By In an uncertain economic and political climate—where factors such as global trade tensions, oil price volatility, and domestic reforms like the Renters’ Reform Bill and Stamp Duty changes are in flux—it can feel nearly impossible to forecast what lies ahead for the UK property market.
Yet, for savvy landlords and property investors, this uncertainty can present an opportunity. By understanding how macroeconomic trends impact on local property markets, investors and landlords can make more informed decisions on whether to buy, sell, renovate, let, or hold their investments.
How to Make Better Property Investment Decisions in Kent
Staying informed in todays uncertain world is essential and that means following experts you can trust. Attending events like the Landlord Investment Show, where top-tier speakers and panel discussions cover essential topics—ranging from finance and energy efficiency to tax strategy and legal compliance gives you a valuable chance to hear different perspectives and ask the questions that matter to you. And, it also allows you to hear questions that other landlords and investors ask too.
Another way to help stay informed during uncertain times is to understand how localised property data can help with investment decisions. One question that’s always worth asking is how does your local market perform versus other areas?
Kent vs UK Property Market: How Does It Compare?
According to Land Registry data, Kent’s average property prices are:
- Higher than the UK and England averages
- Roughly 10% lower than prices in the South East
However, Kent’s annual price growth—at around 3.9%—has recently lagged behind the UK (4.9%) and South East (4.5%). That said, for long-term investors, year-on-year changes are less important than long-term capital appreciation.
Long-Term Property Growth: Kent Performs Strongly
Historical data suggests that Kent has consistently outperformed national and even regional averages over the long term. While recent growth appears modest, it still exceeds Kent’s long-term average:
- Bought pre-2000? You’ve likely achieved strong capital gains, far outpacing inflation.
- Bought around the 2008 credit crunch? Growth may have slightly underperformed inflation.
- Invested in 2005? You’re likely to have enjoyed robust property price growth.
📍 Tip: For realistic future forecasting, it’s critical to base your expectations on post-2005 trends, not on the 2000–2005 boom when property values doubled in many parts of the UK. Otherwise you will be investing based on potentially unrealistic returns.
What’s the Risk of Investing in Kent?
Risk is often overlooked in property investment, but thanks to better data, we now have a clearer view of how local markets behave during economic downturns.
Lessons from the Credit Crunch (2007/08):
- Property values in Kent fell by 18–20%
- The market took around 6.5 years to fully recover to pre-crash levels
To weather a downturn, investors—especially if buying with a mortgage—typically need at least a 15–20% deposit. Adding in the risk of property falls of 18-20%, if you have a 40% deposit, this can help ensure you have a strong enough buffer.
By understanding how specific local markets reacted to economic shocks, investors can better mitigate future risk.
Using Localised Data for Smarter Investing
Online platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla offer free access to historical sold prices. Before buying or selling:
- Check how a property or its street performed during the last downturn
- Ask: Did it fall more than 20%? Did it take longer than 6.5 years to recover?
- Use this information to decide whether to invest, if you need to buy at a lower price or whether you should walk away
Key Takeaways
- Kent offers attractive long-term returns, particularly for those who invest for the long term.
- Property in Kent has historically outperformed inflation, even when short-term growth lags.
- Understanding how properties perform locally—not just on average—is crucial to successful investing.
- A proactive risk strategy (e.g. sufficient deposits, market timing) is key to surviving future downturns and economic shocks.
And finally, staying informed and networking is half the battle. That’s why events like the Landlord Investment Show on 3oth April at Ashford International Hotel are unmissable for anyone serious about making strategic property decisions. Register for your free ticket now.
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