At a recent London Property Connection meeting, which is a  monthly event that I co-host in Uxbridge, an investor that I met said to me: "Property developing, hmm...that's a bit risky isn't it? And building, well that's a man's game." This investor was somewhat incredulous as to why I would choose to immerse myself in such a career.

"Well",  I replied  with a smile "you don't have to have  your backside hanging out of your trousers and a pencil behind your ear to be a builder, and once you understand the concept of how to add value to property and to assess it accurately, then the risk is considerably reduced."

However, I would say that property developing is definitely not for the faint hearted as there are always challenges to overcome and pitfalls to be avoided. Having a first class team of professional advisers and a workable, alternative plan B are also the key to success. If you can get it right, then the rewards can be great in terms of short term cash profits and long term revaluation potential, and for me a huge amount of personal satisfaction is gained when a deal comes together.

By using a sell one, keep one development strategy and  holding and revaluing only those properties that have high rental yields, I have been able to raise the cash to create a  portfolio of  commercial,  HMO's, single lets and B&B properties. By managing these properties in-house over the last 15 years, I also now have an experienced lettings team that do a great job of looking after my own and now some other local investors' properties. I tell you this not to boast but to demonstrate just what can be achieved if you understand the strategy and have the knowledge, finances and determination to succeed in refurbishing and developing property.