UK Property Business, where to start?

[98elise]

I have a Swiss relative who's considering investing in the UK property market. He's used to be an investment banker but now runs a successful property company at home (residential new build projects). He now wants to spread to the UK and has asked me what I think would be the best sector to invest in. He's happy to look at new build, BTL, Student let's etc.

Finance isn't an issue, and he would probably be looking for reasonably large projects/investments.

I've said stick to new builds as BTL has poor yields, and student towns seem to be building accomodation all over the place.

If you were in his position what would you be investing in?

[rufusgti]

I think it would depend on his timescale, age or what he expects from capital appreciation. Right now prices are falling, that can make it a good time to buy, but only on a long term plan.

[BoRED S2upid]

Agree new builds but not the brick and block boredom that litters our country we need some modern houses with renewables and decent insulation not the same poorly built crap they have been throwing up for decades.

[Jon39]

My suggestion would be a retirement village.
At present it remains a perfectly legal scam, and highly profitable too.

Once the customers have signed on the line, your money just flows in.
The best bit is when they die.
The dependants become so fed up having to continue paying astronomic service charges, not being allowed to use the flat or rent out, that sometimes, they will hand it back to you for £1. You can then sell that apartment lease once again for £400,000.

Edited by Jon39 on Thursday 10th August 09:56

[bobmcgod]

Use something like "property moose" to get a feel for the market?

[98elise]

Jon39 said:

My suggestion would be a retirement village.
At present it remains a perfectly legal scam, and highly profitable too.

Once the customers have signed on the line, your money just flows in.
The best bit is when they die.
The dependants become so fed up having to continue paying astronomic service charges, not being allowed to use the flat or rent out, that sometimes, they will hand it back to you for £1. You can then sell that apartment lease once again for £400,000.

Edited by Jon39 on Thursday 10th August 09:56

He's not out to scam anyone, however a retirement village investment might be an interesting project.

I did suggest he buy land with permission for flats if he wants capital growth + a long term income plan.