ASK451: Can I reclaim these costs? PLUS: Are we biting off too much?
Oct 22, 2024
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A listener faced an unexpected hiccup when potential asbestos derailed his property deal, leading to questions about reclaiming costs. The hosts delve into the intricacies of negotiating abortive transaction expenses and advise on avoiding similar pitfalls. Another topic centers on entering the property market through HMO conversions, with insights on the challenges of financing for new investors lacking experience. Should one start small with buy-to-let properties or dive into complex HMOs? Tune in for some valuable strategies and guidance!
08:45
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Quick takeaways
An unexpected seller withdrawal after an accepted offer highlights the rarity of such occurrences in property transactions, emphasizing the need for resilience in investments.
New investors considering HMO conversions face financing challenges due to lack of experience, but understanding readiness and support can lead to successful decisions.
Deep dives
Navigating Unusual Property Transactions
A property investor experienced an unusual situation when a seller abruptly decided not to proceed with the sale after the offer was accepted, claiming he would move into the property instead. This unexpected turn occurred despite the investor already incurring significant costs for searches and mortgage arrangements, raising concerns about potential financial loss. The response highlighted that such peculiar and sudden changes in a transaction are incredibly rare in property dealings, emphasizing that most deals fall through for more conventional reasons. Although the investor was frustrated about not being able to reclaim costs, the advice was to treat this as an odd experience and to not let it deter future investment attempts.
Understanding HMO Financing Challenges
A novice property investor and their partner are exploring the possibility of diving into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) conversion despite their lack of prior experience in property management. They sought guidance on how experience as a landlord might affect their financing options, as many lenders favor seasoned landlords and may offer unfavorable mortgage terms to newcomers. The discussion emphasized that while first-time buyers might face higher initial mortgage costs, they would eventually have opportunities to refinance and benefit from better rates over time. Ultimately, it was suggested that understanding personal readiness and having a strong support network are crucial for making informed decisions in navigating the complexities of HMO investments.
Happy Tuesday! It’s time for your latest episode of Ask Rob & Rob!
(0:45) After having his offer accepted on a property, Craig discovered potential asbestos in the Artex. When he raised this, the seller claimed they no longer wanted to sell and planned to move in, but a few weeks later, the property was re-listed for sale. After losing money on searches and other costs, Craig asks Rob & Rob if he can reclaim these expenses and how to avoid this happening again.
(4:07) Simon’s eager to kickstart his property journey and is considering jumping straight into an HMO conversion. He’s found that most lenders require experience as a landlord or HMO landlord for financing and wonders how much of a difference that experience makes in terms of mortgage rates and fees. Should he start with a small buy-to-let to gain experience and potentially save money, or go straight for the HMO with more expensive financing options?
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