2017

This week we're focussing on a topic discussed regularly - what's happening to the London property market?

So, what's happened over the last 8 years?

  • London prices have grown 80% over 8 years (since 2009)
  • Every price band has increased by roughly the same percentage...BUT timing differs
  • Top 30% recovered from 2009-2012. Driven by overseas buyers and domestic residents who didn’t need mortgages or could get them more easily
  • Lower sectors only grew strongly from 2013 onwards. Driven by ripple effect, confidence, access to finance
  • (This is why it’s best to own prime assets. They grow first and further - because growth is a % of a larger number)

 

What’s happening now?

  • On average, 5% annual growth makes it one of the 5 slowest growing cities in the UK
  • Many of those who are selling are moving out of the capital. “Almost half the agents in London surveyed by LonRes say that 10 per cent or more of their vendor clients intend to quit the capital once they sell their property”
  • Rents are falling. “New tenants in the capital typically paying almost £100 a month less than their counterparts a year ago, according to Your Move”.
  • Transactions are very low, and at an all-time low in 3 boroughs.

 

What have we learned from the London property market?

  • Just because an area has performed best doesn’t mean it will continue to! This is why we’ve said to avoid London for the last few years - poor yields AND low growth
  • Prime assets are more volatile - both grow and fall first and fastest. You can either use this to your advantage or stay out of the way!
  • When you tax something you get less of it. SDLT has had a major effect on London transactions
  • Property isn’t immune to market forces. Rents and prices can’t grow ahead of incomes forever. Affordability in London is ridiculously stretched, so if it stagnates (real terms fall) and we see wage growth, affordability can come under control without a major correction

Want to take a further look at all the data? We got a lot of our information from the following links:

 

News story of the week: New BTL mortgage options for ex-pats.

We've heard quite a bit about Vida in the past few weeks, and their proposition seems to be pretty good. If you're an ex-pat investor, you may want to check them out. Read more here.

Resource of the week

Make your clipboard work harder! This keeps your clipboard history which is a huge time saver. Check out Jumpcut for Mac, Clipboard History 2 for Chrome, or this option for Windows. 

If you enjoyed The Property Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes

Reviews are really important in helping other people to find the show, so by way of thanks we read out every single review we receive on air.

If you’d like to hear your name on the show, leave us a review on iTunes here.

Not sure how to leave a review? This video shows you how to review and subscribe on iTunes.

Jun 20, 2017

It's time for another couple of questions in this week's edition of 'Ask Rob & Rob'. Alex and Neil...

...ask Rob & Rob...Should I invest £100k in London or elsewhere? PLUS: Can I challenge these letting agency fees?

ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION TO ROB & ROB!

Don't be shy! All you need to do is leave a message with your name and whatever's on your mind.

Just pick up the phone and call 013 808 00035 (normal UK call rates apply).

Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead.

NEED MORE ANSWERS?

The Property Hub Summit is the place to get all your questions personally answered by Rob & Rob, and build a network of other smart, motivated investors.

Over the course of a full day at a swanky hotel we'll help you set your goals, form a plan to get you there, overcome your obstacles, and give you the support system you need to make sure nothing gets in your way.

Just don't hang around - there are only four Summits each year, and just 16 places available at each!

Interested? Click here to find out more.

Jun 15, 2017

So we're pretty sure we're not breaking news here,  but there was an election last week. The results have been interesting to say the least, but what does it all mean from an investment perspective? 

Listen to this week's podcast in full to get the low down from Rob & Rob on what this new parliament means for you. 

Resource of the week

Insight Timer is the top rated free meditation app on android and iOS stores. 

If you enjoyed The Property Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes

Reviews are really important in helping other people to find the show, so by way of thanks we read out every single review we receive on air.

If you’d like to hear your name on the show, leave us a review on iTunes here.

Not sure how to leave a review? This video shows you how to review and subscribe on iTunes.

Jun 13, 2017

It's time for another couple of questions in this week's edition of 'Ask Rob & Rob'. Two listeners...

...ask Rob & Rob...How does Birmingham rate as an investment location? PLUS: How do I find a property mentor?

ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION TO ROB & ROB!

Don't be shy! All you need to do is leave a message with your name and whatever's on your mind.

Just pick up the phone and call 013 808 00035 (normal UK call rates apply).

Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead.

NEED MORE ANSWERS?

The Property Hub Summit is the place to get all your questions personally answered by Rob & Rob, and build a network of other smart, motivated investors.

