Investing in UK Real Estate:
Sam Lee, Capricorn Financial
BOXNINE7 BLOGBoxNine7 caught up with Sam Lee, Director of the Asia Pacific Region for Capricorn Financial
to discuss our collaborative relationship and more.
Since 2005, Capricorn Financial has been providing high-net-worth clients with mortgage and property finance services both in the UK and internationally.
Our team caught up with Sam Lee, Director of the Asia Pacific Region for Capricorn Financial to discuss our collaborative relationship as well as some top tips for investors looking to purchase in the UK and more!
Hi Sam, can you tell us more about your role and what Capricorn do?
“I’ve been at Capricorn Financial for over 10 years now. Currently I am working as Director of the Asia Pacific Region, after moving from our head office in London to Singapore in 2019, to open up our first international office. I’ve since built a small team in Singapore and a second overseas office in Hong Kong, due to the bulging demand in the region.
Myself and my team specialise in assisting non-UK residents to obtain mortgages against their UK properties. We have access to all the major UK lenders, including residential, buy-to-let, commercial, term loans, second charges and bridging. We also work with several Asian and international banks, so we are very well placed to assist overseas buyers with their financing requirements, with a wealth of experience and expertise in the area.”
Can you tell us more about the collaboration between Capricorn and BoxNine7?
“Much like BoxNine7, we are very well aligned with the newbuild market, and have many shared relationships with some of the UK’s largest property developers, therefore our paths often cross when attending property launches and exhibitions. Buyers tend to want to explore their financing options at a similar time to their furnishings, if not a bit earlier, so we frequently get asked whether we have any trusted partners that can assist in this area.”
What is the most important thing about using a trusted furniture supplier?
“Going off personal experience, I would say that reliability and cost effectiveness are two of the most important factors that an investor should be concerned with, and of course having access to durable and quality products.”
How do you see international property investing changing post covid?
“I can see there being an even greater reliance on digital services, with the use of video conferencing, virtual reality viewings, and more automation in the various stages of home purchasing. The reality is that even a few weeks is far too long for a property transaction, when comparing it to the purchase of other asset classes, so the industry has a long way to catch up. I believe we will see this in the coming years, likely via greater automation and the implementation of alternative technologies, such as blockchain.”
Do you have any top tips for investors looking to purchase in the UK?
“Do your homework up front! There are multiple processes and considerations involved when delving into UK real estate. From financing availability and costs to ownership structure and tax implications, through to legal process, surveys, furnishing and lettings. Speak to trusted professionals that can guide you through each step and provide you with the necessary and accurate information to see you on your way. We are happy to speak with buyers at any step of their purchase. Whether they are just dipping their toes in the water and would like to understand eligibility or are weeks from completion and need to press on with an application. Likewise, we can also assist with reviewing existing mortgage arrangements, or capital raising to release built up equity to help make further investments.”
Quick Fire Round…
Favourite Podcast.
The Economist
Go-To Cuisine.
Mediterranean
Favourite Item of Furniture.
My bed
Travel Bucket List.
New Zealand and South Africa
Last Book You Read.
Twelve Hours’ Sleep by Twelve Weeks Old (my wife recently gave birth to our first child!)
If you have a new property and would like to hear more about our interior design services,
get in touch with a member of our team today!