Building a ‘Base’

Over the past few months, a recurring theme in conversations with clients has been the question of where to invest: buying property in the UK or exploring opportunities in other countries. Some of these locations may offer higher growth, while others appeal for lifestyle (or "heart") reasons. This is a dilemma I’ve been facing as well—should I continue to build in the UK, or explore assets elsewhere?

When it comes to property, we generally approach decisions with either the head or the heart:

• A ‘head’ purchase is purely financial. It’s a calculated investment designed to help you move closer to a financial goal.
• A ‘heart’ purchase prioritises lifestyle and happiness over returns. Think of it as your dream holiday home or a bolthole in the UK that brings joy, even if it’s not the most lucrative option.

Which is best? That depends entirely on your goals and what you want to achieve.

My Approach: Build a Base

From my own experience, I’ve learned that before pursuing speculative or heart-driven purchases, it’s wise to ‘build a base’. This means establishing a foundation of properties in solid, stable locations—ones you can rely on if things don’t go to plan.

What Does This Mean in Reality?

1. Start with tried-and-tested locations. Build your portfolio in established, long-term markets that offer a safety net. For example:
2. Use your base as a fallback. These properties act as a safety net if something unexpected happens, such as job loss or a financial setback.
3. Once secure, diversify strategically. After building your base, you can begin exploring higher-yield or growth-focused properties in riskier markets. What constitutes “riskier” will depend on your own comfort level, but for me, it includes:

• Markets outside of the UK, such as the UAE, Indonesia, or Thailand.
• Other regions where I’m less familiar with ownership rules or market dynamics—think Europe, Australia, or the USA.

By taking this approach, even if something goes wrong with speculative investments, it won’t create a “game over” situation. Your solid base ensures stability and peace of mind.

What About You?

If this sounds like a decision you’re grappling with—or if you’d like to discuss building a property portfolio—feel free to drop me a message. I’d be happy to chat and help you map out the right strategy.