Over the course of a full day at a swanky hotel we'll help you set your goals, form a plan to get you there, overcome your obstacles, and give you the support system you need to make sure nothing gets in your way.

Just don't hang around - there are only four Summits each year, and just 16 places available at each!

Interested? Click here to find out more.

Jun 8, 2017

Don't blame us for the ever so slightly sensationalist title this week, blame Moneyweek who covered this recently (thanks to James Watters for the heads-up on this one). 

Rather dramatically Moneyweek say:

“Like a vast pyramid scheme, the UK housing market has been defying the reality of low wage growth and productivity, worsening affordability" 

and..

“When a rocket runs out of fuel it continues to rise before plunging earthwards. This is where we seem to be now."

Goodness! 

Listen in full to get Rob & Rob's take on this one - do you think the Moneyweek argument could be flawed at all? Surely not?! 

Resource of the week

The Great Suspender (yes, we love the name too) is a Chrome add-on which automatically suspends unused tabs to free up system resources.

If you enjoyed The Property Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes

Reviews are really important in helping other people to find the show, so by way of thanks we read out every single review we receive on air.

If you’d like to hear your name on the show, leave us a review on iTunes here.

Not sure how to leave a review? This video shows you how to review and subscribe on iTunes.

Jun 6, 2017

It's time for another couple of questions in this week's edition of 'Ask Rob & Rob'. Two listeners...

...ask Rob & Rob... Should I take the guaranteed rent? PLUS: Is there a limit on how much interest you can claim?

ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION TO ROB & ROB!

Don't be shy! All you need to do is leave a message with your name and whatever's on your mind.

Just pick up the phone and call 013 808 00035 (normal UK call rates apply).

Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead.

NEED MORE ANSWERS?

The Property Hub Summit is the place to get all your questions personally answered by Rob & Rob, and build a network of other smart, motivated investors.

Over the course of a full day at a swanky hotel we'll help you set your goals, form a plan to get you there, overcome your obstacles, and give you the support system you need to make sure nothing gets in your way.

Just don't hang around - there are only four Summits each year, and just 16 places available at each!

Interested? Click here to find out more.

Jun 1, 2017

This week we get political on The Podcast and launch a brand new course over on The Property Hub! Exciting times. 

We've read the housing issues in the manifestos so that you don't have to. Find out what the Conservative, Labour and Lib Dem policies on housing are, and how these might impact you. Of course, housing is only part of the reason you choose who to vote for, but we're focussing solely on this topic. 

New course: How to invest when you have no time.

 

How To Invest When You Have No Time - is now online! Take a look here.

You’ll learn:

  • Why it’s important to identify what you’re best at to ensure you’re on the right property path
  • How a fantastic assistant will make running your property portfolio a breeze!
  • Why clear processes and strong systems will save you time and give you the best chance of success
  • How outsourcing to professionals can pay dividends for the rest of your life
  • Why not sweating the small stuff leads to big things!

Meetups Tonight!

Get along to one of The Property Hub Meetups this evening. There are around 40 locations to choose from including new groups in Doncaster, Stoke-On-Trent, and Stockholm. Find your nearest get together and register for a free ticket.

Resource of the week

Noisli claims to help improve focus, block out annoying noises and get into the zone that works for you. Sounds good? Try it here

If you enjoyed The Property Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes

Reviews are really important in helping other people to find the show, so by way of thanks we read out every single review we receive on air.

If you’d like to hear your name on the show, leave us a review on iTunes here.

Not sure how to leave a review? This video shows you how to review and subscribe on iTunes.

May 30, 2017

It's time for another couple of questions in this week's edition of 'Ask Rob & Rob'. Two listeners...

...ask Rob & Rob...What are the pros and cons of buying without a mortgage? PLUS: How do you invest in areas where you don't live?

ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION TO ROB & ROB!

Don't be shy! All you need to do is leave a message with your name and whatever's on your mind.

Just pick up the phone and call 013 808 00035 (normal UK call rates apply).

Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead.

NEED MORE ANSWERS?

The Property Hub Summit is the place to get all your questions personally answered by Rob & Rob, and build a network of other smart, motivated investors.

Over the course of a full day at a swanky hotel we'll help you set your goals, form a plan to get you there, overcome your obstacles, and give you the support system you need to make sure nothing gets in your way.

Just don't hang around - there are only four Summits each year, and just 16 places available at each!

