Barratt’s top 5 tips to property investment

With build work nearly complete at Barratt West Midlands' Woodlands View development on Monkspath Hall Road, homebuyers are being urged to consider the many benefits of buying a property at the development as an investment.

Just 11 properties remain at Woodlands View and with a selection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom houses available, the development is the ideal place to invest.

David Child, Sales Director for Barratt explained, "Compared with other forms of investment, property remains to be a sound long-term investment solution and it is no surprise that people are increasingly turning to bricks and mortar as a way to secure a good future for them and their children.

"This is why we have devised a list of our top five tips to buying an investment property for the first time."

Tip One - Research the Market

Research is the number one priority for any investor, particularly for those just starting out and it is essential that it is as thorough as possible and certainly not rushed. Ensure you search local newspapers, talk to the local authority, employers, estate agents and network with experienced landlords.

You need to make sure that the property you choose will meet the needs of the local market, so check out other rental properties in the area and see what types of properties are in demand.

Tip Two - Target Tenant

You need to seriously consider what type of property your target tenant will want to live in, what is it that will make them love your home and pay a premium to live there? For example students want a home which is good value for money and which is close to all the action of the town centre and university campus, whilst families will often be looking for a larger home in a quiet area with a good sized garden.

Tip Three - Choose a Promising Area

You need to find somewhere potential tenants will want to live and where the rental potential is likely to be high. Good places to look are properties close to town centres, local amenities, good schools, transport networks, universities and large employers where there is always likely to be a good supply of potential tenants.

Tip Four - Get the Best Deal

By purchasing a brand new Barratt home, buyers are able to take advantage of Barratt's fantastic range of tailored incentives, often including deals such as furniture packs and guaranteed rental income for 12 months. This is fantastic for investors who are, inevitably, looking for maximum profit for minimum investment.

Tip Five - Take a Step Back

It is important to be able to take a step back before buying a property and to look at the investment from an impartial point of view. Find out other peoples opinions and most important of all listen to your head, not your heart.

Investment properties should be just that, an investment, not a personal home which is why new build properties are often the perfect choice. Barratt's new homes are modern and spacious with neutral décor in places that people actually want to live.

Woodlands View is excellently located just a few minutes from Solihull town centre which offers a host of shops, bars and restaurants whilst the M40 and M42 motorways are also close by.

Just 11 properties now remain at Woodlands View. Prices start from £172,300. For more information log on to Barratthomes.co.uk/woodlandsview.