Tips to consider before making your next investment decision

Investing in real estate is a milestone that demands a lot of research and analysis. With the current market sentiments, consumers are more specific with these following top considerations before making one of their biggest financial decisions.

1. Credibility of the developer

A reputable property developer gets its distinguished status only by the impeccable track record of high-quality homes it delivers. They have strong relationships with many renown architects, material suppliers, and construction companies, meaning you are most likely to get a truly outstanding property when it is completed. Apart from top-notch construction quality and world-class amenities, a branded developer will also offer you a variety of projects in different locations to cater to all types of customers’ requirements. They also offer a plethora of options in the types of projects available for home buyers to invest in. This array of choices provided coupled with the credibility of the builders gives the buyer utmost customer satisfaction and assurance on their return on investment.

2. Availability of financing

The availability of financing is also key in making an investment purchase. Intermediaries such as mortgage brokers, introduced through the real estate representative, will be able to advise various financing options available to discerning investors. Whether it is via local or overseas banks, each financial institution provides current attractive and competitive interest rates, hence more investors will be willing to consider taking a mortgage as part of their financial planning and purchases.

3. After sales customer service care and experience

The assurance of being able to readily get in touch within the same time zone with your local real estate representative is another important consideration in investing in big purchases like an overseas property. The firm should preferably have an international network of offices at its disposal to readily provide ample assistance both locally and overseas for a seamless hassle-free process.

4. Services offered by the closest local office

As mentioned, investors can always depend on their local real estate representative to tap into the international support and network of their firm. This means that the buyer will benefit from the services offered by the closest office situated in the area of the purchased property, and yet have access to the wider market knowledge, research and experience through the international framework of the real estate agency. This is especially crucial when it comes to handover completion and taking over of the property, lettings and the ongoing management of your investment.

5. Good growth prospects

Any investor who is buying a property will want to see capital appreciation and positive stable rental return/yields. Being able to leverage on the expertise of reputable real estate agents and credible developers gives you a head start in selecting the best properties in the locale that suits your investment requirements. Equally, tenants will also be willing to budget for a best-in-class apartment with good facilities and amenities that commands premium rental above current market offerings.

Slough in the Spotlight: An Underdog Property Investment

Slough is a place like nowhere else. Small geographically but big for business, ambition, potential and with the most diverse population in the country; since the 1930s people from across the country and across the world have made Slough their home. Slough sits in the Thames Valley which is a region in the south of England, which centered on the River Thames runs west of London across to Oxford. Known as the ‘Silicon Valley of Europe’, the Thames Valley is a great success story. Slough is at the start of a huge and spectacular £3.5 billion regeneration program designed to secure and promote long term sustainable economic growth.

The average transaction in Slough was -1.5% lower than the average for Reading, -13% lower than the average across the South East and -46% lower than the average for London, despite being located just outside the capital. (Source: Savills Research using Land Registry)

GREAT CONNECTIVITY

Slough now features on the tube map and is located in zone 6, it is only 13 minutes to London Paddington. The arrival of Crossrail (also known as The Elizabeth Line) scheduled for mid-2022 will provide superb and direct access to central London Bond Street in 31 mins, but a game changer to reach the business districts of Canary Wharf in 46 mins door to door with no changes, opening up new possibilities. Up to 6 Crossrail trains will pass through Slough to London every hour. Slough is also located on the M4 motorway, with fast and direct access to the M40 and the M25, Slough has excellent road connections.

A BUSINESS EPICENTRE AND ENTERPRISE

Slough has the highest concentration of global headquarters outside of London. The town is home to SEGRO’s Slough Trading Estate which comprises approximately 486 acres (1.97 km2) of commercial property to the west of the town centre and provides approximately 7,500,000 sq ft. (700,000 m2) of accommodation to 500 businesses, with a working population of about 20,000 people. Slough Trading Estate is the largest industrial estate in single private ownership in Europe. There are over 600 buildings and the Estate is home to 400 tenants from countries including America, Italy, Japan, Germany and Korea. Slough and SEAGRO, Slough Trading Estate is home to a large number of well-known global companies and with many satellite offices and hubs including:

PROXIMITY TO GOOD SCHOOLS

Being so well-located Slough offers access to an excellent range of some of the best centres for education in the country. These include Grammar schools, state primary and secondary schools, private fee-paying schools, colleges of Higher Education and world-renowned universities. According to The Real Rent Schools Guide 2020, the Upton Court Grammar School was placed at the top of the list in the bourough and third in Berkshire.

NEW COMMUNITY AMENITIES 

A variety of new facilities include:

The Curve Theatre and Library

The Curve is Slough’s Iconic Library and cultural Centre located right in the heart of the town. Delivered by SUR, The Curve houses the central library, café, Slough Museum, performance venue, community learning spaces, computer suites, exhibition space and the Registry Office, including a purpose-built wedding room.

Sports Centre

Known as ‘The Centre’ this new flagship, £18m leisure facility has significantly enhanced the town’s leisure offering. The newly refurbished Centre was re-opened to the public on 25th March 2019 and includes an 8 lane 25m swimming pool, learner pool, 4 court sports hall, gym and exercise studios.

Ice Arena

The Ice Arena won Best Public Service Building in the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2019 and it was selected to feature in the SPACES Yearbook 2019. The new facilities include a fully refurbished ice rink, café, climbing wall, gym, party zone and changing facilities. The Ice Arena is also home to the Slough Jets ice hockey team.

LARGE SCALE HOUSING PROJECTS

There are a range of new housing projects emerging across Slough demonstrating the appeal and desire for investment in the town, all of which will not only improve the aesthetics of the town but also provide much needed housing. One of the most significant projects is THE HORLICKS QUARTER.

The Horlicks Quarter (Berkeley Homes) is one of the first and largest of the new schemes at the epicentre of the redevelopment. It will provide 1300 new homes across a vast 12.5-acre site including the original refurbished Horlicks factory building along with several contemporary new buildings featuring stunning landscaped gardens, water features, private residents’ amenities, crèche, convenience store, deli/café and secure parking.