Interested? Click here to find out more.

May 25, 2017

This week we're looking at how your age should change your investment strategy. And we're roping in a host of colourful and well known characters to explain things.

Are you a Wild William, a Sensible Sam, a Make it Back Marge, a Planning Pete or an Income Ingrid? Listen to find out, then head over to the forum to discuss in more detail. 

Discovery Day - On Sale Now!

It’s back! We have a brand new Discovery Day coming your way on Saturday 24th June in central London. This is your chance to learn all about our other property companies - RMP Property and Yellow Lettings. You’ll also find out exactly what our expert-led RMP Strategy Meeting entails and how it can help you achieve your property goals.

And the discovery doesn’t stop there! We’ll have a panel of mortgage and conveyancing experts on hand to answer all of your burning questions. You’ll have the opportunity to network with other property enthusiasts.

Plus every single penny of your £5 entrance fee will be donated to the Whitechapel Centre - a fantastic charity that helps the homeless.

Grab your tickets here before they’re all gone - choose from either the morning or afternoon session, whichever suits you best.

We’ll even throw in the tea and biscuits!

Meetups Next Thursday! 

It's almost time for this month's Property Hub Meetups, including new locations in Doncaster, Stoke-On-Trent, and Stockholm. Find your nearest get together and register for a free ticket

News story:  Cut to tax-free dividend allowance to be shelved... for now

This is another good news story but for how long - we don't know! Get the scoop on this one here

Resource of the week

Geeky Grahams out there will love this one. Propertydata.co.uk - be prepared to lose a few hours of your life checking out this one. 

If you enjoyed The Property Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes

Reviews are really important in helping other people to find the show, so by way of thanks we read out every single review we receive on air.

If you’d like to hear your name on the show, leave us a review on iTunes here.

Not sure how to leave a review? This video shows you how to review and subscribe on iTunes.

May 18, 2017

Some people moan all the time. It’s making life worse for them and everyone around them – you need to realise if you’re a complainer, and if you are you can do something about it!

When you're complaining: 

  • You’re focusing on problems you miss opportunities
  • Perceived problems stop you from taking action
  • You’ll be less happy, yet reality will be no different
  • Nobody will want to be around you!

Rob and Rob talk about how changing your mindset can make a big difference. 

  • Develop the attitude of not complaining, and you’ll have a better life without needing anything to change in reality
  • “If you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it.” – Zig Ziglar
  • Complaining is a habit like any other, and you can break it if you try.

News story:  How the Homeless Reduction Bill Aims to Help Landlords

This is good news for landlords - councils won’t be able to drag out Section 21 procedures. Take a look at the link here.

Resource of the week

Whenever you give on DonorSee, you get to see exactly where your money goes via their aid workers who take pictures and videos of your money making an impact. Find out more here.

If you enjoyed The Property Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes

Reviews are really important in helping other people to find the show, so by way of thanks we read out every single review we receive on air.

If you’d like to hear your name on the show, leave us a review on iTunes here.

Not sure how to leave a review? This video shows you how to review and subscribe on iTunes.

May 15, 2017

It's time for another couple of questions in this week's edition of 'Ask Rob & Rob'. Two listeners... ...ask Rob & Rob...What's the best way to keep builders on track? PLUS: How do interest-only mortgages work? ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION TO ROB & ROB! Don't be shy! All you need to do is leave a message with your name and whatever's on your mind. Just pick up the phone and call 013 808 00035 (normal UK call rates apply). Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead. NEED MORE ANSWERS? The Property Hub Summit is the place to get all your questions personally answered by Rob & Rob, and build a network of other smart, motivated investors. Over the course of a full day at a swanky hotel we'll help you set your goals, form a plan to get you there, overcome your obstacles, and give you the support system you need to make sure nothing gets in your way. Just don't hang around - there are only four Summits each year, and just 16 places available at each! Interested? Click here to find out more.

May 11, 2017

Okay so this sounds like it could be a bit of a click bait podcast episode but we promise you it's not. This is a really important one, and you won't want to miss out. 

Find out why an influx of overseas investment in the northern cities will start a boom due to the resulting supply and demand issue. 

Hear from Rob B how deals are going straight to investors in the far east, where they can be sold off-plan at full price in a matter of weeks. And Rob D will tell you how this rings some bells of familiarity for pre-2008 property in London. 

