Ladies who Let - 04/08/11
A growing trend of professional women entering the buy to let market is sweeping through auction rooms, say experts.
Female bidders are choosing to become landlords as a way of ensuring their financial stability and satisfying their desire to renovate properties.
Auction Finance Limited is reporting a substantial increase in the number of female investors it has lent to over the last year.
Falling house prices and rising rental yields are creating big opportunities for buy-to-let investors and experts say television programmes like Homes Under the Hammer and property tycoons like Kirstie Allsopp, Jasmine Harman and Sarah Beeny are inspiring women to do the same.
Scott Hendry, an expert from Auction Finance Limited, a lender which provides investors with fast funding for auction purchases says there is a growing number of female professionals wanting to snap up lucrative buy to let investments.
Hendry said:
"I've noticed a lot more female buyers in the auction rooms in the past year or so, particularly in residential auctions. It seems women have a growing confidence in investing - they are bringing their business savvy approach to the auction rooms as they know it's where they can snap up a bargains. Owning property can be a way of boosting pensions and ensuring financial stability.
"These females have generally made their money elsewhere and are hungry for more. It's becoming a trend - almost an indicator of success. Most women we are lending to have ambitions to expand their property portfolios now the market is picking up."
One such property investor and Auction Finance Limited client, is Julie Taylor who has an extensive Buy-to-Let portfolio from buying properties at auction and renovating them.
Julie Taylor said:
"I never miss a good opportunity in the auction room. More women should have a go - it's a lucrative way to boost your income. Don't be led to believe property development is a man's world. Why should it be?"
Over 35,000 properties go to auction every year. According to sales figures from the Essential Information Group (EIG) *
Auction Finance Limited provides short-term funding to investors buying properties at auction. It works with auction houses nationwide including Eddisons, Auction House and Clive Emson.
