If you’ve been looking for a market with the potential to deliver above average returns on your investment, you’ve no doubt considered the property sector. Choose the right investment vehicle in the property market and you can generate a substantial income but untangling the media coverage, facts, and predictions of what will happen next to get a true picture of returns and stability can be a challenge. Here, we’ve cut through the clutter to provide a clear side-by-side comparison of property bonds and buy to let options to help you identify the best investment opportunity for your money, appetite for risk and current portfolio.
A burgeoning property market makes for an attractive investment prospect
There’s no denying that a decade ago the financial crisis hit the property market hard. According to Savills, the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) fundamentally changed the UK housing market, with the repercussions of subprime lending leading to austerity measures, huge losses in market value (a 20% fall in 16 months), a massive fall in transactions and less lending overall. The deepest economic recession in the post-war period weighed heavily on the property market.
Today, it’s a different story. Even with the average property value falling between 2007 and 2010, house prices doubled in the first decade of the 21st century, with the average price of the UK home increasing from £81,596 to £167,020. It’s a trend that’s continued over the last seven years too. The latest figures from the Halifax House Price Index show that house prices have risen by 4.5% in the last 12 months. The average house price is now a record £225,826. In London, the recovery has been even greater – the average property value in 2007 was £292,409. In 2017, it’s £478,142 according to Nationwide.
So, the property market has been a great investment prospect but, assuming direct property investment and buy to let is the best option may not be right.
- Average UK House Price 2017 £225,826
- Average House Price in London 2007 £292,409
- Average House Price in London 2017 £478,142
What are property bonds...
The reality of investing in buy to let properties after the crash
You will need to have a sizeable cash deposit to purchase a property outright or take on a buy to let mortgage.
As a result of the financial crash, interest only lending has fallen to just 1.72% of the market, and percentage of lending at over 90% LTV has slumped from 14.1% in 2007 to just 3.9% in 2017 (source: PRA/FCA).
Realistically, you’ll need just as big a deposit – if not more – as a standard buyer to gain a foothold in the buy to let market. It’s not only the huge cash investment that makes this an unattractive option either – increased tax, squeezed margins, regulatory changes and the fact buy to let properties in most regions struggle to deliver a yield above 3% all need to be weighed up.
There are other downsides to consider with the buy to let option too. In its report “The Global Financial Crisis – 10 Years On” the estate agent Savills warns…
In the year to March 2016, buy-to-let lending was effectively back to where it was in 2007. Now it is at half those levels. This effect is likely to become even more entrenched as the progressive reduction in tax relief combines with rising interest rates to squeeze affordability.
As a buy to let investor, you’ll also need to comply with stringent regulations, pay associated expenses such as stamp duty and refurbishment costs, and keep up to date with ongoing landlord responsibilities. The reality of choosing to invest in a buy to let property means being prepared to take a risk, invest a substantial amount and commit to long-term obligations.
Investing money in property bonds can offer better returns and more flexibility compared to typical “Buy to Let”.
Property bonds are another option for those that are keen to take advantage of the robust property market when buy to let investments just aren’t the right fit. If you can’t raise a huge deposit, want yields above 3% and don’t want the hassle of regulatory compliance and maintenance, property bonds offer many of the benefit without the burdens
Bonds are a thriving asset class at the moment, reflecting the accessibility and flexibility that they offer. In fact, fixed income assets were the best selling asset class during the third quarter of 2017, with sales amounting to £4.9 billion.
Like the buy to let market, the returns delivered with property bonds vary. However, as a fixed-income asset class, you know what your expected yield is before you part with your money. This certainty makes property bonds an attractive option for those with a low appetite for risk as they’ll give you peace of mind when you’re choosing an investment vehicle. It also makes it much easier to manage your money and your portfolio than would be the case with buy to let, where income will depend on town, the market value of the property and tenants.
Property Bonds
are a fixed-income asset class…
know what your expected yield is BEFORE you part with your money.
Depending on the property bond that you choose, you can expect yields of between 8% and 12% annually
This is between 3% and 7% more than most buy to let properties in regions outside of university towns.
With an experienced developer handling the daily tasks associated with the property you’re invested in, property bonds are a very hands-off way to invest in property, without sacrificing the benefits. Simply hold on to your bond and receive regular interest payments until it reaches maturity.
If you have a smaller sum to invest, property bonds are ideal. The average cost of buying a home outside of London is £225,826, with just 3.9% of mortgages offered at 90% LTV. That means as a minimum, you’ll need a £22,500 deposit to purchase a buy to let property.
In contrast, you can purchase as few or as many property bonds as you like, building them up to reach the desired amount. Bonds are typically offered with values that are a fraction of the cost of buying a property, allowing investors to benefit from the rising prices without having to take out a mortgage or invest a large amount in a single transaction.
Of course, as with any investment, there are disadvantages to consider when selecting property bonds too. Further rises in interest rates could devalue the amount you receive from a property bond, but investors can counteract this risk by choosing bonds that have a short duration to maturity. This allows you to reinvest in bonds or other opportunities that reflect the changing market.
Don’t forget, our role is to promote awareness of our corporate clients to potential investors.
Why choose property bonds?
Fixed income
Healthy yields
Ability to trade
Less volatile than stocks
Simple way to benefit property rises
Request more information and find out how you can receive up to 15% returns per year
no obligation and FREE of charge
We will never disclose your information to any third parties or send you unsolicited emails. Please read our privacy policy. We are ICO registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 820128).
