Student Investing Tip

I've just been talking to a letting agent about letting a property in Norwich to students, something that seems to be a common theme amongst landlords at present with half an eye on the 2011/2012 year.

It reminds me that if this interests you, do talk to the local university first about their landlord accreditation scheme etc. I've just, as an example, been reading details of a new scheme from the University of Hertfordshire.

'To become accredited the landlord/agent will need to agree to our standard and be able to demonstrate compliance. Standards will be maintained by carrying out property inspections. An accredited landlord/agent will be able to advertise himself as that and the council, the University and the Students' Union will recognise accredited landlords.' Bottom line? You need to be 'on the inside'.

Land Banking Lowdown

Here's the story that should put paid to these private land banking scheme cons once and for all. The government is to release enough government-owned land to build 100,000 new homes by 2015.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps says, "As one of the country's biggest landlords, the government has a critical role to play in making sites available for developers so we can get the homes this country needs built. I can confirm an ambitious challenge across Government to release enough land from Whitehall's grip for 100,000 new homes across the country."

It's a story that property investors, mindful of supply and demand, need to follow. We will have updates. It should put paid to the land banking scheme cons but, of course, it won't. The con-artists will spin it into their sales pitch and members of the public with their heads full of pound signs will still sleepwalk into these scams.

New London Service

London, as many of my followers know, is a separate market these days. Anita Mehra and Marc von Grundherr of Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings advise that current demand is fuelled by a number of factors. In particular, the exchange rate is a driving force, making many homes 20 per cent cheaper than in 2006.

Fact is, overseas buyers are driving this market. "Strong rental demand is another with London remaining a focal point for global corporations, attracting increasing numbers of overseas executives here on secondment."

"When buying an investment property, location is paramount. Prime areas in Central London are red-hot, both new riverside developments like Imperial Wharf and Chelsea Bridge Wharf and traditional period conversions in exclusive areas such as Knightsbridge. And smaller units with easy access into the West End and City like Beaufort Park in North West London and the new Mojo building near the Olympic village remain highly sought after."

Iain Maitland: www.ukpropertyalerts.co.uk www.londonpropertyalerts.co.uk www.internationalpropertyalerts.co.uk