New breed of landlord is changing the face of investing
One thing that I’ve noticed during my years in property investment is that the term “property investor” or “landlord” still evokes a very stereotypical image in the minds of non-property folks.
In fact, it wasn’t too long ago that I was called a ‘‘greedy property investor’’ on Facebook, by a person who had never met me before, just because I own a portfolio of holiday homes.
That got me thinking. If they knew us, they wouldn’t make such assumptions. If they knew how generous we are, and how for us, building wealth can mean enhancing the lives of others.
In this article I would like to dispel some of the myths, which include the ruthless and greedy property tycoon clutching on to his hoards of ill-gotten gains and the slum landlord with complete disregard to his tenants’ welfare because they are not going to inspire those of you to choose bricks and mortar as your investment vehicle.
The modern investor is an altogether different creature to these archaic beasts of old. Having picked up many acquaintances along the way, I have been astounded by the number of landlords and investors who have an interest in something far greater than status or monetary returns.
In fact, it’s very rare these days to find a successful property mogul whose sole passion is money. Many are giving back with their time and their wealth.
One of my mentees has a company which only works to serve vulnerable women and their children who have been victims of domestic abuse.
She re-homes them and sets them up with a scheme that will enable them to be able to purchase that home so they can to assert their independence and be safely away from their abusive ex-partner.
I have other friends who are developing co-living communities.
These new-age co-living environments will house those in their autumn years amongst young families, who are time poor but physically able.
This creates a wonderfully synergistic exchange of value, as the retired folks become the dog-sitters, the child-minders and friendly neighbours to busy families.
The young professionals become the watchful eye, the friend, and the groceries deliverer for their older neighbours.
These two forward-thinking companies are not alone. Sustainability is high on the lists of investor values, as is providing a higher standard of rental accommodation.
Nowadays, the creation of boutique-hotel-style HMO accommodation for doctors and nurses on short term contracts is the norm and rent to buy schemes, which enable those on a lower income to get onto the property ladder, are popping up all over the shop.
Businesses like ours, which provide super-luxe holiday accommodation in the UK, are not only serving the community with world-class guest experiences, but we’re helping to boost tourism and local businesses while giving to charities.
So, there you have it, the oldschool landlord is on the way out.
You may encounter the odd “slum landlord” but not for long as most are selling up as their lets no longer meet the higher standards required by law.
So if being the next property tycoon is your plan, take comfort in the fact that you’re about to join a world of do-gooders, doing good.
www.maison-parfaite.com and for mentoring email sarah@ maison-parfaite.com