Are you considering investing in property, but don’t know where to start? With the uncertainly of Brexit, you’re not alone. Much of the art of successful investing is simply knowing what to do, and when. I’ve given my very best guidance in a month-on-month guide to property investments in 2019.
February: Begin Actioning your Plan
February is the time to begin actioning your investment plans. By now, you should have set financial goals for yourself, and thought about how to achieve those goals. In this uncertain climate, you might want to start small at the beginning of the year. Invest in any lower-risk funds now, before Brexit, to minimise any short-term losses.
March: Hold Steady
The uncertainty that surrounds the Brexit decision makes March a good time to sit back and monitor what’s happening. Low-risk funds are still safe, as well as property you intend to live in yourself. Buy to let investors should wait until April before looking to make any significant decisions regarding increasing or decreasing the size of their portfolio. However, timing will be paramount when it comes to investing post-Brexit, so take the time to liquify any assets needed in order to invest.
April: Capitalise
What happens in April will depend upon what happens with Brexit and the possibility of leaving the EU on 29 March. If we do leave then and with a deal, the markets and currency are likely to stabilise and make gains. Certainty is a market’s best friend. If you’re holding off making investments in property until after Brexit, April may be the month to take advantage of any fluctuations in the regional markets. April is the month of the next tax year and often when new Government legislation is implemented, so be sure to check out any changes this month.
May: Take Stock
May is the time to let the dust settle. Consider what’s happened with the Brexit vote, and allow this knowledge to inform your strategy for the rest of the year. Consult a financial advisor if you are concerned about your investment choices in 2019, or if you would like situation-specific advice on how to move forward.
June: Financial Audit
Halfway through the year, it’s time to check in with your goals. Have you achieved what you set out to? What’s getting in the way? Adjust your plan accordingly.
July and August: Think Consumer
It might be time to take a holiday, but don’t take a vacation from your investments. Consider the needs of the population in the summertime: holidaymakers and university students will be looking for short term rentals, and any tenants (especially if they are students) could be vacating, leaving you with a void period. Short term rentals, through Airbnb or privately, are a great way to maximise potential income.
September: Jump Back In
Consider a higher risk investment or purchasing another buy to let property in the autumn. The property market is historically busy this time of year, meaning that you’ll have the widest array of stock available to you. Check in on any up-and-coming areas that you identified in February. Are prices creeping upward? This may be the time to pounce.
October: Start Planning for 2020
It’s time to start thinking about plans for 2020. There’s no doubt that 2019 will be a challenging year, but the challenge, investment-wise, is certainly surmountable. Consider what went well this year, and how things could improve. Keep an eye out for trend predictions for the new year, and free up capital accordingly.
November: Begin preparations for End of January tax returns
January tax returns are right around the corner, and it’s best to give yourself as much time as possible to get your papers in order. Consult a financial advisor or an accountant (or both, depending on the complexity of your portfolio), and be sure to check your deadlines. Submitting a form late can be a costly mistake.
December: Chancellor’s Budget. How might this impact you and your investments
Usually taking place in November or December, the hotly anticipated autumn budget should be high on your radar at the end of the year. Keep an eye on national and investment publications for tips on what could be revealed at the budget, but don’t make any sudden news: such tips may not always be correct. Be sure to watch and engage with the budget, and read commentary about effects new legislation will have on various markets. For an in-depth look at how the autumn Budget will affect your portfolio, speak to your financial advisor.
