10 things every new property investor should look for
Getting started in property investing can feel a little overwhelming. There are endless podcasts, YouTube videos, and articles telling you the 'perfect' way to build a portfolio, but the reality is that every investor has to start somewhere ... New property investors should prioritise location, market trends, and potential for growth when considering investment opportunities As I've been learning more about property investment, one thing has become very clear. Buying a property isn't just about whether you like it. A home that you'd happily live in yourself isn't always the best investment, and a property that doesn't look particularly exciting at first glance can sometimes be a fantastic opportunity. I've started putting together a checklist of the things I think are worth considering when viewing potential investment properties. I'm sure my list will evolve as I gain more experience, but these are the ten things I'd be looking at before making any decisions. 1. A good location It's probably the oldest saying in the game, but for good reason. A property close to transport links, shops, schools, employers and other local amenities is usually more attractive to tenants. You can redecorate a house or improve its layout, but you can't change where it's built. 2. Strong rental demandBefore buying, I'd want to know whether people actually want to rent in the area. Looking at similar rental properties, how quickly they are let and the average monthly rent can give a good indication of whether there's healthy demand. 3. Do the numbers make sense?One of the biggest lessons I've learnt already is not to let emotion take over. It's important to work out the likely rental income, mortgage costs, insurance, maintenance and any other regular expenses. If the figures don't work on paper, they're unlikely to work in real life. 4. Potential for future growthWhile rental income is important, I'd also be thinking about what the property could be worth in five or ten years' time. Areas benefiting from regeneration, new transport links or major employers moving in could offer better long-term growth. 5. The condition of the propertyA property doesn't need to be perfect, but I'd want a realistic idea of any work that's required. Cosmetic improvements can often add value, but expensive structural problems or major repairs need careful consideration before making an offer. 6. Who would want to live there?Thinking about the likely tenant is something I've realised is really important. A family may be looking for a house with a garden near good schools, while a young professional might prioritise transport links and local cafés. Understanding who you're buying for can help you make better decisions. 7. Ongoing maintenanceEvery property needs looking after, but some require far more attention than others. I'd rather understand the likely maintenance costs before buying than be surprised by unexpected bills later on. 8. What's happening nearby?I'd also be interested in what's going on around the property. Are there lots of empty homes? Is the area improving? Are new developments planned? Looking beyond the property itself can provide valuable clues about its future potential. 9. Local competitionIf there are dozens of similar properties available to rent nearby, it's worth asking why. Looking at what other landlords are offering can help you understand what tenants expect and how your property might compare. 10. Think about the long termEven before buying, I think it's sensible to consider the future. Circumstances change, so choosing a property that would appeal to a wide range of buyers or tenants could provide more flexibility if plans change later on. The more I learn about property investing, the more I realise there isn't a secret formula for finding the perfect investment. Instead, it's about asking sensible questions, doing plenty of research and making decisions based on facts rather than excitement. I'm still at the beginning of my own property investment journey, but building a simple checklist like this gives me confidence that I'll be looking at properties with a more informed mindset. Every viewing becomes an opportunity to learn something new. Whether you're thinking about buying your very first investment property or simply exploring the idea for the future, taking your time and doing your homework is never wasted. After all, every experienced property investor was once a beginner too. Until next time ... SARAH HANNAFORD Join my mailing list! Click here and be one of the first to know when I publish a new blog post!
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