News story: 

London is dropping like a stone but Manchester is hitting a twelve year high. Read more here.

Resource of the week 

Do your research before you head to that meeting. Okay, this does sound like it could be slightly creepy but this app will research your potential contact thoroughly and give you the results. We haven't used this yet, so let us know what you think. 

Continue the conversation over in the forum 

How does the prospect of the boom make you feel? 

Let us know over in the forum

If you enjoyed The Property Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes

Reviews are really important in helping other people to find the show, so by way of thanks we read out every single review we receive on air.

If you’d like to hear your name on the show, leave us a review on iTunes here.

Not sure how to leave a review? This video shows you how to review and subscribe on iTunes.

May 9, 2017

It's time for another couple of questions in this week's edition of 'Ask Rob & Rob'. Two listeners...

...ask Rob & Rob...How can two valuations be so far apart? PLUS: Is a digital tenancy agreement legal?

ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION TO ROB & ROB!

Don't be shy! All you need to do is leave a message with your name and whatever's on your mind.

Just pick up the phone and call 013 808 00035 (normal UK call rates apply).

Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead.

NEED MORE ANSWERS?

The Property Hub Summit is the place to get all your questions personally answered by Rob & Rob, and build a network of other smart, motivated investors.

Over the course of a full day at a swanky hotel we'll help you set your goals, form a plan to get you there, overcome your obstacles, and give you the support system you need to make sure nothing gets in your way.

Just don't hang around - there are only four Summits each year, and just 16 places available at each!

Interested? Click here to find out more.

May 4, 2017

First of all we celebrate the huge success of Rob D's book launch last week Thank you to everyone who supported the book so brilliantly, it is hugely appreciated! Keep spreading the word to anyone you think will find it useful.

It's Meetup night tonight - the perfect opportunity to talk property with people who are as geekily obsessed as yourself. Check out all the details here.

This week in The Property Podcast we look at alternatives to the standard BTL such as crowdfunding (in a couple of different ways), hotel rooms, student accommodation, ground rents.

If you enjoy this topic you will also want to check out this earlier episode with Pete Matthews.

News story: Here's what the experts think the election means for house prices

In a word, not very much. But you can read the article in full here and of course we will keep you all up to date with any news on this over the coming weeks.

Resource of the week

Thanks to Matt in Dubai for this resource, which is an app called Measure Your Land.

It really is super easy to use and  brings up a Google Earth aerial view of an area/plot you are looking at. Very useful for research proposes! 

Continue the conversation over in the forum

Have you ordered your copy of the book? What is your must-add tip that you would include on How to be a Landlord?

Let us know and join the conversation over in the forum!

If you enjoyed The Property Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes

Reviews are really important in helping other people to find the show, so by way of thanks we read out every single review we receive on air.

If you’d like to hear your name on the show, leave us a review on iTunes here.

Not sure how to leave a review? This video shows you how to review and subscribe on iTunes.

May 2, 2017

It's time for another couple of questions in this week's edition of 'Ask Rob & Rob'. Two listeners...

...ask Rob & Rob...One property or two? PLUS: How do I build these flats? PLUS: What's the impact of a falling lease term?

ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION TO ROB & ROB!

Don't be shy! All you need to do is leave a message with your name and whatever's on your mind.

Just pick up the phone and call 013 808 00035 (normal UK call rates apply).

Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead.

NEED MORE ANSWERS?

The Property Hub Summit is the place to get all your questions personally answered by Rob & Rob, and build a network of other smart, motivated investors.

Over the course of a full day at a swanky hotel we'll help you set your goals, form a plan to get you there, overcome your obstacles, and give you the support system you need to make sure nothing gets in your way.

Just don't hang around - there are only four Summits each year, and just 16 places available at each!

Interested? Click here to find out more.

Apr 27, 2017

We're very excited to announce that Rob D's new book came out yesterday and we may be biased, but we think it is his best yet. In this week's special episode of The Property Podcast, we are going to discuss 'How to be a landlord', with tips from the book, and from all sorts of other places.

Also, we have Meetups next week. The evening's are lighter so there's no excuse not to join your nearest get together. Find all the details here.

You'll need to listen to the episode in full to get all of this week's tips and info, but here are some notes you may want to jot down.

You can make property management a lot easier with some little tricks and processes.

 Communicating with tenants:

  • Writing is better than phone
  • Do whatever’s easiest for them - WhatsApp group, text, even Facebook
  • You don’t have to give out your phone number - Skype or switchboardfree
  • Set out ground rules at the start about when you’re contactable, and stick to them!

