Women In Property : Here’s 5 Investing Strategies To Begin Your Property Journey

So, you want to get into property investing?. Diversity in the industry is key, and as one of the most lucrative investment strategies offering long-term capital appreciation, or short-term bursts of cash flow, depending on the strategy, you are spoiled for choice. 

If you have the funds readily available, you are already on the right track. What's more, researching and educating yourself about the potential avenues to go down will enable you to maximise your returns. Don’t let the fear of dealing with contractors scare you off. Attending property networking events and talking to the right people will give you the best contacts and possibly bag you a nice deal. 

Before you dive into the property world, consider the following investment strategies. Keep in mind that they all have their entry fees, refurbishment costs and multiple other criteria to meet before you can pull out your money.

Buy to Let

This is probably the most well-known strategy, and for good reason. With buy-to-let, you purchase a property and rent it out to tenants, generating regular monthly income while your asset hopefully grows in value over time. It's fairly straightforward to get into, especially if you're looking for something that can provide passive income while you build your portfolio. Just make sure you do your research on local rental demand and keep an eye on things like maintenance costs and void periods so you’re not caught off guard. For example, you will need to carry out local market research on specific locations for property investment in Leeds to ensure the rental demand is there. 

Property Flip

Flipping a property means buying something at a lower price, (BMV properties) usually because it needs some work or possibly is being sold as an auction property (auction houses should be approached on caution, we can write a whole blog on this topic!), refurbishing it, and selling it on for a profit. This strategy can bring in quick returns, but it also comes with more risk and requires a solid understanding of the numbers. You’ll need to budget for renovations, legal fees, and unexpected issues that might pop up along the way. 

But if you enjoy the creative side of things and don’t mind getting stuck into a project, this can be a really exciting and rewarding way to invest. Flips are especially useful to see the full process of refurbishing a home. You will likely have family or friends of friends who work in trade, so you may already have your building team without even knowing it.

Property Development

If you already have dabbled in traditional property investing, you may fancy taking it up a notch. Property development is where most seasoned property investors are comfortable. With greater capital appreciation and often returns with the right investment, people see phenomenal returns with this strategy. 

This might involve converting an old building into flats, adding an extension, or even building something from scratch if you’ve got the appetite for it. It’s a more involved process and not the easiest place to start, but with the right team around you and a clear vision, the potential returns can be significant. Just make sure you’re clear on planning regulations, timelines, and costs before diving in. Working with a UK property investment specialist may reduce the level of risk and ensure you’re meeting the regulations. 

HMO Property

Houses in Multiple Occupations (HMOs) can be a great way to increase cash flow, especially if you’re working with one property but want to maximise rental income potential. Essentially, you rent out individual rooms to separate tenants, usually providing them with a communal kitchen and sitting space, and sometimes with their ensuite for optimal occupancy rates., HMOs typically bring in more rent than letting the whole property to a single household, you can charge more than £600/ room/ month in locations such as Manchester and Leeds. HMOs are usually ideal for prominent student areas, and also for working professionals who aren’t quite prepared to pay for a whole space alone. 

However, HMOs come with stricter licensing requirements and higher management responsibilities, so it’s worth considering if you’re happy to be more hands-on or can hire a reliable letting agent to handle the day-to-day.

Joint Venture

Did you know that you can get into the property industry using someone else's money? If you’re short on funding but are keen to showcase your skills and knowledge in the property industry, a joint venture may be the answer. This is where you partner with someone on a property project. Maybe they bring the capital, and you bring the time and skills. It’s a great way to move faster and take on bigger projects without going it alone. Just make sure everything is agreed on in writing from the beginning so both sides know what they’re bringing to the table and what they’re getting out of it.

Bottom line

The reality of property investing is there is no right way to start investing, the same way there is no right time to buy property. These are just myths, and you will find success with the right guidance, and or mentoring to get you started in the right direction. No matter if you’re seeking consistent monthly income, gradual capital growth or a strategic mix of both, there is a strategy out there for you.  The key is to start small, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who know what they’re doing. Property isn’t just for the seasoned pros or big players; it’s for anyone willing to learn, take action, and stay the course.