robert gollings

We can use all the professional help we can get. Thanks in advance for your input

This is a great bonus for the site. Thanks for your contribution

Check on Rightmove and Zoopla for flats in your area as well. If the market is big enough for unfurnished properties there then landlords would be offering properties accordingly.

I'm sure ladies attach more importance to the bathroom than men when choosing a place to live. I have a dressing table in the bedroom which a previous tenant used to sit at and apply make up. I'd like to hear from any ladies with their views...in fact any insights on how to make a property more female friendly...they are after all potentially 50% of the market. Things a landlord could include (or even exclude) that women might appreciate Cheers

Thanks for the reply, I’m glad I got a female response. My market is mainly young professionals and not families, for which no bath would be impossible. I also agree most young professionals wouldn’t have an issue foregoing a bath for well appointed shower but I wasn’t sure about female tenants. I was thinking perhaps enough of them would prefer to have a bath than men? Strange, a bath is a very British thing. Having spent most of my life living and working abroad I have lost the habit. Most one bed flats I’ve seen overseas have shower only...far more sensible to my mind

Hi, i've moved back into my rental property, a one bed flat in docklands, London until the current situation settles down. I've taken the opportunity to do a few jobs around the place. I'm in the process of changing floor tiles in the bathroom and have always fancied the idea of a walk-in shower. I'm fed up with stepping over the bath to take a shower, in fact i've never used the bath...i'm sure i'm not the only one! I'm thinking of removing it and installing a walk-in shower, while i've got the tiles up. I can do most of the work myself to reduce costs. The bath is a little dated but st

I bought a house in Milton Keynes back in 1980. MK was a huge new town project with development that went on for decades and still going on now. This didn't stop all property prices rising over the years. Buy in a good location keeping in mind the towns future plans. But always remember, life doesn't come with a guarantee

...agreed but i'd go further. If at all possible don't simply rely on an agent to source tenants, meet them yourself and use your gut instincts.

Also watch "The Big Short', currently on Netflix for an insight to the scale of the scandal...

...in my opinion i think this talk of the demise of the office is overplayed. Companies have had to outsource their office staff due to Covid and while many will be able to remain there, many are going to return as restrictions are lifted and people get more confident to venture outdoors. Also, when the economy and productivity return i think there will be a drive to get many back to the office...What will happen when the novelty of working from home has worn off and people begin to miss their colleagues and office social life? I'm not sure that in 12 months or so being cooped up at home all d

That was exactly what i was going to say when i read the title of the thread. I would go further, don't stretch yourself too far on any investment and have a plan for the worse case scenario. Don't survive on one income check to the next and try to keep a comfortable buffer between yourself and the receiver

Hi, how are landlords finding the rental market at the moment, specifically London? Turnaround times and rents achieved? I've heard conflicting reports. I'd also welcome comments on other regions of UK for context, how's the market performing in the area you let your property? Cheers

Yes, i see a big opportunity at the moment. I'm going to opt for a fund so interesting to hear about terrier's Vanguard ETF. A few people have recommended Vanguard due to their competitive charges...will definitely be checking them out. Cheers I might go in for some shares as well but don't know too much about investing directly in equities. Physically easy enough to do, loads of platforms out there but the research is a bit of an issue for me and not something i really want to do on a daily basis. Lot of people talking about airlines, energy, banks etc. Would be interested to hear a

Hi, i'm a property investor and will remain so for the foreseeable future but a big opportunity is presenting it's self at the moment as i see it. Not often the stock market presents such good value for long term investors, think minimum five years from these levels. It's probably got a bit further to fall but i'm considering jumping in soon. I've got some cash lying around and this could be a good opportunity to make some money which eventually can be used to invest in property further down the road. Anyone else thinking of doing the same? What are you buying? Cheers

I rent my property in London while I’m away overseas travelling. Been over 3.5 yrs now and no agent involved. I return to UK to change tenants but been lucky only had to do that once so far. It’s time consuming and can be a bit stressful. If you have an agent why aren’t they handling these jobs? You have to learn to let go and trust your agent with the keys...no point in employing one otherwise.