Chasing up rent:

  • Ideally use direct debit - you’ll know it’s set up properly
  • Diarise rent date and make contact on the same day if it doesn’t come in
  • Have a process: e.g. text day 1, call day 3, final warning day 5
  • Don’t fall for sob stories
  • If you have RGI, make sure you notify them in line with T&Cs

Dealing with emergencies:

  • Define “emergency"
  • Instruct tenants about what to do in an emergency. Often, calling you isn’t the best thing to do
  • Consider landlord emergency cover

Dealing with routine maintenance:

  • Build up trades contacts and treat them very well
  • Save a visit by seeing if it’s something the tenant can easily sort - e.g. washing machine filter, defrost fridge, unblock sink, re pressurise boiler
  • Communicate clearly around damp and condensation - explain the difference
  • Use routine inspections to look for condensation, and also look for early signs of repairs that will need doing (including external)

Inspections:

  • Quick check of each room
  • Check smoke alarms
  • Visually inspect electrics
  • Look for fire risks
  • Look for condensation
  • Look for early signs of repairs that will be needed (including external)

Conclusion:

  • Work smart, not hard
  • Use checklists to get the best result every time
  • Be proactive and stop issues from happening in the first place

Oh, and of course the first thing you need to do is purchase a book that tells you exactly How to be a Landlord, right? Funnily enough, we know just the book.

News story: General Election

Obviously the biggest news story of the week is Rob's new book but we also gather the Prime Minister has called a snap General Election. We'll obviously keep you fully up to date over what this means for you in property terms.

Resource of the week

This week's resource of the week is obviously Rob's book - make sure you get yourself a copy!

Continue the conversation over in the forum

Have you ordered your copy of the book? What is your must-add tip that you would include on How to be a Landlord?

Let us know and join the conversation over in the forum!

If you enjoyed The Property Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes

Reviews are really important in helping other people to find the show, so by way of thanks we read out every single review we receive on air.

If you’d like to hear your name on the show, leave us a review on iTunes here.

Not sure how to leave a review? This video shows you how to review and subscribe on iTunes.

Apr 25, 2017

It's time for another couple of questions in this week's edition of 'Ask Rob & Rob'. This week Rob (yes, another one) and Daniel...

...ask Rob & Rob...One property or two? PLUS: Selling a property within 6 months

The Robs give their take on these topics. What do you think? Head over to the forum to discuss.

ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION TO ROB & ROB!

Don't be shy! All you need to do is leave a message with your name and whatever's on your mind.

Just pick up the phone and call 013 808 00035 (normal UK call rates apply).

Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead.

 

NEED MORE ANSWERS?

The Property Hub Summit is the place to get all your questions personally answered by Rob & Rob, and build a network of other smart, motivated investors.

Over the course of a full day at a swanky hotel we'll help you set your goals, form a plan to get you there, overcome your obstacles, and give you the support system you need to make sure nothing gets in your way.

Just don't hang around - there are only four Summits each year, and just 16 places available at each!

Interested? Click here to find out more.

Apr 20, 2017

What makes the perfect rental property? This week The Robs give their tips on what to do and what to avoid, in order to create the ideal rental property for both you and your tenants. 

What is more trouble than it's worth? What is an absolute essential? The Robs give you their take on how to make your property work for you and ensure it gets tenanted quickly and with no fuss. 

In other news, we're putting the finishing touches to the next edition of the magazine, it will be with you very soon and includes and interview with Grand Designs presenter McCloud (yes, we're pretty excited about that too). PLUS there is a webinar coming up just for magazine subscribers which you will be very excited about, so watch this space. 

Rob D has finally completed his new book 'How to be a Landlord' and we all think it's his best one to date. Keep an eye on your inbox for news on that very soon.

Now, back to the subject in hand this week - what do you need to do to create the ideal rental property? 

Flooring:

- Good quality laminate is good for kitchens, bathrooms and high-traffic areas. Make sure it won’t easily rip or warp, don't skimp. 

- Dark coloured carpets only! Good underlay makes cheap carpet feel thicker.

