When you consider investing in property it is useful to think about the following steps:

• SET your property investment goals. Be clear what you want to achieve
  > Is it simply a case of finding a place to live or do you want to use your property to increase your wealth? The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive;
   > Are you more interested in capital gain or rental income?
   > Is property really the best option for you?
   Remember, although property can be very valuable, it usually takes a long time if you need to convert it to cash;
    > What is an achievable rate of return?
   > We can show you how set your goals to achieve what you have in mind;
• UNDERSTAND your financial position, this will tell you what is possible. With our experience, we can quickly arrive at a comprehensive understanding of your financial position;
•  DEVELOP a plan that will bring your dreams to reality, taking account of what you can afford. This will include developing strategies for capital growth, and minimising your tax. It will integrate your vision for your property with your overall earning capabilities and capacities. For example,
   > Is it to be part of a negative gearing plan whereby losses in your property investment increase your net earning potential? This is the area where the rules can be highly technical and complicated and the advice of your accountant is usually essential;
    > How much should you borrow?
   > What arrangements do you make to repay any debt and over what period?
  > Determine the medium of investment. Which is more suitable, investing in property directly or through a trust or similar arrangement?

Settle on the arrangements for managing your property. Again, we can provide useful advice on this;

• SET up the record keeping and monitoring arrangements. We provide a comprehensive bookkeeping service to help you do this. We can even do it online to do it more efficiently to;

   >Produce your tax, and VAT returns and satisfy all local and national obligations;
   >Assess how well you are achieving your goals.