Independent Chartered Surveyor Banks Long & Co has demonstrated its position as one of the major investment agents in the region, after chalking-up more than £30 million worth of property deals – in just two months.
The firm added that a further £16m worth of transactions are also in the hands of solicitors.
The Lincoln-based practice, led by Managing Director Tim Bradford, who is a specialist in this sector, said the transactions included 14 properties from the South of England to Scotland.
And he said this sector of the market is currently proving very attractive to serious investors.
“Over a number of years, we have built up a client base which places its trust in us to identify properties which provide a regular rental income stream,” said Mr Bradford.
“We act for investors who have a wide range of requirements, some of whom have large sums to invest. In addition to buying properties, we also advise clients on the best time to sell, with a view to them reinvesting the capital raised to maximise rental returns.”
Mr Bradford is Chairman of the Investment Panel of Property Agents Independent (PAI) – a network of independent firms representing all regions across the UK.
“Members are very well connected and are able to provide reliable advice to clients in all areas of the country through their involvement in the PAI network.”
Recent transactions completed by Banks Long & Co include the acquisition of a pub and hotel investment in North London, the sale of a medical investment in Edinburgh, and the purchase and sale of property investments throughout the East Midlands – with a combined value of £19m.
“The property investment market is really competitive at present. This has been driven by historically low interest rates, the lack of any real return from keeping cash on deposit and the volatility of the stock market. Property is viewed as a secure asset to invest in, providing higher rates of return compared with the alternative investment asset classes,” said Mr Bradford.
However, he suggested that investing in property can potentially be high risk. Taking the advice and guidance of an expert, who is active within this sector, could turn out to be a “very valuable” move.
“I have been working with a number of my clients for over 20 years and I treat their money as if it were my own,” said Mr Bradford.
“It is very easy to buy a property which does not perform to expectations. That is why the service we offer clients, both in terms of sales and acquisitions, is designed to bring real added value and security to transactions worth millions of pounds.”