Walls:

- Paint straight onto plaster if you can

- Mainly white or very light grey paint – same colour and brand in every property

- Feature wall

- Water-resistant eggshell or acrylic paint in bathroom and kitchen

Bathrooms:

- Shower over bath rather than shower tray

- Electric shower so it’s not dependent on boiler

- If possible, second bathroom or at least another toilet so if one breaks it’s not an emergency

Kitchens:

- Replacing cupboard doors and work surface might be enough to make it look new

- Avoid integrated appliances. A

Gardens:

- Pave over as much as possible

- If you can convert some into driveway or parking, do.

Electrics:

- Plenty of plug sockets

- Maybe USB sockets

- Get an electrical safety check because will probably need one soon anyway

Safety:

- Hard-wired smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with boiler and as appliances, heat detector in kitchen

Furnishing:

- Avoid as much as possible - including appliances if you can get away with it

General:

- Don’t impose your own taste! Keep it simple

- Don’t over-spec. Rental refurb is very different from a flip (or your own home)

- Be active in overseeing the project

News story: Rogue Landlords Beware! 

There's no bad landlords round here of course, but this will definitely be a big issue for those who are not playing fair and by the rules. Can't be a bad thing, right? Absolutely, provided that it is correctly administered of course! Read more here.

Resource of the week

So this week's resource of the week is commutefrom.com which helps you decide where to buy a house around London. It tells you which stations are within your preferred commute time of the central London station nearest to your work. It also tells you information like the average house prices, crime rates, and schools in the area. Clever stuff, huh? 

Continue the conversation over in the forum

What did we miss? Did you disagree with any points? What do you always make sure you do?

Let us know your take on this important subject and join the conversation over in the forum!

If you enjoyed The Property Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes

Reviews are really important in helping other people to find the show, so by way of thanks we read out every single review we receive on air.

If you’d like to hear your name on the show, leave us a review on iTunes here.

Not sure how to leave a review? This video shows you how to review and subscribe on iTunes.

Apr 18, 2017

It's time for another couple of questions in this week's edition of 'Ask Rob & Rob'. This week two listeners...

...ask Rob & Rob...What should I look for when offering finance to another investor? PLUS: Can I use a 2nd charge mortgage to borrow more?

The Robs give their take on these topics. What do you think? Head over to the forum to discuss.

ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION TO ROB & ROB!

Don't be shy! All you need to do is leave a message with your name and whatever's on your mind.

Just pick up the phone and call 013 808 00035 (normal UK call rates apply).

Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead.

 

NEED MORE ANSWERS?

The Property Hub Summit is the place to get all your questions personally answered by Rob & Rob, and build a network of other smart, motivated investors.

Over the course of a full day at a swanky hotel we'll help you set your goals, form a plan to get you there, overcome your obstacles, and give you the support system you need to make sure nothing gets in your way.

Just don't hang around - there are only four Summits each year, and just 16 places available at each!

Interested? Click here to find out more.

Apr 13, 2017

Last week it was Scotland v England (or Rob D v Rob B) at the Meetups as Rob D ventured to Edinburgh to our brilliant Meetup there, led by Karen & Bill. Rob B took over the helm at the King's Cross Meetup and both locations were very busy. 

Rob D spent a bit more time putting the finishing touches to his new book 'How to be a Landlord' but we'll tell you more about that over the next couple of weeks. 

Now on to this week's big topic - all about lease hold. 

Something that puts some people off - and fear often comes from lack of knowledge. So let's get educated. 

What is leasehold? 

  • You don’t own the land - you lease the land for a period of time. At the end of that time it reverts back to the freeholder if you don’t renew
  • Typical lease terms are anything from 100 to 999 years
  • You pay ground rent every year as payment for the lease
  • The lease has conditions about what you can and can’t do
  • Most common for flats, increasingly new build houses too

 

What you need to know 

  • Lease extension is always possible and follows a set formula - BUT
  • Gets more expensive with under 80 years left - marriage value
  • Under about 60 years becomes hard to get mortgage

 

Things to check before you buy:

  • Length of remaining lease term
  • Ground rent, and if it increases after period of time
  • Any restrictions - like not being able to sublet!
  • Service charge is a bit different but this is important too
  • Get your solicitor to look over the lease in detail

 

How to extend: 

  • Extension is always for an additional 90 years, with no ground rent payable for this new 90 years
  • Get a specialist valuer to value the extension and a solicitor to serve notice on the landlord, offering terms and how much to pay
  • Landlord has 2 months to respond, either accepting or stating their own terms

 

  • Negotiate. After 2 months either party can apply to tribunal for decision
  • Wait for tribunal decision, which is final
  • Can take a year or more from start to finish by the time you’ve waited for various deadlines
  • If it’s close to 80 years and you’re buying, get the vendor to start the process and transfer it to you because you can’t do it in first 2 years

 

How to make money from leases: 

  • Buy properties with short leases and extend them. Will need to be cash buy or bridging until you’ve done the extension. Make sure there’s a profit even after the extension costs.
  • Buy freeholds. Ground rents give an income stream.

