Property and economic update
So interest rates remain at 5.25% for another month, good news for anyone with a mortgage, but does this indicate that inflationary pressure is now under control?
Well, it's fair to say that inflation has dropped back a little from its high of 3%, but at 2.7% it is still substantially higher than the 2% target. It would appear that the Bank of England is simply playing a waiting game to see if recent increases in the interest rate will have the desired effect on inflation; but as property investors should we be concerned by interest rate rises in the short term? The answer is no. The simple fact that the MPC is comfortable to wait and watch would indicate that they are not especially concerned by inflation, therefore we may only see one more quarter percent increase before the base rate starts to move in the opposite direction.
So what happened to house prices during February?
Well, good news. According to the Hometrack and Nationwide house price surveys, the market rose by 0.7%. This is the highest monthly increase recorded by Hometrack since May 2004 although most of this growth is driven by the London and South East markets.
The Halifax house price survey paints an even rosier picture with a huge average monthly increase of 1.8%. They report that this brings the average UK house price to nearly £200,000.
Our advice, buy now but be sure to buy at the right price and in the right location.
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How to make 2007 your best year ever!
It's hard to believe, we are already well into 2007 and we have probably not only broken, but already forgotten our new year's resolutions. If you said that 2007 was the year you were going to achieve things here are 3 tips that should help:
1. REVIEW THE PAST.
"Those who fail to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it." The first step to changing the future is to acknowledge what already is. Ask yourself some questions about 2006. What did you learn? What worked well? What would you like to repeat? What are you proud of? How did you grow, change or improve this year? How about your career, lifestyle and income? How did your investments perform? If you didn't invest, why not? Ask these questions, and write down the answers.
2. MAP THE FUTURE.
I like the term "map" because this is not a dream, and should be much more than just a goal.
What exactly would you like to change in 2007? Do you want to increase your income? Improve your wealth? Buy an (other) investment property?
Mapping the future requires that you balance optimism and ambition with a conservative assessment of what's possible. It's unlikely that you can change everything or do everything in one year. What are the specifics you really to want to change in 2007?
3. GET A SYSTEM.
I'm a strong believer in plans and strategies. If you want to increase your income by 25%, you'll probably have to work more hours or learn new skills. When would you fit this into your busy life? If you want to add to your property investments, it won't just happen. Learn what you need to learn, read books, go to seminars, and seek advice from mentors. Then take action and inspect some properties and make "cheeky offers".
If you want to learn more about how to take advantage of the opportunities that the current property markets present, take the time to come to one of our property investment academy sessions or make an appointment for a strategy consultation with one of our skilled investment consultants.
Don't just sit back, make 2007 your best year yet!
For further information regarding the adademy programme please follow this link www.propertyforlife.com/whyinvest/education.html
To book a strategy consultation session please follow this link www.propertyforlife.com/services/consultation.php
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Why buy now?
Over the last few years, some new investors have realised a harsh reality….like other investments, property values move in cycles. So given the current slowdown, why would smart investors buy into property now?
The short answer is that market expansions and contractions never last. This is a great time to pick prime properties and take a long term view aimed at capital growth. In addition, there is the prospect of rising yields as rentals are rising strongly in most regions.
But you can't just buy any property. To do well in property you need to invest in quality and understand where we are in the property cycle. Quality assets tend to rebound first in any upturn and this has already begun in many areas. Indeed many more areas should follow on later this year or early next year. It is important to remember that some areas, some suburbs will always outperform the general market.
The key factors in predicting a growth region for residential property include scarcity, convenience, inner city renewal, location, planned infrastructure and redevelopment, past performance, employment opportunities, socio-economic trends and distance to the city centre.
While many sectors of the property market are looking strong there are no signs of returning to their heady days of 20-25% capital growth in the near future. However, there is no doubt that we should see growth of up to 10% in well located properties over the next year. This has certainly happened for several regions during 2006. Not bad for a slow market?
During 2007 the market will be patchy with the right properties performing well. In these times of slower growth prospective investors must focus strongly on good asset selection, buying quality properties in good and improving locations which should ensure ongoing demand and consistent performance.
This is exactly where we can help. Our team of property acquisition specialists consistently secure high quality property in the best locations around the UK at the best possible price. With Property for Life you are in safe hands.
"Every achiever that I have ever met says, 'My life turned around when I began to believe in me.'" - Dr. Robert Schuller, Minister and Author
"The first requisite for success is the ability to apply your physical and mental energies to one problem incessantly without growing weary." - Thomas Edison 1847-1931, Inventor
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A little equation that creates big results by Chris Widener
"The purpose of man is in action not thought." - Thomas Carlyle
Often people will ask me how I get so much done in my life. They wonder at how I am able to accomplish so many things. The answer is found not in what a great person I am, but in an equation I came up with a few years ago and remind myself of on almost a daily basis. When I live this equation out, it produces big results. What people don't seem to grasp is that this equation will work for anybody!
