most interesting analysis

do you publish an rss feed so that I can view updates to your blog automatically in an rss reader (eg bloglines.com)?

Hi Bryan

That is soething we are working on right now and should be introduced in the very near future. Keep an eye on our weekly newsletter for when this will be available.

Great Blog - Very useful!

Excellent blog - I'm looking forward to learning more in future updates.

With regard to the plot of land in the SE and the garages ('the planning permission strategy') - how often do you find that planning permission is actually given? Wouldn't the current owner have already investigated that possibility?

It seems like something of a gamble. Do you find that with plots of land like these that it is worth holding on to them until such time as the local planning department is prepared to issue planning permission?

Yes, sometimes the current owner might have checked this out already and run into a brick wall. This is why it's best to call the planning department first - they're usually pretty helpful.

Don't forget, though, that properties come on the market for many reasons. Maybe the plot belonged to Grandad, who has just passed on, and the kids are in Australia and just want the money out fast.

And not everyone thinks like an investor!

In terms of buying and holding, I reckon that's always a good option to consider, especially in an urban setting. Empty plots in town tend to be like vacuums - nature (or the LA!) dislikes them and they do eventually get used for something. You never know when a supermarket wants to move onto the site next door!