29th June 2007
Hot Property – Imagine Homes analyses the latest trends in property investment behaviour
What type of investor are you?
Imagine homes has spotted recent trends in research analysed investors across the country to determine the profile of today’s up and coming property investors. According to the results, the market can be categorised into four emerging groups.
FIRST-TIME INVESTOR
Over 15 per cent of investors are made up of first-time buyers who have saved their money and are looking for a way to generate profit from their savings, before they buy their own home.
Profile Living with parents or in rented accommodation; they are young professionals with established careers and a respectable income – the only thing left for them to do is invest in their first property. The first time buyer is looking for a simple, hassle free investment opportunity that is low in risk and eases them onto the property ladder.
Ideal location Waters Edge in West Yorkshire is built on a world heritage site and affords a stunning riverside location. Located just 10 miles from the city of Leeds and within close proximity to Leeds and Bradford Airport, it is an excellent location for international air travel. Leeds is a cosmopolitan city which has soon become a sought after location.
THE CITY SLICKER
Over 20 per cent of the sample analysed are affluent property investors who work in the city. The City Slickers want to invest in first class, high specification properties-but with as little hassle and effort as possible, safe in the knowledge their hard earned money is safely invested.
Profile Living on their own in plush apartments, they are always quick to pick up a new trend; their healthy bonuses allow them to buy the fastest cars and the latest gadgets. But it’s never quite enough for them; they are always looking for the next investment opportunity. With high spending power, they frequently purchase two or more properties.
Ideal location Icon in Canary Wharf offers the ultimate in luxury-this Imagine Homes site defines cosmopolitan living. It is within walking distance to Canary Wharf, with quick transport connections to London City and Stansted Airports.
THE NEW BILLIONAIRE
Just fewer than 10 per cent of the investors surveyed are typified as the New Billionaire, who already have an array of investments and an impressive property portfolio. They are confident in their property investment decisions and once made, like to know they can travel the world without having to worry about tenants or maintenance.
Profile Well established on the property ladder and always purchasing property in bulk, the New Billionaire can afford to invest in the highest quality properties.
Ideal location London Lakes in West London is an excellent investment opportunity for the new billionaire. This Imagine Homes development offers easy access to the culture and lifestyle of Central London, while benefiting from the British countryside all at competitive London prices.
THE EMPTY NESTER
Over 35 percent of property investors fall into this category. These buyers can be nervous about the perceived complications involved with property investment.
Profile A married couple on their late fifties, their children are all grown up and flown the nest. With less financial responsibilities as their families have left home, the Empty Nester now has extra disposable income that they’d like to invest sensibly for their future – potentially for adventurous retirement plans or their grand children.
Ideal location The Imagine Homes development at Edinburgh North offers a choice of two bedroom apartments in a close-knit community area, close to the city’s transport links. The residential area is established with a strong rental demand.
Grant Bovey, CEO of Imagine Homes, says. ‘The buy-to-let property market continues to grow and at Imagine Homes we believe that it’s important to take the time to get to know our customers and their specific needs to ensure we provide them with the best possible deal.
Our aim is to alleviate all the concerns and stress usually associated with buy-to-let, by offering customers a hassle free approach to property investment. By identifying these property investor profiles, we have built a greater understanding of our investor’s requirements which will now allow us to tailor investments to suit their lifestyles.’
For further information on imagine Homes and their portfolio of properties go online to imaginehomes.co.uk