Top Offline Methods to Research the UK Property Market from Overseas

It seems like everything is online these days. Most of us turn to Google whenever we want to know something. And yes, the internet is great for instant access to knowledge, but there is still value in offline resources when it comes to property.

Magazines, trade shows, conferences, meet-ups, magazines and ringing an estate agent or two on a regular basis can all reap their own rewards. Here’s a few of our favourite offline resources:

Top selling property magazines

▪ Property Week.

Provides the latest news on what’s happening in both the residential and commercial property market. Also offers opinion pieces and analysis, as well as special features and development opportunities.

▪ Your Property Network.

The magazine educates readers on the different property investment strategies. It features case studies and useful advice from experts in the field (i.e. who ‘walk the talk.’)

▪ Property Investor Magazine.

This quarterly magazine has a location focus every issue, top tips and plenty of case studies to keep you reading. Written by investors and property journalists.

Events and trade shows worth turning up to

▪ Property Investor and Homebuyer Show.

This two-day event is for amateur and professional investors. There are always more than 100 exhibitors, and around 5000 attendees. There are panel debates, presentations and seminars on varying aspects of UK property investing.

▪ MIPIM UK.

Also a two-day event, this covers both residential and commercial property. There is usually around 3000 attendees and more than 50 exhibits to look at. Usually attracts impressive high-profile speakers.

▪ National Landlord Investment Show.

This is a ‘road show’ format, covering main regions of the UK and includes an awards presentation. Great for networking, it’s particularly useful for full-time landlords, but investors can benefit too.

Why you should speak to estate agents

Once you’ve decided on where you want to buy a property i.e. city, town etc, then it’s time to get to know estate agents there. Ring two or three and introduce yourself; ask to be put on their mailing list. Show you are serious by ringing regularly to ask if anything that fits your criteria has come in. That way, hopefully, when it does they will ring you directly (perhaps even before it goes on the market if the owner is looking for a quick sale).

Property investing books worth buying

▪ Property Investing for Beginners by Rob Dix.

Written in layman’s language, this takes you through the process of property investing, from finding a property to getting into the right frame of mind for such an endeavour. There’s also a list of recommended forums, podcasts and blogs to follow to keep your investment career on track. Updated in 2019.

▪ Renting HMOs Sussed by HMO Landlady.

This looks at the way HMO investing differs from conventional buy to let (i.e. it’s a more ‘transient’ tenant for starters). It looks at Housing law (although some of this has changed since the book was published in 2012).

▪ Property Sourcing Compliance: Keeping You on the Right Side of the Law by Tina Walsh.

Aimed at new sourcers, Tina – a former police officer – shares her knowledge on this topic, along with her own personal experience. Good for investors keen to keep up-to-date with changes within the sector.