Investing in property has long been considered one of the safest and most lucrative ways to grow your wealth. The UK property market, in particular, has seen steady growth over the years, making it an attractive option for both domestic and international investors.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports a substantial 73% rise in the average house price across the UK during the last decade, up to January 2023. However, this overall figure obscures the considerable regional disparities, where certain areas have witnessed growth exceeding 120%, while others have experienced a more modest 30% increase.
For potential investors, this diverse landscape poses a pivotal question: where and what should they invest in? This is where Property Investment companies play a crucial role, driven by two primary objectives:
- Identify markets underpinned by robust economic fundamentals, ensuring a high return on investment for the future, and
- conduct thorough due diligence to mitigate development risk at a micro-level
Furthermore, in today’s market, it often makes sense to consider off-plan property purchases. This approach allows you to secure a property at a competitive price now while keeping the option to arrange a mortgage later when interest rates are more favorable, maximizing your overall value. Off-plan property investing goes hand-in-hand with utalising a property investment company, particularly if you are investing from abroad. They can effectively address any construction-related challenges that may arise during the development period.
To assist you in navigating this dynamic market, we’ve compiled a list of the best property investment companies in the UK, ranked according to their reputation, performance, and expertise.
1. IP Global
Founded in 2005, IP Global’s core mission is to secure prime investment properties for international clients and guide them through the entire process, from property selection to mortgages, construction, and handover to us to do lettings & management. Their focus is exclusively on residential apartments, and they are typically bought off-plan.
What sets IP Global apart is their comprehensive due diligence on developers and their commitment to investing their own funds in construction, minimizing potential hiccups in a complex and administratively intensive asset class—especially for international investors. This distinguishes them from other agents whose obligations often end with clients after a contract is signed and are often able to offer better pricing through their hands-on approach rather than including all the bells-and-whistles.
IP Global pioneered the end-to-end international service model and boasts an impressive track record, having brought over USD 3 billion worth of properties to market across 18 countries. To explore their 2024 winter property portfolio, you can download it here or request a free consultation through this link.
2. CBRE
CBRE, or CBRE Group, Inc., is a global leader in providing a broad spectrum of commercial real estate services. At its core, CBRE facilitates the buying, selling, leasing, and management of commercial properties, including office spaces, retail properties, industrial facilities, and more. They act as intermediaries, connecting property owners with potential buyers, tenants, and investors. Their extensive network and market expertise enable them to match clients with suitable commercial properties and negotiate favorable deals.
In addition to property transactions, CBRE offers comprehensive property management services for commercial real estate assets. This entails overseeing the daily operations, maintenance, and tenant relations for commercial properties. Property owners rely on CBRE to ensure that their assets are well-maintained, rents are collected efficiently, and the overall financial performance of their properties is optimized.
CBRE’s consulting and advisory services are also highly regarded in the commercial real estate industry. They provide strategic guidance to corporate clients, assisting them in developing real estate strategies that align with their business objectives. This includes workplace solutions, portfolio optimization, and comprehensive analysis of market trends and opportunities. CBRE’s expertise in advising clients on complex real estate decisions positions them as trusted advisors in the commercial real estate arena.
Overall, CBRE’s diverse array of services and global reach make them a go-to choice for businesses, investors, and property owners seeking expertise and support in the commercial real estate sector. CBRE offers a wealth of information here.
3. Knight Frank
Knight Frank is a well-established and reputable name in the real estate industry, offering a range of services to cater to your investment needs. With a history spanning over a century, they have a proven track record of excellence. They have built an enduring reputation as a premier global real estate consultancy and have earned the trust of investors and clients around the world.
Knight Frank’s extensive global network provides access to a diverse portfolio of investment opportunities, typically in the areas of luxury residential property, commercial real estate and prime rural estates. What sets Knight Frank apart is their deep market knowledge and research capabilities. Their experts provide valuable insights and data-driven analysis to inform your investment decisions.
Knight Frank’s in-depth website is linked here.
4. Alesco Property
Alesco Property is a relatively new entrant in the real estate market, primarily focusing on residential real estate investments in the Northern UK region. They work with developers across key UK cities such as Manchester, Liverpool & Birmingham and offer services tailored to investors seeking various financial objectives.
Their approach involves selecting properties from their portfolio to align with clients’ specific goals. Whether you’re looking for immediate returns through rental income, consistent rental yields, or the potential for long-term capital growth, Alesco aims to assist investors in achieving these objectives. Take a look at their portfolio here.
5. JLL
JLL, or Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, is a global estate agent. JLL also provides a wide range of services related to real estate, including leasing, property management, investment management, valuation, and advisory services. The company serves clients in various sectors, including commercial real estate, residential real estate, industrial real estate, and more.
JLL is known for its extensive global presence, with offices in numerous countries around the world. It caters to a diverse clientele, including property owners, investors, tenants, and corporations, offering a comprehensive suite of services to help them with their real estate needs. JLL is considered one of the largest and most prominent real estate services firms globally, with a strong reputation for its expertise and market insights.
Find out about JLL’s offerings here.
6. Savills
When considering the purchase of property, choosing Savills as your real estate partner offers a range of compelling advantages. With a legacy dating back to 1855, Savills has earned its reputation as a trusted and respected name in the industry.
Savills’ global network of offices provides you with access to a diverse portfolio of properties, both nationally and internationally. They sell residential, commercial, and rural real estate, catering to a wide range of options.
Ethical and sustainable practices are at the core of Savills’ operations, appealing to clients who prioritize responsible property investment. Savills leverages innovative technology to enhance the buying experience, providing digital tools and platforms that streamline property searches and transactions. Their market insights and research are also highly regarded, ensuring you have access to valuable data and analysis to make informed decisions.
To learn more about Savills, click here.
7. North Property Group
North Property Group is an independently owned sales, lettings and property agency founded in 2017. Their local expertise and comprehensive services have made them a trusted name in the Yorkshire property market. Recently rebranded, they have invested heavily into marketing and growth plans specializing in residential and student accommodation investments.
They strive to exceed expectations with their modern and personal approach to the property market which sees them curate a unique collection of investment properties. Since 2017, they have sold over 1,000 apartments around the UK to investors and recently achieved annual sales in excess of GBP5 million. While they may be fairly recently established, they can provide guidance and options for those interested in residential real estate investments in the Northern UK area. To learn more about North Property Groups options, click here.
8. RW Invest
RW Invest specializes in property investment and their portfolio includes 121 completed developments valued at over USD1 billion. They have experience working with investors from around the world at various stages of their investment journey. Whether you’re an overseas investor looking to expand your portfolio or a first-time UK-based investor interested in your initial buy-to-let investment, they are able to offer hands-on assistance. To learn more, click here.
Conclusion
Investing in property can be a lucrative venture, but it requires careful consideration and expert guidance. The property investment companies listed above have demonstrated their expertise, reliability, and ability to identify profitable opportunities in the UK property market. When choosing a property investment company, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and consider your investment goals. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just beginning your property investment journey, these companies offer a range of services to suit your needs and help you make informed decisions in the dynamic UK property market.