 

 

News story: Household savings ratio falls to record low.

This is a bit worrying in itself, but we're particularly concerned given that mortgages are cheaper than ever. What will happen when the cost of mortgages goes up? Take a look at this story here. 

Resource of the week

This week's resource of the week is Pocket Explore. This is an extension of a previous ROTW Get Pocket. Explore Pocket takes this a bit further and helps you find high quality blogs on any given subject. Check it out. 

Continue the conversation over in the forum

Have you invested in a leasehold or have you been put off? 

Let us know your take on this important subject and join the conversation over in the forum!

If you enjoyed The Property Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes

Reviews are really important in helping other people to find the show, so by way of thanks we read out every single review we receive on air.

If you’d like to hear your name on the show, leave us a review on iTunes here.

Not sure how to leave a review? This video shows you how to review and subscribe on iTunes.

Apr 11, 2017

It's time for another couple of questions in this week's edition of 'Ask Rob & Rob'. This week Abdul & Ivan...

...ask Rob & Rob...How do assisted sales work? PLUS: What should I be aware of with Build To Rent schemes?

The Robs give their take on these topics. What do you think? Head over to the forum to discuss.

ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION TO ROB & ROB!

Don't be shy! All you need to do is leave a message with your name and whatever's on your mind.

Just pick up the phone and call 013 808 00035 (normal UK call rates apply).

Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead.

 

NEED MORE ANSWERS?

The Property Hub Summit is the place to get all your questions personally answered by Rob & Rob, and build a network of other smart, motivated investors.

Over the course of a full day at a swanky hotel we'll help you set your goals, form a plan to get you there, overcome your obstacles, and give you the support system you need to make sure nothing gets in your way.

Just don't hang around - there are only four Summits each year, and just 16 places available at each!

Interested? Click here to find out more.

Apr 6, 2017

Alastair prompted this week's podcast topic, and it's a very important one! 

But what's been happening with The Robs this week? Rob D is putting the finishing touches to his new book which will be out on April 26th, we're all excited about this one as it is definitely needed.

The Robs will also be at the Meetups tonight - Rob B is stand in leader in King's Cross, but Rob D has travelled to Scotland to our rebooted Edinburgh Meetup. It's not too late to get your ticket to your local Meetup, and remember, there's zero selling, just good honest property chat over a few drinks.

Now on to this week's big topic - interest rates!

A brief history of interest rates

  • Long term average interest rates are around 5%
  • In 1990 they peaked at 15%
  • For the rest of the 1990s they were roughly between 6% and 7%
  • In the early 2000s they were mostly between 4% and 5.5%
  • In April 2009 they fell to 0.5% and stayed there until a further cut to 0.25% last year

Why are rates so low?

  • To promote consumer demand. You’re more likely to spend money if you get little return on saving it
  • To boost asset prices, which increases willingness to spend
  • To make it cheaper for companies to invest in growing
  • If we’re being cynical, to make it cheaper for the government to service its own debts!

How people misunderstand interest rates

  • An increase in your mortgage from 2% to 3% doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a 50% increase
    • If you borrow £200k at 2%, your monthly interest payment is £334
    • When it increases to 3%, the payment goes up to £500
  • This is what Alastair was referring to. It’s easy to make investments work when the finance is so cheap. But when it’s not so cheap, it’ll be much harder for investments to stack up
  • The PRA rules will help for new investments because they get stress tested at 5.5% anyway
  • Investors who’ve been on trackers since pre-crash and Owner-occupiers could find themselves in big trouble

What happens if rates go back to double-digits?

  • Unlikely because rates are set by BOE now
  • Also, rates tend to rise to combat inflation. Inflation is the result of more demand than supply (roughly speaking), and we seem to be moving into an era of low demand demographically
  • There’s been huge asset price inflation as a result of QE and low rates (hence demand for assets), but this hasn’t filtered down into the real world and seems unlikely to do so
  • So there seems little prospect of rates getting really high. But they will go up from where they are now…

 So how worried should we prepare for rates rising?

