Want to know how to build a property portfolio? In this blog, we highlight how you can build a property portfolio using £100,000.
At first glance, one hundred thousand pounds might not seem like a lot to build a property portfolio. In some sections of the UK, it’ll barely buy you a garage. But with the right strategy and proper planning, turning £100,000 into a dynamic property portfolio is possible.
With that in mind, this guide has everything you need to know about building a property portfolio with £100k.
Taking the right approach
One of the best approaches to building a portfolio with £100,000 is to split the capital, pay a smaller deposit and get a buy-to-let mortgage for the remaining amount. The average property price in the UK is slightly over £287,000, so breaking up the amount will likely see your £100k go the furthest.
It’s also important to establish a clear set of investment goals.
- What is your purpose for building a portfolio? Short-term rental income, long-term capital growth or, ideally, a mixture of both?
- Will you start with one property or try to buy two in up-and-coming areas?
Knowing what you want in advance will provide more clarity and help you set out a plan of action. Market research plays a central role, too, as you’ll need to know where to invest your £100k. You should identify up-and-coming areas with high rental demand and the potential for price appreciation.
Then, there are long-term and short-term objectives to consider, such as the type of tenants and whether you’ll manage the property yourself or employ the services of a property management company.
Types of property investments to consider when investing £100,000
Investors have a range of choices when it comes to property investments. Here are the most popular types of investment properties.
Buy-to-let properties
If you’re building a portfolio, there’s only really one place to start, and that’s with a buy-to-let property. You buy, you rent it out, and you start receiving a monthly income. Plus, there’s a bonus: if property prices rise, you’re likely to benefit from long-term capital growth. Do that successfully across four, five or six properties, and you’ve got quite the portfolio.
Off-plan property
Buying an off-plan property may allow you to secure the home at a slightly discounted rate. This can be helpful if your goal is to build a portfolio, as every penny counts when you’ve got £100k to invest, and you can potentially flip the property to increase your capital. There are, however, risks involved, including construction delays and the potential for the finished property’s market value to decrease by the time it goes live.
HMOs
A house of multiple occupation, where the property is rented out to three or more tenants from different households, can be beneficial. They often provide higher rental yields but come with stricter regulations. Find one near a university, and you can rent it out to students with the aim of building a portfolio of HMOs.
There’s nothing to stop you from having multiple HMOs and individual buy-to-lets in your portfolio. Just bear in mind that you may need a licence for an HMO depending on the local authority where the property is located.
How to build Your portfolio with £100,000
Building a property portfolio can be a great way to diversify your investments and generate stable cash flows. Here are some top tips for building a successful property portfolio:
- Start small and focus on one property at a time
- Research the market and choose properties in areas with strong rental demand and potential for capital growth
- Consider using a property management service to help you manage your properties and maximise your returns
- Be patient and take a long-term view of your investments
- If the opportunity arises to sell one for a profit, don’t be afraid to act. You could potentially reinvest the money in two additional properties as long as it makes sense financially.
How long do I hold onto each property?
Building a portfolio means holding onto your homes to increase the number of properties. But you shouldn’t do this solely for volume’s sake. Again, when it makes sense to sell, doing so can help you build a larger portfolio in the long term as you reinvest the money in cheaper properties that have the potential for higher long-term growth.
Generally, it’s recommended to hold onto a property for at least five years to allow for appreciation and to recoup transaction costs. But it’s not uncommon for investors to keep their investments for 15 or 20 years as they build a collection.
Ultimately, it comes down to what makes the most sense financially. As long as the numbers work, you can enjoy a portfolio that serves its purpose as a short-term income generator and long-term asset.
How to prepare yourself for investing in property and building a portfolio
Successful investors have a few traits in common. Keep these in your toolkit as you embark on your property journey.
These common traits include the following, although this isn’t an exclusive list:
- Knowledge: Master the property market and local trends for well-informed investment choices.
- Patience: Remember, property investment is a long-term endeavour. Keep your eyes on the future.
- Financial acumen: Understand key financial metrics like cash flow and ROI. If you’re new, consult a financial advisor to help maximise returns.
- Risk management: Be strategic in managing risks – diversification is key to weathering market fluctuations.
- Networking: Cultivate a strong network in the property sector for valuable insights and investment opportunities.
- Flexibility: Stay agile and willing to pivot your strategy based on market conditions.
- Discipline: Maintain a disciplined approach to avoid impulsive decisions and stay aligned with your long-term goals.
Summary: Building a portfolio with £100,000
Ready to turn £100,000 into a property empire? You’ve got the strategies and the options—from buy-to-let to HMOs. Essentially, it’s all about smart moves and having a long-term vision. Your property mogul status could be confirmed, starting with just £100,000.
Talk to us about getting started building your portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
Which buy-to-let strategy is most effective with £100,000?
Look for up-and-coming hotspots that have high potential for capital growth. These are areas where there is a good transport infrastructure in places (or soon to be built), as well as local amenities, but the broader public hasn’t quite yet discovered them.
How can leveraging be used to grow a property portfolio with £100,000?
Leveraging involves using a buy-to-let mortgage to purchase multiple properties. By investing the £100,000 in various high-quality properties, the chances of maximising returns while minimising risks are better.
How long should you own an investment property before selling?
The length of time you should own an investment property before selling depends on several factors, including your investment goals, the condition of the property and market conditions. It could be anywhere from five to 25 years.
