Case studies - residential property bought for clients

Brief description:

• An existing Finders Keepers client wanted to invest further in Oxford. The brief was simply to "find a property that would always rent out".

Acquisition:

• One of our developer contacts had made us aware of an upcoming small development just outside of the city centre. We acquired this good quality, newly-built 1 bedroom apartment on Cumnor Hill, with off-street parking and a private garden.

Our rationale & service:

• Having acquired property from this developer in the past we were confident in their build quality and knew these properties would make a great investment. It's in a great location and felt it would appeal to single professional tenants or a couple. We presented it to the client who was keen to proceed and we dealt with all purchase negotiations.

Result:

• Acquiring the property directly from the developer meant we were able to achieve a reduction on the asking price. It went on to let promptly, achieving a 4.89% gross return.

Brief description:

• The client had been considering buying in the North of England, but in early 2020 decided that Oxford was a more secure investment.

Acquisition:

• We acquired this 1 bedroom apartment with balcony off of the living room, set within a secure development in Jericho.

Our rationale & service:

• Although this property was being sold by a homeowner, Finders Keepers lets and manages other apartments within this development so we knew that they were popular with tenants.

Result:

• The property was acquired post-lockdown 2020 and before the stamp duty holiday was announced, so we negotiated a discount on the purchase as apartments were less popular immediately following lockdown.

Brief description:

• A current client had sold a property abroad and was looking to invest in Oxford, specifically in the Summertown area. They wanted it to be a freehold property.

Acquisition:

• We acquired this 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom new build family home, situated on Water Eaton Road with rear mooring.

Our rationale & service:

• The property had been on the market for some time, meaning we were in a strong negotiating position. After lengthy discussions with the developer we managed to secure the property with a substantially reduced price from what it was marketed at. We collected the keys on Friday and by the Monday we had let the property for £3500pcm.

Result:

• Achieving a property of this size in Summertown for the price we agreed is rare, the landlord is achieving a good return, but is instantly achieving capital gain.

Brief description:

• A client wanted to invest funds from a house sale into a portfolio of properties with a focus on yield and long term capital growth.

Acquisition:

• An existing client wanted to sell this small development in the centre of Bicester, it consists of two 1 bedroom properties and one 2 bedroom property. The development is less than 5 years old, with allocated parking and within 5 minutes walk for both Bicester Village train station (connecting to London Marylebone and Oxford) and Bicester Village retail centre.

Our rationale & service:

• The development was sold in one transaction, all three dwellings had tenants in situ, and so on the day of completion the landlord was earning 5.3% return. The client selling was also achieving rent up to the completion date. Bicester is a key area of growth in Oxfordshire, it's important that what you purchase holds its value. In general terms something that is unique and in a great location for local employment will ensure this happens.

Result:

• Client purchased a unique development with tenants in situ, and an over gross yield of 5.3%.

Brief description:

• A large scale investor wanted to secure a development.

Acquisition:

• A development of 7 apartments, all with allocated parking and electric hook up for electric cars.

Our rationale & service:

• This scheme was purchased off-plan 18 months prior to completion. The properties never hit the open market. The client also was able to have some influence in unit sizes, specification and finish. We added the electric charging points for each car parking space as the advanced technology is something that tenants are looking for.

Result:

• The prices of the individual apartments had increased in the 18 months from the agreed sale and completion. The investor also has the added benefit of owning the freehold of the properties. Due to our connection with local development companies this is an option we can provide to those high net worth investors.

Brief description:

• An extension of a current landlord's portfolio, we successfully helped them acquire 2 properties and they wanted a 3^rd property.

Acquisition:

• Venneit Close is a development a few minutes' walk from Oxford train station. We matched this investor with an existing client who was selling the apartment. The property had recently had a furniture upgrade by our furnishing division, Decorum Interiors, and bathroom/en-suite upgrade by our building division, Bricks & Mortar.

Our rationale & service:

• Oxford train station is going to be redeveloped in the upcoming years. This was a reasonably priced apartment within walking distance of the station and the city centre. The property rents consistently to professional tenants, who enjoy the location and the fact they are also able to access walks along the canal.

Result:

• We have actually sold 2 apartments in this development now. They have a strong yield, and great potential for capital growth, due to future infrastructure links.