Property is one of the most popular investments, along with bonds and shares.
This is because it has a reputation as being a low-risk investment – aka, it’s unlikely that you’ll lose your money.
While it is unlikely that you will lose your investment, it’s not impossible.
If, for example, the property market were to crash, you could lose your money, and you need to be aware of this.
As well as understanding that no investment is risk -free, there are four other things that you need to realise, before investing.
For everything that you need to know, keep reading, here.
1. You can’t get your money out quickly
After you have invested, should you need to access your money, you won’t be able to. Well, not quickly, anyway.
Property is a long-term investment, to reap the rewards, you need to be able to leave your money for at least ten years.
Unlike with shares and bonds, if you need to get your money out quickly, you can’t.
This is because to get to your money, you would have to sell your property, and selling can take weeks, or even, months.
That’s why, before you invest, you need to ensure that you won’t need that money for a while.
Get in touch with a reputable financial planning firm and use their services to talk through the idea of investment.
2. It’s a huge commitment
You need to realise that putting all of your money into property is a big commitment.
There is nothing wrong with this; it’s just important to be aware of the commitment you are making.
Before you do so, you need to think things through and decide whether you want all your money in one place.
Or whether you would be better making a few smaller investments, such as in shares, for instance?
3. There will be extra costs
On top of the cost of the property itself, it’s important to understand that there will be extra costs. You will have to pay out for a lawyer to deal with the legal side of the sale – this is a must.
As well as this, there may also be other expenses that you will have to pay for.
As well as calculating for the cost of the property, you also need to ensure that you have money to cover any other costs.
Even if you don’t think that there will be any additional costs, you can never tell. So having money available to cover them if needed is important.
4. It’s not easy
While the financial rewards of investing in can be great, it’s important to understand that the work isn’t easy.
Whether you have decided to invest in property, to let or do up and sell, it’s important to understand that it’s not easy work.
DIY is demanding, as is being a landlord, and it’s crucial that you know that, before you invest.
The money that you can potentially make from investing in property is fantastic, but the work will be hard.
If you want to invest in property, make sure that you understand all of these things first.
Otherwise, you could end up regretting your decision to invest
