A good investment property is not simply a property that can be rented out. The purchase price, rental demand, service charges, condition, financing, future saleability and potential for capital growth all matter — and a property that looks attractive on paper can be a very different proposition once the numbers are examined properly.
Curetons provides a London property investment service for buyers looking to acquire residential investment property across the capital. We search the market, identify suitable opportunities, assess the property from an investor’s perspective, negotiate the purchase and help manage the acquisition through to completion. Whether you are buying your first investment property or adding to an existing portfolio, our aim is the same: to help you buy well.
Contact Curetons for a free, no-obligation discussion about your investment requirements.
Finding the right investment property
There is no single definition of a good London property investment. Some investors prioritise rental income. Others are prepared to accept a lower initial yield in return for stronger long-term prospects. Some look for properties requiring improvement, while others want a straightforward investment that can be rented immediately. We begin by understanding your objectives, budget and appetite for risk. Depending on the search, we consider:
- purchase price
- achievable market rent
- gross and potential net yield
- tenant demand
- service charges and ground rent
- lease length and tenure
- condition and refurbishment costs
- local supply and competing rental stock
- transport and infrastructure
- potential capital growth
- future resale market
The aim is not simply to find a property that fits the budget. It is to understand why it should make sense as an investment.
Searching on and off market
Once we have agreed an investment brief, Curetons searches across the London property market. We monitor openly advertised opportunities while speaking directly with estate agents, developers and our wider network of property contacts. This can provide access to properties before they are widely marketed as well as opportunities being sold more discreetly.
We can also investigate bulk purchases, new-build and off-plan opportunities, refurbishment projects and individual properties being sold by landlords or investors, but off-market does not automatically mean good investment. Every property still has to justify its price.
Looking beyond the headline yield
Rental yield is useful, but it should never be considered in isolation. A flat showing an attractive gross yield may have high service charges, significant upcoming works or poor future resale prospects. Another property may produce a lower initial yield but be easier to let, easier to manage and more attractive when eventually sold. We therefore consider the whole investment, rather than simply dividing annual rent by purchase price. Where relevant, we look at:
- likely rental demand
- realistic achievable rent
- void risk
- building and management quality
- ongoing costs
- refurbishment requirements
- leasehold issues
- local development
- exit strategy
We can also work alongside your accountant, tax adviser, mortgage broker and solicitor where specialist financial, tax or legal advice is required. Curetons provides property advice, not regulated financial or tax advice.
Buying at the right price
The price you pay at the beginning can have a significant impact on the performance of a property investment. Before recommending an offer, we look at comparable transactions, competing stock, previous marketing history, the condition of the property and current local market conditions. We then agree a negotiation strategy and represent you directly with the selling agent or seller.
Sometimes the opportunity lies in identifying an undervalued property. Sometimes it is a motivated seller. Sometimes a property simply needs to be rejected because the price does not stack up. Being prepared not to buy can be just as important as knowing when to proceed.
Buy-to-let, refurbishment and portfolio purchases
Curetons can assist with a range of residential property investment strategies, including:
- individual buy-to-let properties
- prime London investment property
- refurbishment opportunities
- new-build and off-plan acquisitions
- portfolio additions
- multiple-unit purchases
- properties intended for children or family members while retaining investment considerations
For new-build investors, our dedicated New Build & Off-Plan Property Service provides additional support when assessing developments and negotiating directly with developers.
Investment property for overseas buyers
London continues to attract investors from around the world. Buying from overseas, however, makes independent representation particularly valuable.
Curetons can act as your representative on the ground, previewing properties, assessing locations, reporting back remotely and coordinating with estate agents and your professional advisers. We also help international clients understand practical issues that may be unfamiliar in their home market, including leasehold ownership, service charges and the English buying process.
Tax treatment and transaction costs can vary considerably according to individual circumstances and ownership structure, so international investors should obtain independent specialist tax advice before purchasing.
Why use Curetons?
Curetons is independent and works on behalf of property buyers rather than sellers. Our investment property service can include:
- defining your investment brief
- searching the whole market
- identifying on and off-market opportunities
- property previews
- rental and local-market assessment
- comparable sales research
- purchase-price negotiation
- survey and due-diligence support
- transaction management through to completion
Unlike an investment sales company marketing its own stock, we are not restricted to a particular development or portfolio. That allows us to compare opportunities across the market and tell you when we believe an investment does — or does not — make sense.
How much does the service cost?
Our investment acquisition service is tailored to the type and scale of purchase. Contact Curetons to discuss your requirements and we can explain the appropriate service and fees before you decide whether to instruct us.
For conventional residential property acquisitions, you can also see our Property Buying Service and current Fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Curetons find buy-to-let properties in London?
Yes. We can search for individual buy-to-let properties and assess potential purchases in the context of rental demand, likely rent, costs, condition and future resale prospects.
Can you find off-market investment property?
Potentially. Our network can provide access to properties before public marketing or opportunities being sold discreetly. However, we assess off-market property just as critically as anything advertised publicly.
Does Curetons provide investment or tax advice?
We advise on the property itself, its market, value and acquisition. We do not provide regulated investment, mortgage, legal or tax advice and recommend that clients obtain specialist advice where appropriate.
Can you help overseas property investors?
Yes. Curetons can act as your representative in London, previewing properties, providing independent feedback and managing much of the acquisition remotely.
Looking for an investment property in London?
Tell us what you are trying to achieve, your budget and the type of investment you are considering.We will give you an honest view of the search and explain how Curetons can help identify and acquire the right opportunity.
Contact Curetons today for a free and confidential property investment consultation.