This little equation, when it is understood, and acted upon, is perhaps the most powerful equation there is in regard to long-term achievement and accomplishment. Yet, this is not a complex equation. In fact, it is rather simple. So what is it?
Your short-term actions multiplied by time equals your long-term accomplishments.
If you want to see change in your life, see big results, the first thing you must do is change your current actions. Otherwise the old saying becomes a reality: "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got!" But if we change our actions, we will see different results!
Most people want to accomplish a lot in their lives. Yet very few actually do. Why is this? It is because what they believe will equal their long-term accomplishments are wrong. Here are some of the things that people believe will create great accomplishments for them:
Beliefs Vision Big dreams Ideas Ideals Values Desire
The truth is that while these things are very important, they are not enough in and of themselves. We need to have the above underlying all that we do, but we need to actually do something, and this is where most people stop. We need to take action on our dreams and beliefs every day.
Here are some examples of how this works.
Who loses weight? The one who knows all about the benefits of exercise or the one who walks 3 miles a day?
Who retires early? The one who dreams of a house on the beach, or the one who invests £200 a month?
Who writes books? The one who desires to become a best-selling author, or the one who gets up early and writes for half an hour a day?
Who makes the most sales? The one who believes they can become a great salesperson, or the one who makes 20 sales calls a day?
I think you get the point. When it all comes down to it, we must act upon our vision, beliefs, and ideals or we won't see them come to fruition. I see too many people who know what is right, but don't ever do anything about it. Imagine what a difference we could make in our own lives and the lives of others if we would simply begin to act upon on our beliefs.
I remember reading an interview with an author who has written numerous books that have sold in the tens of millions. They asked him how he did it. His answer was that he got up every morning before anyone else in his family and wrote, long hand, with a pencil, for an hour. Then he quit and went about his day. But his short-term actions piled up. 7 hours a week. 30 hours a month. 365 hours a year. After a while, he had lots of books.
Some questions to ponder: What long-term accomplishments do you want to see come to pass? What short-term actions will you need to do over time to see them come to pass? What will you do today to begin seeing your dreams come true? What will you do this week to see them come true?
You can have an awesome future, filled with great achievements and results if you begin today to take action and make it a reality! So just remember this simple equation - Your short-term actions multiplied by time equals your long-term accomplishments.
Simple isn't it?
"To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are." - Muhammad Ali, World Champion Boxer
"Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone." - Pablo Picasso 1881-1973, Artist
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Meet a fellow Property for Life investor
Meet Desiree Banugo. She and her mother Barbra, are both property investors looking to create a passive income to afford them financial independence for the future.
Desiree works as a freelance marketing consultant in London. She is looking at her property portfolio to provide a staple for her pension. This thirty something is in a fantastic position to take advantage of the long term gains afforded by property investment. It was a combination of research and her family's interest in property that prompted Desiree to start her own portfolio.
"My family have always believed in investing in the property market, my family back in the Caribbean have investment property and my grandparents have been investing for years. We are all of the understanding that property is the best investment vehicle for long term growth." Desiree introduced her mother Barbra, already an investor, to Property for Life when they attended one of our academies together last May. Barbra has gone on to purchase 2 properties through us, adding to her portfolio. As a mother and daughter team Desiree and Barbra are keen to continue investing in property over the next few years and are both looking to leave a legacy behind them for other members of their family to enjoy.
"Mum and I are both looking for financial independence through our portfolios. We are both investing for the long term and know that our portfolios can also provide a legacy for different generations in our family."
Desiree understands that putting money into any investment carries an element of risk. She chooses to manage this risk through education. Having studied the property market and by attending countless free and paid seminars she has a good understanding of how the process works and is a firm believer in Property for Life's Academy programme.
"If I could pass on any advice to another would be investor it would be to take the time to gain an understanding of the process. Take a couple of hours out and attend one of Property for Life's free academies. I have been to countless property seminars both free and paid and found Property for Life's by far the most enjoyable to attend. There is no hard sell; it provides you an insight into investing, a chance to meet the team and speak with other investors which is really helpful."
September 2006 saw Desiree's first investment property purchase. This rented immediately, an achievement which has boosted her confidence in the process even more. Further more, the cash back she received on this property has enhanced her cash flow and put her in a great position for further investing this year.
Desiree is aiming for a diverse portfolio of predominantly UK and American investment properties. With regards to her UK portfolio this is something she is keen to build through Property for Life. "I work alongside Property for Life as they are a friendly experienced team. They provide a high level of customer service, something I believe is missing in the larger investment companies. There is no question too small to be answered by the consultants and I really feel they cater to the needs of their clients, working alongside you, guiding you through the process.
