How to invest in UK property without stress

In an uncertain world, it is understandable that we have seen an increase in interest in investing in property. It is human nature to want to put your money into something that you can see and touch.

Property markets are not equal and the legalities and potential for growth and/or income vary hugely but Europe still presents many opportunities for long-term investment and yield.

Surveys have shown that many expats are keen to invest in property in their home country either as they consider it a more secure place than where they are currently living, or as a potential base should they need to move back.

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Looking for property investment with high yield? In London?

Yes, such a thing is available and it is something very different to the usual apartments on offer. I have a new investment for clients with yields of over 10% per annum.

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10 Steps for Smart Investing

The financial services industry is full of jargon and sales messages so sometimes it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction, the reality from the adverts and the sales pitches. With that in mind, I have put together a simple guide to 10 practical and logical steps you need to follow when investing.

It is too easy to sidetracked from planning your future, our lives are busy after all,  but it rarely needs to be as complicated as some might make out. My role is to make this simpler, and better, for you.  Continue reading →

UK Summer Economic Statement July 2020 – the facts for expats

The UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has presented his Summer Economic Statement, a de facto budget, and this article is an overview of the main points with particular reference to any announcements or changes that are relevant to those living out of the UK.

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A flight to bricks & mortar? Options to invest in UK & European property

In an uncertain world, it is understandable that we have seen an increase in property as an investment class. People have always liked investments that they fully understand, or can see and touch. Property markets are not equal and the legalities and potential for growth and/or income vary hugely but Europe still presents many opportunities for long-term investment and yield.

Recent surveys have shown that many expats are keen to invest in property in their home country either as they consider it a more secure place than where they are currently living or as a potential base should they need to move back.

The recent upheavals in work, schooling, lifestyle and more has made many reflect on the lives that they want to lead, and to consider future plans. Initially, I saw an uplift in enquiries for wills and life cover, and while these are still popular, I am now being contacted by people about property investment in the UK and Germany. Fortunately, I can assist with both and you can invest without leaving home.

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How to negotiate a rent reduction

Most people are aware that rents are falling across the UAE so many of us will be expecting a reduction in our rent at renewal. But what if your landlord hasn’t got the message and doesn’t want to give you a reduction in line with general markets? Here are some hints and tips to try to persuade them.

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UK Stamp Duty to be even higher for non-residents?

Breaking news.

It has been announced that the UK Government will shortly be issuing a new consultation document in which it will propose that the rate of Stamp Duty, the tax payable on purchase of a property, will increase further for non-residents who buy in England and Northern Ireland.

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An expat’s guide to buying property in the UK

No matter what is happening in the rest of the world, interest in the UK housing market remains strong with many people looking to buy a property as part of their portfolio of investments, or as a future home.

For expats, it is harder to obtain a UK mortgage but I work with an excellent mortgage broker with the largest panel of lenders of any broker working with GCC clients

This article is a guide to what you need to know when buying property in the UK and there will shortly be two companion pieces, one about buying in Dubai and another about the tax issues to bear in mind in respect of UK property ownership.

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UK mortgages for UAE based expats

EDIT 2017. This has been superseded by a more recent article

An expat’s guide to buying property in the UK

 

No matter what is happening in the rest of the world, interest in the UK housing market remains strong with many people looking to buy a property as part of their portfolio of investments, or as a future home.

Changes to the way in which UK mortgages are underwritten, which came into effect in April 2014 under the guidance of the Financial Conduct Authority, have made it harder to anyone to obtain a mortgage and the options are even more limited for expats.

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UK Capital Gains Tax changes for non-resident UK Property owners

This is a topic I have mentioned in several articles on this website but the final guidance has now been issued by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) so we have clarity as to how tax will be applied on the sale of UK properties owned by individuals who are not resident in the UK.

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