Capital Gains: The Londoner’s Savvy Guide to Seizing the Last Remaining Units

Chapter 1: Decoding the Unsung Heroes of London’s Property Scene

Alright, my fellow property aficionados! London’s property scene is like a proper British tea — diverse, rich, and sometimes, just a tad over-steeped. While the masses are queuing up for the latest river-facing apartments or the so-called ‘trendy’ Victorian conversions, there’s a secret sauce they’re overlooking. It’s called the last remaining units. Let that sink in.

1. Discovering the Charm in ‘What’s Left’ Imagine walking into a quaint British bakery, and there’s one last scone left. Do you think it’s been shunned for being sub-par? Absolutely not! It’s probably the most delightful treat there, waiting for the discerning to appreciate. That’s precisely what these last units are — the overlooked delicacies of the property world. While the crowd is busy being traditionally British — reserved, predictable, and ever-so-polite — you, my friend, have the chance to have your scone and eat it too.
2. Debunking Myths with a Dash of Continental Flair Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. There’s this notion that the last units are akin to the last glass of wine at a Parisian soirée — probably left for a reason. But here’s the twist: sometimes, developers, with their cheeky strategies, keep the crème de la crème for the grand finale. So, those dismissing these units might just be missing out on the property equivalent of a fine Bordeaux.

Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash

1. Seller’s Perspective: Delving Deeper, the British (and a Bit French) Way If you’re looking to truly ace this game, it’s about getting into the developer’s mindset. It’s not just bricks and mortar; it’s a chessboard of strategy, reputation, and a good old financial dance. And trust me, understanding this waltz will put you in the prime position for a checkmate.

Chapter 2: The Undeniable Perks of Snagging the Last Remaining Units

Alright, savvy investors, gather around! Now that we’ve got the basics down, it’s time to dive into why these last remaining units are the proverbial golden goose of London’s property scene.

1. Lower Prices: A Strategic Game of ‘Wait and Win’ Ever played the waiting game at a British summer sale, hoping the item you’re eyeing gets even cheaper? Well, developers, in their haste to wrap up and pop the bubbly, might just be inclined to reduce prices for these final units. It’s like getting that designer suit at a high street price.
2. A Smorgasbord of Choices While most are chasing the ‘popular’ choices, you’ve got a spread before you. Think of it as a lavish English breakfast — there’s a bit of everything, and you get to pick and choose!
3. Less Competition, More Leverage With fewer eyes on the prize, you’ve got the upper hand. It’s like being the only one in a French patisserie, with the first pick on all the pastries. Go on, relish that advantage.
4. Immediate Occupancy: The Joy of Instant Gratification Why wait when you can dive right in? These properties are ready, waiting, and almost beckoning. It’s the property equivalent of a takeaway — quick, convenient, and oh-so-satisfying.
5. Future Appreciation: The Long Game Much like a fine wine or a well-aged cheese (yes, we’re looking at you, France!), these properties have the potential to appreciate over time. So, while you enjoy the immediate perks, there’s a future reward brewing.

Chapter 3: Busting Those Pesky Myths Surrounding the Last Units

Now, let’s address the naysayers, shall we? For every strategy, there’s a group of sceptics, probably sipping their tea and tutting. But we’ve got the facts, sprinkled with a bit of that Continental charm.

1. Quality Concerns? Think Again! Some believe the last units are the dregs, much like the tea leaves at the bottom of a cup. But sometimes, developers, with their sly grins, save the best for the last. So, instead of dregs, think of it as the cherry on top!
2. Unique Features? Oui, Monsieur! These units can sometimes offer something unique — a quirky layout, a splendid view, or an unexpected feature. It’s like finding that surprise centre in a French truffle.
3. Strategic Sales and the Art of the Deal Understanding the developer’s game plan can shed light on why some units are still dancing around. It’s not always about desirability; sometimes, it’s just strategy, played with the finesse of a chess grandmaster.

Chapter 4: Inside the Developer’s Mind: The British-French Fusion

If you’re going to master the art of snagging the best deals, you’ve got to think like the developer. Imagine a blend of British pragmatism with a splash of French flair — that’s your target mindset.

