Overseas investors ranked the UK as the best residential property investment hotspot for 2021. What makes investing in UK property so appealing?
For a number of years, the UK property market has been a prime target for overseas investors, and this has continued at strong levels. Property investors from Asia, Europe and the US have particularly seen UK property as a solid investment choice in the past few years.
Recently, the UK was even named the top global property investment hotspot in a survey by international law firm DLA Piper. Of the 500 high-net-worth investors and asset managers surveyed, 33% said they wish to invest in UK property during 2021.
Investors headquartered in China and the US ranked the UK as the best for residential property investment. And investors in the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy named the UK the third best place for property investment.
Olaf Schmidt from DLA Piper comments: “The UK remains an attractive market for investment also post-Brexit which should provide confirmation and reassurance that the UK is a vital hub for activity and growth.”
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Investors continue to be optimistic
Despite uncertainty still surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic, investors remain optimistic about property investment. DLA Piper’s survey revealed more than half of respondents feel positive about the outlook of the European property investment market. Additionally, only 11% feel negative.
Investors also shared why they remain so optimistic. The most common reasons stated were because of high demand and a shortfall in supply, strong yields and attractive prices.
Additionally, another recent study revealed nearly half of buy-to-let investors in the UK are remaining positive about the year ahead. According to Property Master, only 10% plan to exit the sector in 2021. And nearly 70% said they are not planning to sell their properties.
UK property market remains appealing
Foreign buyers and investors have been snapping up property across the UK before the additional 2% stamp duty surcharge comes into effect for overseas-based investors in April. However, many feel the stamp duty surcharge will unlikely deter overseas buyers in the future.
The fall in sterling, low mortgage rates and the UK’s strong property market will more than make up for this additional tax. The sector has strong long-term prospects for capital appreciation and increasing rental demand. And many overseas investors view the UK property market as a safe haven.
Additionally, interest from Hong Kong buyers and investors is set to surge with a new special visa opening to British National Overseas passport holders in Hong Kong on 31st January. This will likely lead to a significant number of Hong Kong residents emigrating to the UK and investing in property.
Throughout 2021, overseas and foreign investors are expected to continue investing in UK property at strong levels. In recent years, the UK property market has remained robust even during political and economic unease. Because of the sector’s resilience, overseas investors will continue snapping up UK property, even with the continued uncertainty of COVID-19.
Source: Buy Association
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