Potential in burgeoning overseas market

Leslie Pendlebury-Bowe (aged 40) is a property entrepreneur. For over 20 years he has been buying properties in the UK with a view to capital growth and rental income and started out at the age of just 18 when he had his first mortgage.

“I lived in a flat in Erith in South East London an area at the time which was somewhat overlooked by its more affluent neighbours but I realised it had potential once the Government took on board the need to give it better access across the river,” says Leslie. “Now with the Olympics a new bridge is being built, the Thames Gateway rail link is being provided and with financial input and easy access to the sports arena the area is becoming a hot spot”.

Leslie is rather astute at picking hot spots and has 10 properties within two miles of the Olympic site, choosing purpose built properties about 10/15 years old as they “have better square footage, are better built and appeal to renters”, adds Leslie.

Now, Leslie is opening up his portfolio to the overseas market place which he sees as excellent for future investment.

“I am a South London lad, so money is important to me and I will not take unnecessary risks, which is advice I would give to anyone thinking of investing” continued Leslie “ My first overseas investment is in Bansko in Bulgaria where for the modest amount of £40,000 I have secured myself an apartment in a 5* set up. Everything points to it being a success but if it should fail, then in all honesty, it would not affect my lifestyle. This also applies to my purchase of a £30,000 brand new bungalow in Pattaya in Thailand.”

With both properties, which he has bought with a furniture package, he was guided by Our Home Abroad, a professional UK based company specialising in overseas properties.

Our Home Abroad has two directors, Antony Aguado and Ian Clarke, who are both according to Leslie “honest decent individuals”.

“Ian gives me a balanced view on my proposals for certain overseas countries. I like the fact he does not give me a sales pitch, but rather takes time to explain to me how the overseas market works, which countries are considered “safe” and which are speculative.”

Leslie is a married man with wife Suzanne aged 36 yrs and two children, William aged 3 years and Alexander aged 5 years. With his knowledge of the property market he bought three acres of land in a prime location in Tunbridge Wells a few years ago and has seen its value increase 3 fold in 7 years.

Concluded Leslie, “My advice to anyone thinking of investing in the overseas property market is to only spend what you can afford to lose. Also choose a professional agency, such as Our Home Abroad, who have experience in the overseas market place and can offer expert advice”

For more information, visit ourhomeabroad.com.