It's very tempting to invest in a property that seems to be a great bargain. You get a house at below-market-value, spend a few thousand pounds updating it and then sell it on for a profit. Many people have been tempted by great auction bargains, but those who are experienced in property investment know that it's unwise to buy a property without knowing exactly what you're getting first.

Property investment – getting a survey

The property your want to buy may look great in the pictures. It may even look fine when you drive past to check it out, but until you've had a survey, your property investment could still be unprotected. Surveys come in different shapes and sizes, so you need to choose the one that fits your need and your budget best, but in the case of properties that need updating, you'll always be advised to get a full structural survey. This may seem like a big additional cost, but the knowledge it brings could save you thousands of pounds. Property investment is about making a good profit, and a survey that tells you to put in a new roof, a damp course and to re-wire the whole property could be all the information you need to pull out of that sale and look elsewhere. The last thing you need is to be saddled with the expense of large repairs, which eats into your profit margin.

The easier way to successful property investment

Buying at auction means you can get property at great prices – which is what good property investment is all about. The beauty of an online auction as opposed to the traditional type is that you have the time to look at the houses that have been uploaded to the website and you can request a survey without leaving your computer. If you want to, take a look round the property before you put in a bid – and of course you can save the properties you're interested in so that you can put in the best possible bid at the best possible time. Taking the time to make sure that you're happy with your property investment could save you stress, time and money, letting you concentrate on making a good profit from your portfolio..

If you need help to get a faster sale, want to sell and rent back or are looking to buy a property at auction, contact Discount Property Auction. We're committed to helping you, whatever your circumstances. If you want to sell your home, you can use our dedicated online auction facility, which allows you to upload your property yourself and put it in front of genuine, interested buyers. Call us now on 0800 1313 999 or email admin@discountpropertyauction.co.uk.