Brexit not a major concern for property investors, claims study

Brexit isn’t a major concern when it comes to property investment, according to new research from SevenCapital.

The survey of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) – those earning more than £100,000 per annum – found that 85% of investors are continuing to invest in the UK property market, despite Brexit.

Around three in five (59%) of the investor population invest in property, making it the second most popular investment class behind stocks and shares.

More than 30% of all UK respondents (investors and non-investors) identified as currently investing in UK property and, interestingly, 23% of these cited Brexit as the catalyst for them to invest.

When asked how strong they believe the UK property market will be in the next 18 months, more than half (55%) said they believe the market will be ‘good to very strong’, with that figure rising to around two in three (63%) in three to five years’ time.

The figures from the study – which was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of UK property developer SevenCapital – are encouraging for the UK property market which is facing negative speculation over what Brexit will bring.

“These figures demonstrate that people generally recognise that there are bigger factors to consider over Brexit when it comes to the overall trends in the UK property market,” Andy Foote, director at SevenCapital, commented.

“Realistically, it’s the fear and the perception of Breixt that will have any effect, rather than the physical act of leaving the EU.”

He said that seasoned investors will know that if the market were to take a dip after Brexit, it would more likely be a catalyst for the ‘inevitable’ swing back.

Foote continued: “The property market is a prime example of well-known cyclical patterns, growing through recovery and emerging stronger than previous peaks. In other words, if it takes a dip, as it did 10 years ago, it will recover and come back stronger.”

According to Foote, there are two other key factors to consider. Firstly, the chronic undersupply and ever-growing demand for homes in the UK – whether rented or owned – is not going to change with Brexit.

Secondly, property isn’t a quick purchase or investment, unless it is ‘flipped’. Foote added: “If you’re looking to buy a home, the chances are you’re not going to be thinking about selling up again in less than five to 10 years’ time, and if you’re a property investor, you’re likely to be looking for long-term gains from it.”

“Either way and dip or no dip, the price of your property, providing you did your research properly before buying, is likely to appreciate in the long run.”

The survey was conducted amongst HNWIs living in the UK (55%), Hong Kong (17%), Dubai (17%) and South Africa (11%) – all regions known for their interest in the UK property market.