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Axis Property Investment, a firm located in the United Kingdom (U.K.), is telling clients that now is the time to invest in U.S. property provided the historically low interest rates and property bargains. The firm quotes rates as low as 3.6% for 30-year mortgages, which it says are even lower than what they were in the 1950s. Experts there warn, however, that buying property in the U.S. is different from buying in the U.K., particularly when it comes to pricing and the warranties that come with the home. Buyers are advised to do thorough research before jumping into any foreign market. For more on this continue reading the following article from Property Wire . A 30 year fixed mortgage currently costs as little as 3.6% in interest to service each year and this has made houses more affordable and driven a big rise both in mortgage applications and in refinancing to cheaper deals, experts claim. For those considering property investment in the US, the climate is favorable and hotting up. Low, but rising prices and increasing average rental rates make it possible to achieve much better yields than in the UK, says Axis Property Investment. It also points out that rental vacancies are now at their lowest levels in over a decade, while the homeowner vacancy rate is at its lowest point since March 2006.  Selected regions in the US can easily give a rental yield of well above 5%. It points out that properties are often sold as seen and you can be taking on a property with associated problems either in terms of the fabric of the building or debts linked to the address which may be passed onto the new owner. It believes that more research needs to be done into prices before buying as property valuation in the US is different. Other issues worth checking if you are renting out the property is where there is a tenant before you buy. ‘A pre-tenanted property means there will be no initial void period and your income stream will start to flow into your account. Furthermore, there is also associated hassle and stress with an empty property such as the chance of vandalism, or the higher insurance premiums you may have to pay for an empty unit,’ the report says. The firm also recommends that overseas buyers commission an independent property inspection report and for investors to have a realistic exit strategy. ‘We are currently at the bottom of the US property cycle just at the point where prices are starting to rise. In order to derive the greatest overall returns, you should be looking to sell at the top of the cycle and this will take some time to arrive, maybe even a decade from now,’ it says. Continue reading →