Hello from Chelmsford, Essex, Investing & Building locally

[Iain Large]

Hello to all,

 

I'm Iain Large, 

 

Along with my business partner in Dubai, we have two 3 bed's and one 9 bed HMO in Chelmsford (our preferred area of interest) through Connection Investments Limited formed in 2013 when we decided to start investing together again after a lucky previous exit in 2008! 

 

Having let the business tick away for the last 5 years it's now full speed ahead!

 

With space to build a couple of two beds in Chelmsford on different sites we formed Connection Construction Limited with a builder we've known for many years. Under our Construction banner we work for others as well as on our own developments - so if you're looking for a builder who'll be straight with you then feel free to give me a shout.  

 

We've been landlords for 9 years and our construction foreman has been building for 20 years so happy to offer any advice/contacts we can and always interested to learn what others are up to.

 

We're specifically interested in, BTL opportunities locally, development opportunities all over Essex and partnering on developments. We have backing and money to spend, on the right deals... 

 

Or first build for ourselves starts as soon as the solicitors give the green light so if you're interested in the building side or just meeting up to see how we can help each other then please don't hesitate to contact me.  

 

Thanks

 

Iain Large

[Jen Armstrong7]

Hi Iain, I’m just about to purchase my first buy to let property in Essex and I live in Chelmsford. I’m looking for recommendations on local accountants, mortgage brokers and solicitors. Do you use anyone locally?

Also Have you got any thoughts about areas in Essex? It’s important to me that I’m hands on so don’t want a property that I have to use letting agents for. I was thinking Colchester as property prices are much lower than Chelmsford but still give reasonable yields? 

Any thoughts much appreciated!

 

[Iain Large]

Hi Jen, 

We use John Holliday at Pocknells in South Woodham Ferrers for our Limited company accounts https://www.pocknells.co.uk/ 

For mortgages we use Tom Hutton out of WH Brown 01245 262 266 or Simone Crowder (independent) 07887 516 161 Simone's dad is a commercial loan specialist so that's helpful when needed.

For legal work we use Gepp https://www.geppsolicitors.co.uk/ if it's going to be complicated, developments etc. for basic conveyancing I don't really have a preference,  I'll give it to Gepp unless there's a cheaper option.

We self manage, I say we, I self manage our property so I try to keep it in Chelmsford where I've got a great maintenance friend who'll respond to any maintenance crises for me. 

The higher prices here can be mitigated by buying smart and adding value and leaving as little cash in each deal as possible. The same buying strategies would work equally well there. 

We look to add value to every purchase with our in-house construction company enabling us to take on more profitable projects and leave as little as possible in each project. 

We're going to be working with others more going forward - happy to meet up to discuss strategies and options if you like. 

 

 

[Jen Armstrong7]

Thanks Iain for your reply, i’d take any guidance and local knowledge going so if you can give some time it would really be appreciated. Do you have an email to contact you directly? 

[Iain Large]

Hi Jen, 

You can get me on iain@cil.global - happy to help and be good to get to know you. 

There are always going to be deals that aren't right for us that could be perfect for your strategy or you could find a deal that would be perfect for us. 

With so many ways to do deals, JV's and partnerships it's always worth knowing what others are looking for and if we can help you avoid any of our mistakes then all the better.

Cheers, Iain

 

[Tiffany B]

Hi Iain,

I hope you don't mind me jumping in on this. 

I'd love to send you an email with some questions I have - would you mind?

Tiffany 

[Iain Large]

Hi Tiffany, 

Please do, feel free to drop me a line iain@cil.global or give me a ring if you're in a rush 07957 972 349.

Happy to help