And the survey says…
A recent survey undertaken by overseas lender Homeloans Ltd. finds that real estate investors tend to choose bricks and mortar properties over Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) as the primary vehicle for their property investment funds. The singular reason? Most investors buying rental property prefer the “comfort factor” that a physical property affords them. Read: they want the feeling of security that controlling one’s own rental properties affords.
What the findings mean for small property investors
According to this report, the Homeloans Home Buyer Barometer, about half of property investors who took part in the survey preferred investing in rental property over purchasing shares in a REIT, regardless of the type of REIT (residential, commercial, or mixed). The comfort factor means that rental property buyers feel more secure in navigating their own destiny, rather than leaving it up to other real estate investment professionals to do so for them. They also want to realize a greater chance for capital growth returns, as well as higher cash flows from rentals that these real estate investments provide them.
Location is critical
As usual, the survey indicated that most property investors choose bricks and mortar rental houses that are close to transportation, jobs and local amenities. Naturally, this means central cities are the most popular spots for purchasing rental properties, followed closely by suburban bedroom communities. Rural communities rank last in desirability for rental property acquisitions. This is because rental demand is completely predicated on the proximity of services and amenities for prospective tenants. This also plays a major role in the ability for property investors to have an easier time of selling their properties when they deem it necessary to do so.
Additional findings of the report
The report went on to say that most investors would be in the market to purchase a rental property at some point in the next year. In addition, some 34% of the survey takers claimed they will be making their first rental property buy during this time. Some other highlights of the report indicated that close to one quarter of the respondents had bought their first rental property when they were between the ages of eighteen and twenty-nine. In addition, more than 50% had bought a detached house as their very first rental property.
Many prefer to buy close to where they currently live. About one sixth of respondents wanted the ability to drive by their rental properties on a regular basis to keep an eye on them. Also, about two-thirds of survey takers said they use a property manager, while a third self-manage their own rental properties. And finally, the average number of rental houses owned by the respondents was 1.6 properties.
photos courtesy of tenantscreeningblog.com, itimes.com, moneyaftergraduation.com, lawofficewalterjennings.com