poorentrepreneur,

I will be studying my degree in Southampton University, where are you studying yours to?

I'm glad to hear you approve of it! Definetly good news!

Is it Solent uni or uni of Southampton? I am at the uni of Portsmouth so not far from where you will be!

Do you have an idea of what you would like to do once you leave uni? I know it's a long way off!

Hello……..............First of all two words, BE CAREFUL………..I am 24 and been in property since the age of 19! I worked as an estate agent, bought and sold property myself and most recently worked as a buyer sourcing property for a residential property investment company so have been lucky enough to view the industry from all angles………….

All though I reside in the Northeast and culturally there are differences, ultimately the fundamentals remain the same. Research, “Buy to let” personally I would be speaking to letting agents, they know what and where lets effectively and what is yielding the greatest rents……Be very wary of estate agents, It’s a highly competitive industry and they will say pretty much anything to get a sale (more so in today’s climate), with primarily letting agents you will be more likely to get an impartial opinion as they want property that lets quick……………………

”Developing” developing again is hugely competitive and margins are becoming smaller so buying as low as possible is a must. Don’t be afraid of being cheeky with an offer either, the worst that can happen is someone says no but the agent is been paid to negotiate so try and gain the upper hand. ALWAYS ask how long a property has been on the market, find out the vendors circumstances, how many viewings has there been and how many offers, all valuable information………………….If you do decide to develop to sell remember this, Low selling fees and high valuations are a bad combination!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Property investment companies…………………Like estate agents want your business, be careful who you deal with and try and speak to people that have used particular companies before. More commonly investment companies employ what’s known as “back to backing” strategy in the industry. Although they are the face of the purchase and contact with the agent, generally they never own the property they are “buying” and tend to act as a middle man in the process making substantial margins. These companies often act for investors outside of the region the operate and offer a complete package with a range of services including, sourcing property, refurbishing and property management. Some of these companies are great however like in any business there are some unscrupulous operators so again be careful…………….Quite a rant but hope some of the info helps

Loads of good advise here. I don't want to tread on anyones toes but have you had a look at the Egypt thread Andy

http://www.totallyproperty.com/egypt-property/

I'm not trying to recommend anything especially to a young buyer without finance but you might find it interesting reading. It's an emerging market of course so not without risk but studios are still available for under £20K

Wow some great replies here guys, certainly some very useful advice! I will take a look at egypt property lsab! Finance is not too much of a problem it's just a case of the situation and how much is needed

Keep it coming, this forum is great!

Hi Andy - I agree with Lsab. Take a look at Egypt. I bought a 1 bedroom apartment on a 4 star hotel complex with use of hotel facilities and 10 pools, 2nd row from the beach, 10 mins from airport for £21,700 last October. I got a 15% discount for cash and the price has increased twice this year already and they are now selling for nearly £32,000. Not bad in 6 months!!

Definitly doesn't sound bad! Will take a look and keep my eyes peeled! As I have stated before I am so so eager to get myself onto the ladder but need to keep patient about it all! I am saving now for when the right oppourtunity comes my way!

Maybe you'll join the ranks of the BARBIES - the young people who buy-abroad-and-rent-in-Britain. Best of luck Andy.

If I didn't know better, I would say a certain lad was looking for help on coursework!! Only joking, there's nothing wrong with doing your research, good luck with it

misch.chief I'm sure I will be here in a few months asking for help on my coursework

I've been reading like mad these past few weeks and still going, saving aswell! Anyone got any books, websites (subscription or free) or any kind of resources they can recommend?

This forum is has been a great resource so far, greatly appreciate the help you are all giving!

Andy

P.S. If anyone is up for more in depth messaging over skype or something, sort of like a mentor, please pm me. Would greatly appreciate it!