  • Rises will be mitigated by banks lending at more competitive rates. With rates as low as they are now, they’re making more margin than they used to
  • Stress-test up to at least 5% – you have to if you’re borrowing anyway
  • If you’re sitting on properties that only cashflow because you’re on a very low rate, make plans to deal with that before rates rise again

Conclusion

  • Rates will rise from where they are, even if they don’t get up to double digits – and even when they were that high, it wasn’t for very long
  • It will be harder to make investments add up so finding and adding value will be more important than ever
  • Don’t kid yourself that this is normal! Plan for rates to be higher, then enjoy them while they’re so low

 

News story: Warren Buffet is also a shrewd property investor

Billionaire Warren Buffet may not be known for his property investments but unsurprisingly he hasn't ignored property all together. He is well known for his long term approach to investment generally, and he's applied that same way of thinking to this property investment which has done amazingly well for him.

Resource of the week

“Back Again?” is a Chrome extension that tracks how many times you’ve visited a page each day.

Good for helping you break habits or realise how addicted you are! Install it if you dare! 

Continue the conversation over in the forum

Do you worry about interest rates? What do you do to plan ahead for every eventuality?

Let us know your take on this important subject and join the conversation over in the forum!

If you enjoyed The Property Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes

Reviews are really important in helping other people to find the show, so by way of thanks we read out every single review we receive on air.

If you’d like to hear your name on the show, leave us a review on iTunes here.

Not sure how to leave a review? This video shows you how to review and subscribe on iTunes.

Apr 4, 2017

It's time for another couple of questions in this week's edition of 'Ask Rob & Rob'. This week two listeners...

...ask Rob & Rob...Do the Robs ever disagree? PLUS: Will the government changes mean fewer investors?

The Robs give their take on these topics. What do you think? Head over to the forum to discuss.

ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION TO ROB & ROB!

Don't be shy! All you need to do is leave a message with your name and whatever's on your mind.

Just pick up the phone and call 013 808 00035 (normal UK call rates apply).

Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead.

 

NEED MORE ANSWERS?

The Property Hub Summit is the place to get all your questions personally answered by Rob & Rob, and build a network of other smart, motivated investors.

Over the course of a full day at a swanky hotel we'll help you set your goals, form a plan to get you there, overcome your obstacles, and give you the support system you need to make sure nothing gets in your way.

Just don't hang around - there are only four Summits each year, and just 16 places available at each!

Interested? Click here to find out more.

Mar 30, 2017

Some people think that Rob D isn’t a new builds kinda guy, this isn’t true. New builds are great for hands off investors, but you need to be aware of key points to be successful.

Why you would in invest

All new appliances and 10 year warranty - Ideal for hands off investors

BMV possibility if you buy in volume - learn more on buying BMV in our course here. 

Tennant appeal - What would you lease a new car or an old car?

Buying process - No chain

Lower energy bills

Why you wouldn’t

Hard to add value - So not great for investors who want to be hands on

Can be hard to assess value in some situations where there are no direct comparables

Snagging

Other things to be aware of

Are they overpriced in the first place?

Time to let on a large new development?

News story: City house price growth slows to 6.4%.

City house price growth slows to 6.4%. Manchester is now the  fastest growing city as London slips to 10th in growth rankings. Read all about it here.

 

Meet Rob D in Scotland

Our Scottish Meetups are brilliant already but in April we are having a re-boot of our Edinburgh Meetup and we're sending Rob D to say hi. If you can make it, he would love to see you. You can book your completely free ticket to the Edniburgh Meetup on April 6th here.

If you can't make it to Edinburgh there is bound to be a Meetup near you anyway - you can find more details and links to book your tickets, right here.

 

Resource of the week

Music to improve productivity and flow? Yes please. This is right up our street. You'll find the site purposefully simple and easy to use. I’ve been using the service for a little while, and it’s perfect for what it’s designed to do: Give you something to listen to while you get some work done. Check it out here. 

Continue the conversation over in the forum

Do you invest in new builds? Do you avoid them? Let us know why and join the conversation over in the forum!

If you enjoyed The Property Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes

Reviews are really important in helping other people to find the show, so by way of thanks we read out every single review we receive on air.

If you’d like to hear your name on the show, leave us a review on iTunes here.

Not sure how to leave a review? This video shows you how to review and subscribe on iTunes.

 

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