Suffolk-based property developer John Howard is revealing his tips on how to make a fortune buying and selling property in a new book.
John Howard, with more than 35 years experience in the property business - and the man behind the £25m Winerack tower block re-birth in Ipswich Waterfront - has been making money from property since he was a teenager in Felixstowe.
Now his business empire includes estate agency - including a new agency Exquisite Home which is to be franchised nationally.
He is also a director and shareholder of Auction House UK, the number one property auction business in the country, with its more than 40 branches.
Now he has written a “how to do it” book; full of advice and tips, sharing his experience and his knowledge.
`John Howard’s Inside Guide to Property Development and Investment - for Newcomers’, is now on sale.
“it’s worth bearing in mind that even the realy well known property developers and builders in this country stared by building or renovating just one property.”
The new book gives advice on avoiding pitfalls in buying and selling property, finding deals and arranging finance.
Millions of people have invested in buy-to-let properties during a time of low returns on savings accounts, with record low interest rates being paid. But there are pitfalls to avoid, he saidl.
“So many more people now are buying property to invest for their future.
“So many people think they can just do it and they get into difficulties and trouble.
“I hear property experts on TV tell everyone how to how to buy and refurbish properties, and they make a small profit, or not a profit at all.
“It is not about what coffee to put on when people come round the house to view.
“This is hearing advice from somebody who has been doing it for 35 years.
“I have made mistakes along the way, like everybody else.
“Everybody makes mistakes. If someone tells you he has not made a mistake, I will show you a liar.
“We find people buy property at auctions with little or no experience and get themselves into difficulties.
“Read this before an auction and it will help. It might be the best £10 you have ever spent; it might save you £10,000.”
John Howard’s first property deal was on his 18th birthday; and his mum lent him a small amount of money for a deposit; which he repaid with interest.
Now his most high profile project is in Ipswich Waterfront, where The Winerack, which became a symbol of the recession and stood as a skeleton, is now under way again.
Builders RG Carter are building out the scheme for 150 apartments and commercial space.
Mr Howard said: “We are on schedule. The first 11 (apartments), will be ready for occupation in May 2019 and the whole project wil be finished in December.”
His book is on sale via Amazon and on his Facebook page, priced £9.99.
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