Maximising ROI: Why Investing in a Prime Location is Worth the Extra Cost

05/06/2023
Live Well Diary Team

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Investing in a Prime Location

Real estate investment – it’s a lucrative endeavour. And it requires a strategic approach to navigating its challenges.

Several considerations normally come into play when considering investing in real estate. They can be the location, type of property, and market conditions.

If real estate investment is on your mind, it’s vital to conduct thorough research and concentrate on prime location properties to boost your chances of success.

Location, Location, Location

As the old saying goes: “Location, location, location.”

First and foremost, location is everything. It can make or break your investment.

A property in a great location can attract more tenants, command higher rent, and appreciate in value faster than a property in a less desirable area.

In order to meet tenant convenience requirements explicitly, choosing prime locations with readily available resources is necessary. This could mean proximity to public transportation, shopping centres, or schools.

Residential tenants would pay more for a property that’s in a convenient location near a hospital, school or university, for example. This means you can charge higher rent and increase your ROI.

When it comes to commercial property,  consider and prioritise accessibility factors. This could mean being close to a major highway or a busy shopping district or there is a nearby multi-story car park.

Researching the Area

The following steps offer potential investors an easy-to-follow guide when conducting comprehensive research:

1. Before commencing any form of research, you need to define and refine your set of specific objectives relating to property investment. For example, Why am I buying this property? How much property income would I want monthly?

2. Are you looking to flip a property quickly or hold onto it for long-term rental income? The answer to this question will help you determine what type of area to look for.

Investing in a Prime Location - Area Research

3. After finalising your goals, you narrow down potential target locations until you find one that fits all of your requirements.

4. Do take advantage of online property resources like real estate websites or Google Maps to explore different neighbourhoods and narrow down your search.

5. After determining the precise location that requires analysis, your foremost task is acquiring significant data about that zone. Look for information on crime rates, school ratings, job growth, and population demographics. You can find all this information on government websites or do go and have a chat with local real estate agents.

6. You need to thoroughly scrutinise the accumulated data. And this requires investing the requisite time to look at it. Look for trends or patterns that could impact your investment.

For example, if the area has a high crime rate, it may not be easy to attract tenants, or it can be difficult to sell in the long run.

Investing in a Prime Location - Property Resources

Tools and Resources

As you research your preferred area, several tools and resources are readily available to help you make informed decisions.

In the USA, real estate websites like Zillow or Redfin are great for gathering data on the area, including home values, school information, school ratings and community information.

I live in Edinburgh and Scotland, and in our area, there is a central website listing almost all the properties to buy in Edinburgh. It is called ESPC or the Edinburgh Property Solicitors Pages.

And in the UK, another good website for buying and renting properties is Rightmove. Zoopla is a website listing property values and how much the property was sold previously.

Google Maps is another useful tool for exploring neighbourhoods and identifying key features like shopping centres or public transportation.

And don’t forget about local real estate agents! They can provide valuable insight into market trends and help you identify potential investment opportunities.

Tips for Research

If you want to ensure successful area research, there are a few additional tips to remember.

Above all, keeping abreast of current market trends is crucial. Real estate markets can change quickly, so following real estate news and subscribing to industry newsletters is vital to stay informed.

Second, avoid common mistakes like relying too heavily on online data or not visiting the area in person. Make sure to balance online research with in-person visits to the area.

Finally, network with local experts like real estate agents or property managers. They can provide valuable insights into the area and potential investment opportunities.

Investing in a Prime Location - Property Research

Does the extra cost really in investing in a prime location worth it?

Properties in desirable locations can indeed be more expensive, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial cost.

  • A property in a prime location will appreciate in value faster than a property in a less desirable area. This means – a larger profit when it comes time to sell.
  • In addition, properties in prime locations are less likely to experience long periods of vacancy. There will always be a demand for properties. You’ll have a steady stream of tenants or customers. Which then translates to a steady stream of income and a higher ROI.
  • You can generate passive income through rental properties. Properties in prime locations are often in high demand, so landlords can command higher rent prices. This definitely provides a steady stream of passive income.
  • Renting out your property can help mitigate various expenses linked with owning a rental property, including maintenance or managing fees.
  • One other major benefit is having stress-free access to necessary amenities conveniently located nearby. Properties in prime locations are often close to shopping centres, restaurants, and entertainment options, making them highly attractive to renters and buyers alike.
  • Additionally, easy access to amenities can improve the quality of life for tenants or buyers, making your property more desirable.
  • Prime locations often have better infrastructure meaning better access to public transportation, making it easier for tenants or buyers to get around the city. Prime locations often have better schools and hospitals, which can be a major draw for families with children or those who value easy access to healthcare. Better infrastructure can also mean better roads, sidewalks, and other public amenities, which can improve the overall quality of life for tenants or buyers.
  • Investing in a prime location can also provide more stable property values over the long term. These properties are generally less susceptible to market fluctuations than those in less desirable areas, which can help protect your investment against sudden drops in property values.
  • Additionally, the high demand for properties in prime locations can help ensure that your property retains its market value, even during times of economic uncertainty or recession.
  • Prime locations often offer access to green spaces, cultural events, and other amenities that can improve tenants’ or buyers’ overall quality of life. Research shows that such additions and access promote better health and overall well-being. It also means that tenant satisfaction levels are high and have better tenant retention rates.
  • You must try to invest strategically. This means, you should have diversity in your investment portfolio. Real estate investments in prime locations can provide a stable, long-term investment option to help you weather market fluctuations and economic uncertainty.
Investing in a Prime Location - Access to Green Spaces
  • Additionally, investing in real estate can provide a hedge against inflation, as property values tend to appreciate over time.

Of course, investing in a prime location doesn’t guarantee success.

It would help if you still did your due diligence. You need to check if the property is in good condition, the financials make sense, and you have a robust strategy for property management.

In conclusion

Investing in a prime location is worth the extra cost. It can attract more tenants or customers, command higher rent or sales prices, and appreciate in value faster than a property in a less desirable location.

While the initial cost may be higher when buying in a prime location, the long-term benefits are well worth it. By choosing a prime location is a great first step towards maximising your ROI.

So, if you are thinking of investing or about to invest in real estate, don’t overlook the importance of location.

Images Used

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy: https://www.pexels.com/photo/spacious-elegant-house-with-pillars-and-comfy-sofa-and-armchairs-6957083/

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