PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT FAQs
Q: What is property development investment?A: Property development investment involves funding development projects that transform underperforming properties into high-value assets. Unlike traditional buy-to-let, you earn returns from the development process itself - typically 10-20% annually - while we handle all the complexity.
Q: How is this different from buy-to-let investment?A: Traditional buy-to-let delivers 4-6% gross yields and requires ongoing management. Our development approach delivers 10-20% returns through strategic property transformation, with professional management handling everything for you.
Q: What's the minimum investment amount?A: Our typical investment range is £20,000 for small houses and planning uplift projects to £500,000+, depending on the specific project and your investment goals.
Q: How long are investment terms?A: Most projects run 12-24 months from start to finish. You'll receive your capital back plus returns when we refinance or sell the completed development.
RETURNS & SECURITY
Q: What returns can I expect?A: We typically deliver 10-15% annual returns, sometimes up to 20%, depending on the specific project. All our developments must achieve minimum 25% profit on GDV or we don't proceed.
Q: How secure are these investments?A: All our projects are valued by banks with high-level commercial surveyors backing the purchase price, build costs, and GDV. Banks only release funds as we prove works are completed, so your investment benefits from the same security and monitoring that major banking institutions require.
Q: What happens if a project goes wrong?A: We have 7 years of experience and £10M+ in successful developments. We only proceed with projects that meet our strict S.E.C.U.R.E criteria, and we maintain professional indemnity insurance. However, like all investments, property development carries risks which we'll discuss fully during your strategy call.
Q: How do I get my money back?A: At project completion, we either sell the property or refinance it (typically at 75% LTV). Your capital plus agreed returns are paid from these proceeds.
THE PROCESS
Q: What's my involvement in the project?A: Minimal. Your involvement is limited to the initial investment decision, signing contracts, and receiving your returns. We handle acquisition, planning, development, and exit.
Q: How do you find these opportunities?A: We use direct marketing campaigns, estate agent networks, auction acquisitions, and off-market deals. We target properties that we can add value to with clear development potential.
Q: What areas do you focus on?A: We focus on the M4 corridor - South Wales, Somerset market towns, and Reading/Thames Valley. These areas offer the best combination of affordable acquisition costs, strong rental demand, and capital growth potential.
Q: How often will I receive updates?A: We provide regular progress updates throughout the development, including photos and financial reports. Most investors appreciate our transparent communication approach.
WORKING WITH US
Q: Who am I actually investing with?A: You're investing with Vernon Property Group Ltd or one of it's subsidiary companies, founded by Martin Howard and Freddie Vernon. All strategy calls are conducted personally by Martin or Freddie - never staff members.
Q: What's your track record?A: We have 7 years of experience, £10M+ in completed developments, 30+ successful projects, and most of our investors choose to reinvest with us repeatedly.
Q: Am I guaranteed to be accepted as an investor?A: No. We're selective about who we work with. The investment strategy call helps us both determine if there's a good fit personally and professionally.
Q: Do you offer Joint Ventures or just loans?A: We primarily offer fixed-return loan arrangements where you lend capital for specific terms and receive agreed returns. This keeps things simple and transparent for our investors.
SPECIFIC PROJECTS
Q: Can you give me an example of a successful project?A: Gore Terrace in Swansea is a great example. We bought a derelict hotel for £411k, invested £250k in conversion to a 14-bed HMO, achieved £1.07M valuation, refinanced to return all investor capital, and now generate £48k net annual cashflow.
Q: What types of properties do you develop?A: We specialize in commercial-to-residential conversions, HMO developments, and heritage property restoration. We focus on projects that create genuine value through strategic transformation.
Q: Do you only work in certain locations?A: Yes, we focus on areas we know well: Swansea and South Wales, Somerset market towns like Frome and Trowbridge, and the Reading/Thames Valley area.
NEXT STEPS
Q: How do I get started?A: Download our free Property Development Investment Guide, then book a no-obligation strategy call. We'll discuss your goals, current opportunities, and whether we're a good fit for each other.
Q: What should I prepare for the strategy call?A: Think about your investment goals, available capital, risk appetite, and timeline. We'll discuss how much you have to invest, what assets you can draw on, your experience with property, and where you'd be if you lost your investment.
Q: Is there any cost for the initial consultation?A: No, the strategy call is completely free and no-obligation. It's as much about us determining if you're right for us as it is about whether we're right for you.
Q: What happens after the strategy call?A: If we're a good fit, we'll discuss current opportunities that match your criteria and investment amount. If we're not the right match, we'll point you in the right direction.