UK property buyers regain investment appetite

PETALING JAYA (August 3): UK investors are more confident about shifting their investments to international markets, including emerging markets, says property investment specialist Property Frontier.

In a statement, Property Frontier CEO Ray Withers says UK property investors have been focused on the domestic property market for the past few years mainly due to volatile market conditions after the financial crisis in 2008.

“However, recent figures have shown that the allure of international investment has returned. According to the Knight Frank Global House Price Index, Europe is at the forefront of the market in terms of price growth, with Africa recording a respectable growth rate of 2.6%,” Withers says.

He adds there are various options for investors with different risk appetites, from ‘safe’ locations such as Germany or more speculative opportunities in Southern Europe.

“For those with the appetite, there are of course excellent opportunities in the emerging markets, especially regions in Africa, that are now booming,” he says.

The shift in investment preference is thought to not have an impact on the UK domestic market because investors may choose to invest both locally and abroad.

 “The UK is still part of this exciting new world of property investment and there are still some excellent buy-to-let opportunities on home soil right now. It’s just that they are no longer the only ones to pique the global investment community’s interest.”