Got the property investing bug and want to know more, but not sure what – or who – to read? There are a lot of books on property out there, after all. As property investors ourselves, here at Sourced, we’ve already consumed quite a number of them. So, here’s a list of our favourites to get you started:
No Money Down Property Investing
Written by professional property investor from Nottingham, Kevin McDonnell, “No Money Down Property Investing” ‘does exactly what it says on the tin.’ By that we mean the author lets newbies know how they can get on the property ladder without having any money of their own. They can then have the cash flow to start buying and building their own property business.
McDonnell himself says he got himself out of “massive debt” by employing rent to rent and lease option strategies. It comes with a whole series of easy-to-read case studies, techniques and tools.
The Property Auction Guide
You might recognise author Martin Roberts. He has, after all, been presenting BBCs entertaining Homes Under the Hammer for more than 15 years now. This is his account of how to buy (and sell) property at auction, and includes his own experiences – good and bad.
“The Property Auction Guide” talks about what’s involved in buying property at auction, the type of property you’ll find there and how to fix a seemingly unmortgegeable house and other property problems. As well as a list of UK auction houses, the book also includes a handy Renovation Costs Ready Reckoner.
The Complete Guide to Property Investment
Seasoned property investor, Robert Dix, assures buy to let investors that there is still plenty of profit out there to be made – despite the raft of government tax changes in recent years. In fact, he goes so far as to say it’s even better now – because only the fit (ie knowledgeable) will survive, so there’s even more opportunity for big profits.
In his “The Complete Guide to Property” Investment, Dix talks about how to get the finance for your buy to let business and gauging the ‘property cycle,’ as well as providing info on scaling up and exiting.
Commercial to Residential Conversions: The Essential Manual for Property Developers
A timely book considering the current climate, where more office space and other businesses buildings have become available since the pandemic. Not to mention the fact the UK government has made it easier to transfer commercial into residential property… “Commercial to Residential Conversions: The essential manual for property developers” is based on author and property developer Mark Stokes’ three decades doing exactly what the first part of the title says.
As a result, he mentions plenty of personal anecdotes and experiences. Stokes talks about 12 principles for the commercial to residential strategy – which is what this book is based on. These include ensuring you have undertaken ‘bank grade’ due diligence and getting started with confidence.
The Book on Flipping Houses: How to Buy, Rehab, and Resell Residential Properties: 1 (Fix-And-Flip)
J Scott may be an American property investor, but his business principles apply right here in the UK too. This is a book for the budding property investor who wants to ‘do up’ and sell then move on to his or her next project. A previous best seller, the updated version of “The Book on Flipping Houses”, gives additional pointers on financing and tips of dealing with the economic cycle.
It’s useful for both seasoned and newbies. That’s because it’s written in a straight-forward fashion and includes tips on how to quickly evaluate the profitability of deal, finding the best locations and how to make sure your contractors are the ‘real deal.’
Of course, here at Sourced, we also have a team of property investors who are expert in various sectors of the property market and happy to pass on tips and advice. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.
