Seize the opportunity, buy property in the UK

Posted on: 27th March 2020 in News

As we are in the fifth week of the global markets’ panic over the COVID 19 virus outbreak, there seems to be no let-up. As a result, stocks have slumped across the world, while major currencies have also suffered losses. On Friday March 20th the British Pound was trading at $1.15, very close to the 35-year currency pair low of $1.14. The plans of the UK government to support the economy don’t seem to boost Sterling’s value against the US Dollar yet.  

Why investors love the UK real estate market?

Although significant events such as Brexit seemed to affect property prices in the UK, the price crash that some people were waiting for never materialised. According to market analysts, the UK property market remains a resilient investment consideration. In Schroders’ latest Global Cities 30 index in Europe, London is listed as the second-best city in the world to invest in property.  While there isn’t a set formula for achieving a perfect investment portfolio, the reality is that the UK real estate market has consistently performed despite the uncertainty deriving from Brexit. Savills five-year house price forecast Whether you are planning to stay in the UK long-term, buy to let, or you are certain on a particular area, buying an apartment, or a house in Great Britain can be the right solution for you and your investment planning, taking into consideration the very low-interest rates on mortgages in the last few years.  

Why does it make sense to invest in UK property now?

• • The British Pound is close to a 35-year low against the US Dollar. This means that if you have a US Dollar-denominated savings account, now it’s the time to buy property in the UK much cheaper than in the past months.
  • While other assets such as stocks have suffered the consequences of the market’s downturn, the property market in the UK has proved its resilience during Brexit and the 2008 financial crisis. Investing in property remains a vital part of a successful diversified investment portfolio.
  • At the end of February, the Office For National Statistics (ONS) published data showing house prices rising in every region for the first time in almost two years.
  • The UK property market has a broad range of available options for any type of potential buyer. Depending on your budget, properties in London or the rapidly developing area in the North West of the UK can be the spearhead of a successful investment strategy.

Average UK house prices 2010-2020
• Two emergency cuts to the Bank of England Bank Rate have caused the interest rates on tracker mortgages to plummet. The base rate which is the Bank of England’s official borrowing rate was cut to 0.1%, its lowest-ever level.
• At Budget 2020 Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a non-UK resident stamp duty land tax (SDLT) surcharge. The 2% SDLT surcharge on non-UK residents purchasing residential property in England and Northern Ireland will apply from 1 April 2021.

Holborn Property, the right choice for you

At Holborn Assets Property, we offer comprehensive, fully managed solutions to property investment, giving you peace of mind in every step of the process. If you’re considering investing in property in the UK, whether that’s off-plan property or completed property developments, our property experts are here for you every step of the way and we are more than happy to discuss investment options tailored just for you. All of our experts have years of experience in UK property investments for both on and offshore clients, aiming to help you achieve your investment goals, thus providing a better future for you and your loved ones.  

Interested in a mortgage? Ask our experts

Finding the right property means solving only half of your problem. Choosing the best type of mortgage is the other half. Since borrowing is all about adjusting your budget, you should find a mortgage suitable for your needs. The majority of potential buyers may get overwhelmed by the available options. At this stage, Holborn Assets Property is always ready to help you. As part of Holborn’s Complete Property Solution package, we offer several different tiers when it comes to sourcing and securing a mortgage for you. Our team of experts is able to answer all your questions and provide the right solutions, depending on your needs. Contact us by filling in this form or give us a call at +971 44 57 3800 (International) or +0203 519 77 98 (UK). Note: On the day of publication the GBP/USD exchange rate stood at $1.22. Market analysts suggest that the currency pair may suffer fluctuations due to the global market turmoil.