Are you looking at the changes that will impact property investments and asking: Is it worth investing in property? In particular, changes to taxation and rising property prices have presented challenges for property investors and perhaps your eyes are turning to the stock market instead. Here we examine the facts, to present enough information to help you to make an informed choice.
Smart investments: Is it worth investing in property?
Property investing can be simplified into two key strategies – flipping property and rental property. Flipping property is the business of buying properties, increasing their value through refurbishment or development, and selling for a profit. In contrast, Rental property is the business of buying property and retaining ownership for the purpose of earning rental income from tenants.
Investing in property for rental income has two key benefits that some other types of investments do not possess. The first one is cash flow. Rather than waiting to cash-in on your investment or receive dividends as with investing in stocks, rental property will earn monthly payments that can provide a greater level of control and stability.
Yes you should expect void periods (vacant periods between tenancies), and yes house prices change. However, factoring void costs into your calculations and ensuring that you select the right properties and in the right areas, are important aspects that our Asset Academy trainers and mentors teach throughout the courses. As a property investor, you will have greater direct control over your investments than investing in stocks and bonds, for example.
The second key benefit of investing in property is capital growth. In addition to earning rental income, your investment property is likely to increase in value. House prices go up and they go down, however, plotting UK property sold prices over the last 40 years clearly demonstrates how they have steadily increased. Hence, property investing is for people who look beyond the horizon for wealth creation and seek a long term plan.
What are the tax implications of investing in property?
In an effort to make property investing a more professional business sector, changes to property taxes have impacted the operating expenses for investors. The prominent change in recent years being the Section 24 amendment to UK tax law which concerns mortgage payments. Whereas landlords could once offset their mortgage interest against rental income, this is no longer possible.
Tax benefits can still be gained by buying investment property through an incorporated company, where mortgage interest payments can still be offset. Although the limited company will incur corporation tax, for many this has been more attractive than what they would have been paying through the various tiers of income taxes.
Beside income tax and corporation tax, there are two other important taxes for property investors that apply when you buy or sell. Firstly, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SSDLT) will be applied at the point of purchase and secondly, Capital Gains Tax will be applied at the point of sale, only if a gain has been achieved. Although these are costs to the investor, including them within your calculations will help you to separate the good investments from the bad.
Enough knowledge to be safe
While the legislation surrounding property investing may seem overwhelming, and can be off-putting for some, at Asset Academy we teach how to navigate property investing safely. Through knowledge and doing your due diligence, it is possible to make smart property investments while other investors are panicking and selling-up. There are many different options for becoming educated in property investing, however, make sure any education and learning is from a reliable source. We have a helpful guide on the subject, Are Property Investment Courses A Scam: 5 Tips To Stay Safe.
Remember, property investing is a long term strategy, not a shortcut to wealth and riches. Due to this, property investing creates a relatively secure route to earning income and safeguarding not just your future but also the future of your family. With correct planning, property can provide advantageous possibilities when it’s time for your estate to be passed on to your heirs.
At Asset Academy you will be taught the importance of doing your due diligence, to remain safe, and also the importance of a team. Through building your own team of experts it will not be necessary to know everything. A trusted team will play an important role in supporting you through the various stages of each investment. All you will need is enough knowledge to be safe, smart and successful.
Accessible opportunities
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to make the life changes they want to see happen. We just choose property investing as a vehicle to achieve this because it is simple to understand, it is easily accessible and most importantly… it works!
There are many different investment choices available to you. If you like the sound of property, you feel it resonates with your needs, and you want to learn more, why not join a free Asset Academy Discovery webinar. It will only take one hour of your time to learn more about property investing.