How should I interpret the data?

Well the overall aim when interpreting any form of data or information is to be analytical and to adopt a substantive approach, rather than to indoctrinate the literal meaning ensuring any such information is applied in context.

Let’s ­first consider as to what we constitute to be certain;

• The economy in the UK will improve
• The UK economy is too big to fail, valued at £6.8 trillion
• There is a continuous demand for housing, in the short, medium and long term. In fact the current supply cannot meet demand, with a shortage of housing approximately standing at 240,000 homes a year.
• The population is a rising one and yet an ageing one.
• As the population increases there will be regeneration, employment and certain key factors which will help develop and rejuvenate certain areas.
• Property prices are at an all-time low.
• Rental Demand is high and rents are forecasted to rise as lending in the short term is still restrictive and larger deposits are required by purchasers.
• Funding over a period of time will become more accessible, as new lenders and more mortgage products are becoming increasingly available since 2010.

How do we interpret this data to our advantage? Is it all about geo targeting your investment strategy?

Investors purchasing in mature, desirable areas, will see little capital appreciation over the short term. The risk is slightly lower but this is normally balanced with lower yields and return on investment. In contrast, there are areas that are in close proximity to mature areas, which have major regeneration plans and strategy and may be constituted as over spill areas all of which are potential hotspots.

Manchester is the 3rd largest city in the UK, and surrounding areas such as Didsbury, Chorlton, Fallowfield, Levenshulme and Longsight have all become desirable investment areas, as the demand for housing has increased. Some of the major causes of such rise has been a result of an expanding and highly successful University, a growing working population which has been attracted by job prospects and successful enterprise, excellent transport links, local communities expanding, regeneration and development.

Now in each of these sub areas, certain parts have risen in value more than others. The key is to understand which areas are more likely to increase in value than others and which will attract a higher level of rental demand based on certain factors.

It is also important to ascertain what the key market drivers are in the area, for short, medium and long term. Also consider;

• Transport links and infrastructure
• Regeneration programs
• Age range
• Type of housing and quality of local housing
• Schooling and further education establishments
• Places of employment
• Café culture
• Unitary development plan and strategy
• Housing supply
• Local crime statistics
• Local councillors
• Leisure complexes
• Heritage
• Cathedrals and places of worship
• Theatres and art galleries
• Shopping centres
• Community centres
• Socio economic break down of local population
• Market price and rental market trends over a period of time

This is a general list which by no means is it exhaustive.