Expert property investment guidance from afar
Our clients, based in Asia, came to OXON Property Search earlier this year with no preconception other than a budget for Oxford property investment. Over several pre arranged calls we discussed at length the various options for Buy to Let investment within Oxford, along also with the various pros, cons, tax implications and all other relevant background information.
From our discussions it became clear that our clients were not interested in higher risk letting strategies such as short letting or house in multiple occupation investment. Instead their instincts and investment objectives lead us towards targeting a location that would deliver on long term capital growth, and attract a strong rental demand and high calibre tenant.
After investigating and discussing various potentially suitable scenarios we concluded that the best strategy to fulfil the client's objectives would be to target a modern, city centre one bedroom apartment. With no suitable purchase opportunities immediately available we then started to work our close network of local Estate Agent contacts for upcoming opportunities. Within five weeks we identified and, following some detailed comparable sale price research, then negotiated discounted pricing in securing a stylish and contemporary city centre apartment (see above image).
In progressing the sale we maintained regular communication with the selling agents and solicitors to help accelerate legal progress and introduced our client to a local surveyor for producing a Homebuyers report. The survey proved straight forward and once the legal enquiries were settled we arranged some precautionary electrical safety testing before exchanging contracts.
In the run up to exchange we were also able to introduce our client to an ARLA registered Letting Agent with a specialist expertise in property refurbishment. Quotes for a cosmetic refurbishment were produced, agreed and signed off by the client well before exchange of contracts so that contractors could be on standby to start works the day after completion.
The refurbishment is now close to completion and apartment will soon be ready for new tenants, a process we anticipate to be quick and straightforward given the remarkable location and the new high specification.
Such is their trust in the OXON Property Search service our international clients have not once had to visit the UK and we have been able to introduce each and every relevant local professional from our black book of close contacts. With plans afoot for a subsequent purchase we are very much looking forward to soon being engaged by this client for a second buy to let investment search!