1. Wrapping Up: More Than Just Finishing Developers aren’t just keen to finish; they’re gearing up for their next grand venture. Like preparing for the next cricket match or planning the next trip to the Riviera.
2. Cash Flow, Mon Ami The importance of liquidity can’t be understated. Just like the Seine keeps flowing, developers need their cash to do the same.
3. Reputation: The Badge of Honour A developer’s reputation is their calling card. Successfully selling all units, including the last ones, is like adding another feather to their cap or another medal to their chest.
4. Pricing: The Delicate Ballet It’s a dance of numbers, where developers balance the books while ensuring every property finds its rightful owner. And trust me, this ballet is worth understanding.

Chapter 5: Navigating the Negotiation Labyrinth with Panache

So, you’ve got your sights set on those tantalising last units. But as any seasoned Brit or astute Frenchman will tell you, it’s not just about spotting the opportunity; it’s about seizing it with both hands… and perhaps a bit of cheek.

1. Research: Not Just For University Donnas Before you swagger into the developer’s office, do your homework. Understand the market, and know the trends. It’s like studying for an Oxford debate or preparing for a wine-tasting tour in Bordeaux. Knowledge, dear reader, is your secret weapon.
2. Timing: The Art of the Dramatic Entrance There’s a moment, a precise moment when the developer is most eager to close a deal. Recognise it. It’s like knowing exactly when to pour the tea or uncork the champagne.
3. Cash is King, or Should We Say, Le Roi In the grand theatre of property negotiations, nothing speaks louder than cash. It’s crisp, it’s immediate, and it’s universally loved, from the streets of London to the boulevards of Paris.

Photo by Shane on Unsplash

1. Building Bridges, Not Just the Channel Tunnel Cultivate relationships, not just transactions. A nod, a handshake, a shared joke — it’s the little things. And if you can charm the sales team while you’re at it, the world (or at least the property) is your oyster.
2. Flexibility: More Than Just Yoga and Ballet Sometimes, negotiation isn’t just about the price. Being adaptable on terms, dates, or even fittings can be the very thing that clinches the deal. Think of it as a dance, where sometimes you lead, and sometimes you follow.

Chapter 6: Financing: The Power Behind Your Ambition

With ambition as vast as the English Channel and a dream as radiant as the Riviera sun, you need the financial muscle to back it up. Let’s delve into the options that will power your property aspirations.

1. Traditional Mortgages: The Old Reliable The tried and tested route, much like the British monarchy or the French café culture. Competitive rates, stability, and a sense of familiarity make this a favoured choice.
2. Bridge Loans: Because Sometimes You Need a Jet Ski For those moments when you need a quick dash across the financial waters, bridge loans are your jet skis. Fast, efficient, and a tad thrilling.
3. Cash Purchase: Rolling Like a Baron If you’ve got the coffers and want to make a statement, nothing beats a full cash purchase. It’s the property equivalent of buying a chateau or a manor outright.
4. Private Lenders: The Mavericks of the Money World Sometimes, the traditional route doesn’t cut it, especially for unique properties. Enter the mavericks, the private lenders, ready to finance your more avant-garde ventures.
5. Joint Ventures: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Pooling resources, sharing risks, and leveraging combined strengths — joint ventures are the Beatles of the property world, making beautiful music together.

Chapter 7: Wrapping Up: The Grand Finale

As we draw the curtains on this exhilarating journey through London’s property scene, there are a few key takeaways, as essential as a British cuppa or a French croissant.

1. The Unbeatable Advantages From financial benefits to strategic insights, the advantages of targeting the last remaining units are numerous and undeniable.
2. Specialised Guidance: A Nod to the Experts As we’ve traversed this landscape, the importance of having a seasoned guide, like Eric Corsaletti and his company, OPP, has become crystal clear. Their expertise transforms this journey from a mere adventure to a masterclass.
3. Financing: The Wind Beneath Your Wings Whether you’re soaring on the reliable currents of traditional mortgages or riding the gusty winds of private lending, your financial strategy is paramount. Choose wisely, and the sky’s the limit.

This concludes our deep dive into the art and strategy of acquiring the last remaining units in property developments. Armed with knowledge, wit, and a touch of continental charm, you’re set to conquer the London property scene. Cheers, or as the French say, “À votre succès!”

Eric Corsaletti

Photo by Tierra Mallorca on Unsplash