​Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience in the property world, a property power team, a group of like-minded individuals and experienced operators, should be seriously considered.
 
Success in the property investment world, like many things, can be achieved alone but if you commit time and effort towards building a close network of true value it can save you both time and money.
 
If that sounds interesting, or your unsure of where to start, read on below as we list the key members of your new property power team.

​Depending on your goals, experience and financial standing in life a joint venture partner could be crucial in helping you make the leap or take the next step within property investing.
 
Joint Venture partners are a great way to process and achieve greater success in property. Property can be very lonely if you are doing it by yourself. We feel from personal experiences that yes you will achieve what you set out to do but as a partnership there is so much more you can achieve.
 
Each partner has something different to offer to the partnership, it may be money, time, property deals and process, invaluable contacts, experience, knowledge and skills.

​If you want to operate within the buy to let world but lack experience, aren’t local to a specific area and thus don’t have the local knowledge sometimes needed, or simply want someone to manage your properties, then a letting agent is your new best friend.
 
Letting agents can also help determine the letting potential of a particular property potentially saving you time or money on a deal.
 
It is worth spending a little time finding an agent that is also an investor. They may have a better understanding of your investment strategies and what you are trying to achieve. For example, are you investing for cash flow or investing for capital growth? We would advise invest for both cash flow and capital growth.

​A creative and experienced property solicitor can be a massive asset throughout your property journey. If you’re inexperienced or lack the time to properly consider the legalities of your next move then a property solicitor can step in and save you countless headaches.

​An experienced property investor, one with a specific history in redevelopments and refurbishments, might be able to survive without a property surveyor but for the rest of us it can be hard to judge the countless aspects of a property to the level required.
 
A fresh pair of eyes, paid for by you and thus looking out for your best interests, could find vaults or potential problems you would never consider.

​Working hard to create a property investment portfolio takes time, commitment and a lot of effort. An experienced account, ideally with a history dealing with similar property focused clients, will help to ensure that your property business is as tax efficient as possible.
 
Unless you’re an accountant by trade, or seriously experienced and up-to-date with everything HMRC demands, this person will become an essential element within your power team. I would also recommend you find an accountant that specializes or has an interest in property tax.

​The mortgage landscape is ever changing. Add to that the fact that your personal profile will change with each new property deal and it starts to become clear that mortgage brokers can be very important.
 
Up to date industry knowledge and a duty of care to you, their client, will ensure you get current information tailored to you.

​Tradesmen and contractors, similar to property surveyors, become more and more valuable the less experienced you are.
 
How can you correctly value the costs of refurbishments and redevelopments without a proper knowledge of materials, labour costs, projected time factor and unexpected developments that happen during every project? That’s where your tradesmen come in.

​All of the above should provide a good overview of who you need and where to start. Beyond that, and especially if you’re inexperienced or just getting started, come along to the next Belfast Property Meet.
 
You never know who you might meet…

​Whether you’re flying along, passing by on the motorway, or walking the city streets it’s clear to see that Belfast is booming right now. Cranes are popping up everywhere with new developments constantly around the corner so it’s a pretty exciting time to invest in Northern Ireland’s capital city.
 
Thankfully the city has something to offer all sorts of property investors at various stages and using various strategies. As always there are plenty of opportunities for the creative investor out there! 

​These opportunities can be broadly split into two key options.
 
First up is the buy to let strategy. This strategy focuses on an evolving combination of cash flow (monthly rent minus expenses) and capital growth (the year on year rise in property values). There are areas of opportunity within Belfast that mean you can still purchase properties for under £50k that, when properly taken advantage of, can result in great cash flow and capital growth over the coming years. It should be noted that this is primarily a long-term strategy that could be suited to pension-pot style investments.
 
The second option is to focus on “flips” where you buy a property, renovate and sell on at a higher price. Belfast is constantly redeveloping right now meaning, if you find the right property, the potential is there to make a substantial cash gain without the headaches that come along with operating as a landlord. This may be a great short-term option for the right investor. 

​After deciding on a specific investment strategy the next stage is to analyse areas of Belfast that are ripe for redevelopment, flipping or rental properties.
 
One major consideration, during this stage, is the existence of two large Universities within the city and the resulting and constant need for good student accommodation. As a result investing in HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) can be a very rewarding strategy but remember to consider the regulations and responsibilities involved.
 
Another opportunity, as a result of the post-2007 recession, is the high numbers of owner-occupiers in negative equity that want to move on and are seeking a way out. To counter this and take advantage of the current marketplace you could propose a lease option agreement that works for both parties. 

​With all of that in mind, and a quick glance around the streets of Belfast, it’s clear to see that opportunities exist but many potential investors are put off by their lack of capital to get started.
 
Money is clearly an important factor, and raising finance will always represent a crucial element of any property deal, but it’s not always the defining factor in getting started. There are various strategies that exist including the option of joint venturing with other like-minded individuals where various parties bring money, time, experience and the deal to the table.
 
There are so many strategies out there so come along to the next Belfast Property meet to find out more, network with fellow investors and learn from experts that operate here in Northern Ireland!
 
See you soon!