#229

You’ve probably heard lots of people in UK Property talking about creative strategies such as Vendor Finance, Control Now Buy Later or Exchange with Delayed Completion.

Maybe you're a little sceptical about the true potential of these lesser known property tools, particularly as an overseas, remote investor. 

In this week's show,, I talk to Motiul Islam a seasoned property investor with over 20 years of experience, known for his transparency, willingness to share knowledge, and problem-solving approach to property investment.

Motiul takes us through a deal he's doing in Doncaster which involves buying a multi-unit freehold block, title splitting, planning gain, exchange with delayed completion and commercial finance.

During the episode, among other things, we discuss:

• Creative Property Strategies:  vendor finance, exchange with delayed completion and purchase lease options.
• Investing in London vs. the North: Motiul explains why traditional buy-to-let doesn’t work well in London due to low yields / high costs, but “forcing” capital appreciation through developments can be lucrative down south.
• Adding Value in Property Deals: Side extensions, loft conversions, and title splits to add value and increase returns in more expensive regions.
• Cost Barriers in London Development: Financial hurdles facing small developers including high material/labour costs, Stamp Duty, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), and Section 106 (affordable housing) contributions.
• Finding Property Deals through Networking: Networking as the primary way to source deals, with referrals, joint ventures, and people bringing opportunities.
• Title Splitting Example: Motiul breaks down a real-life deal in Doncaster, where a block of flats was purchased on an Exchange with Delayed Completion with plans for title splitting, refurbishments, and lease creation—resulting in significant uplift in property value.
• Lease Options & Vendor Finance Realities: Misconceptions about these strategies. They are always about solving the vendor’s problem—not quick, easy fixes for investors.
• Remote Investing as an Expat: How feasible these strategies are for remote investors, including the importance of viewing properties (personally or via trusted contacts/companies).
• Tenant Issues & Evictions: Motiul shares a challenging experience with a problematic tenant in a London HMO and the eviction process, emphasizing the unpredictable, human side of property management.
• Networking & Mindset Advice: not just to find deals but to learn, support others, and solve problems.

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Keywords

UK property, UK property investment, London property investment, creative property investing, vendor finance UK, purchase lease options UK, exchange with delayed completion, adding value property, title splitting, expat property investors, UK buy-to-let, networking UK property, property strategies UK, landlord advice UK, problem tenants UK, PPN Stratford, investing in London property