Both mum and I like the way you can see exactly how the deals are structured through the downloadable documentation on their website. You can see exactly where your money is going. We find this transparency really refreshing and would definitely recommend the services of the company to other investors. We certainly intend to keep investing with Property for Life."
Desiree and Barbra have made an important step in the direction of total financial independence. We wish them the very best of luck with their investment portfolio's and look forward to a continued working relationship with them over the coming years.
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Introducing Private Label
In order to achieve wealth through property investment it is essential to build a diverse portfolio containing a range of different properties. It is with this in mind that we have introduced Private Label.
Private Label is aimed at those investors wishing to build a wealth building property portfolio quickly and cost effectively. In fact, Private Label is the most cost effective way of purchasing property through Property for Life with savings in the region of 50% on the usual levels of investment.
Private Label is a full service product which means that you can take full advantage of our company's skill, knowledge and influence within the market place to build you a professional investment portfolio with no prior experience or knowledge.
Quite simply you benefit from substantial savings on the costs of building a property portfolio by making an upfront investment to build your portfolio with PFL, but it doesn't end there. Private Label members will also benefit from a host of other fantastic benefits.
- Savings in the region of 50%
- 48 hour priority notice of newly available property
- Access to password protected web area with special one off property offers
- Dedicated portfolio manager
- Personal strategy consultation with Property for Life MD David Austin
- High quality leather bound membership pack complete with branded pen and other items
Plus much, much more…..
Follow the link for full details www.propertyforlife.com/services/private-label.html
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What's new?
Earlier this month we made our half yearly contribution to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity (GOSHCC). With a substantial increase in sales for this period our total contribution has grown and we were very pleased to be able to contribute over £8,000. GOSHCC is a very worthy charity and we are pleased to offer them our continued support.
Adam Woolley, Property for Life Marketing Manager presents a cheque to Sophie Powell of GOSHCC
If you would like to donate to GOSHCC please follow this link - www.gosh.org
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Whats available? We currently have the following investment opportunities.
UK property Isabella Court, Fairfield Road, Downham Market, Norwich Perseverance Mill, Dewsbury Road, Elland, West Yorkshire Valley Mill, Bury, Manchester Mast Quay, Church Street, Woolwich, London
Overseas property If you are looking for quality overseas property you need look no further. Whether you want discounted French property with guaranteed rental returns, land in central Florida or something a little more exotic we can help. Our overseas property department is growing fast and we are currently offering exceptional opportunities in the following locations:
France – Most regions Spain – Many regions Cyprus - Paphos Florida – Central and Northern Brazil – North coast Middle East - Dubai
Please go to www.propertyforlife.com/discount_prop.php for full details and look out for more great opportunities coming soon!
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Upcoming events
Over the coming months we will be running a number of property investment academy sessions as part of our ongoing academy programme. If you would like to attend a property academy session please call Katie on 01252 731060 or email katie@propertyforlife.com stating which session you would like to attend and how many places you require.
Academy Dates 17th March 2007 – Central London 28th April 2007 – Kegworth Whitehouse Hotel, East Midlands
For full information go to www.propertyforlife.com/whyinvest/education.html
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Furniture Services
We can supply a wide range of furniture to cover even the most demanding furnishing requirements. Whether you are looking to furnish a studio apartment or a four bedroom house, our range of ready to go furniture packs provide all you will need to give your property that special look.
Our furniture is carefully sourced by our in house furniture specialist and offers a stress free and very cost effective method of furnishing your investment property. Studies have shown that a well furnished property will not only rent more easily but could also carry a rental premium, giving you an even better return on your investment.
Most items are held in stock and available for immediate dispatch. Delivery can be arranged for most regions of the United Kingdom.
For further information visit www.propertyforlife.com/services/furniture.html or email James@propertyforlife.com
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Do you fancy a spending spree at one of the UK's leading department stores?
The new look Property for Life referral programme can offer you just that.
All you need to do is tell an interested friend about Property for Life and you could soon have a minimum of £250 in gift vouchers to spend in any John Lewis or Waitrose store.
Quite simply, for each person introduced by you who then purchases a property through us you will receive a cool £250 in John Lewis gift vouchers. If they purchase more than one property you will receive £250 in gift vouchers for each property they purchase. You could soon be well on your way to that spending spree.
Remember, the more people you introduce the more chance you have of grabbing at least £250. So why not tell your friends and family about Property for Life? Make sure they register on-line at www.propertyforlife.com/register. When registering it is important that they select the recommendation option in the 'How did you hear about us' section of the form and include your name in the 'other' box.
Please note that the referral programme is on a per property not a per person basis. Please see www.propertyforlife.com/services/referalprogramme.html for further information.
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