Episode 3: Developer Diaries with Ben Wilson - The Art of Property Dealing with Chris Johnson
Mar 9, 2023
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Guest Chris Johnson, Managing Director of Clarence Property Group, discusses the evolution of property dealing, evaluating investments, acquiring unique properties, flipping strategies, dealing with problem properties, and influential figures in the property industry.
Building relationships with developers and understanding opportunity are crucial in the property industry.
Targeting portfolio breakups and short-term value-adding strategies can provide immediate returns and long-term investments.
Combining cash purchases with borrowing allows for leverage and agility in the property market, maximizing capabilities and expanding knowledge through joint venture partnerships.
Deep dives
Market Update: Property market stabilizing after recent fluctuations
The property market has experienced some interesting dynamics lately, including price fluctuations and changes in interest rates. However, experts believe that the market is now stabilizing, with mortgage brokers and traders predicting a peak in interest rates. Estate agents have also reported increased interest in the property market since January, indicating a positive upward trend. While the first-time buyer market may still face challenges, the presence of American investors and the affordability of UK property for buyers holding dollars offer opportunities for investment. Overall, the market is expected to show buoyancy in the coming months.
Chris Johnson of Clarence Property Group shares his property journey
In this episode, Ben Wilson welcomes Chris Johnson, the managing director of Clarence Property Group, as his guest. Chris has over 27 years of experience in the property industry, having purchased over 300 units, including a 170 unit portfolio. He shares how he stumbled into the industry, starting in estate agency and eventually transitioning into property development. Chris discusses the importance of building relationships with developers, understanding opportunity, and creating value in the market. He also emphasizes the significance of learning from experiences and making mistakes to facilitate personal growth in the industry.
Preferred Strategies: Portfolio Breakups and Value-Adding
Chris Johnson highlights two preferred strategies in his property business. First, he focuses on portfolio breakups, targeting portfolios owned by families or estates, which present opportunities for adding value through planning gain and individual sales. This strategy allows for diversification and draws on multiple sources in the transaction process. Second, Chris emphasizes the importance of short-term value-adding, buying properties below market value and adding value through refurbishments or reconfigurations. By prioritizing these strategies, he balances immediate returns with long-term investments.
Financing Approach: Borrowing for Agility and Flexibility
Chris Johnson adopts a flexible approach to financing, combining cash purchases and borrowing for leverage and agility in the property market. He acknowledges that borrowing provides more opportunities and allows for a broader scope in transactions. By utilizing bridging finance and working with private equity investors, Chris maximizes his capabilities in the marketplace. He also emphasizes the importance of trust and teamwork in joint venture partnerships, where investors bring additional analytical insights, expanding the capabilities and knowledge base of the transaction.
The Importance of Adapting in the Property Market
Chris discusses the need to adapt to changes in the property market, citing examples of big funds paying over the odds for properties. He emphasizes the importance of understanding market trends and staying informed to make successful investments.
Navigating Challenges in Property Deals
Chris shares his experiences dealing with challenging property deals, such as buying a block of flats that became difficult to sell due to market changes and market preferences for different types of properties. He highlights the need to be adaptable and prepared for unforeseen circumstances in the property market.
In this episode Ben is joined by Chris Johnson, Managing Director of Clarence Property Group. Together they discuss the best types of property portfolios to acquire, how to break them down to add real value and Chris’s advice on how to transition from property employee to highly successful property investor
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