The Sheffield Property Investment Network (PIN) meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Mercure Sheffield Parkway Hotel and this was the first I have attended since joining Signature Private Finance as a Relationship Manager.
These meetings are held across the country at more than 50 locations, with each one hosted by property professionals like Paul Hastings and Stuart Cooper, who took charge of the evening’s proceedings.
Our hosts are representative of the people attending PIN events, who are seeking to make profit from property.
Paul, with his history in commercial property and Stuart with a background in the legal industry, make for a great partnership to explain the benefits and pitfalls of investing in the property market.
They certainly know how to present a great event, with top speakers and valuable insight into all aspects of the property market, from those like Signature that fund purchases and refurbishments to those that help insure rental properties.
Great atmosphere with optimism
This was a very lively meeting with more than 60 people in attendance; the atmosphere was buzzing with likeminded property professionals and investors all keen to network and grow their businesses.
From the conversation I had, it was obvious many were there to start their property journey, while others were more experienced with active property portfolios and ready to make their next purchase.
Brexit was a key topic, but interestingly, despite all the negativity in the media surrounding our departure from the EU and its likely impact on the property sector, no one in the room was put off in any way, nor were they putting any of their plans on hold, pending the final outcome.
The resident mortgage adviser John Parkin, gave a brief overview of products available on the high street, which many will find unsuitable, unavailable or unaffordable when compared to our products, all of which will be tailored to a client’s exact needs.
Clear plans to build portfolios
In terms of networking, I discovered many investors were keen to seek out properties that offered them the potential to convert into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) without planning permission, so they can undertake the conversion and maximise their return.
A handful were seeking single unit buy-to-let properties, but HMO was definitely the route of interest for the majority of prospective landlords.
For me in my role as Relationship Manager, it was a productive evening, with a lot of people delighted to discover Signature Private Finance and understand the benefits of bridging as a financially viable tool.
It was clear that many of those in attendance in Sheffield still believed their only way forward was to re-mortgage their current family home or use savings. A brief explanation of how bridging and more particularly Signature could help their aspirations, sent everyone home happy.
The next meeting is same location on 13th March – hope to see you there!