The website is dedicated to the growing trend in property co-buying brought about by escalating real estate prices in the UK, which make it hard for first-time buyers (FTB) to take their first step on to the property ladder.
The site provides clear and easy to understand information on all aspects of co-buying. Members can post their own profile or search other members’ profiles to find a ‘Propertyfriend’ match. They can learn more about potential co-buyers via the website’s secure email service, and use the ‘Ch@t’ member-to-member instant messaging service to identify like-minded people on the database who might want to participate in a purchase. Another popular feature of Propertyfriends.co.uk is blogging, where members can post and read blogs about real-life co-buying experiences.
Propertyfriends.co.uk also contains a wealth of information about legal matters, finance, insurance, property news and property options. Furthermore, Propertyfriends.co.uk hosts speed networking events, allowing members to meet face-to-face in a safe and secure environment.
Leonie Sloan, co-founder of Propertyfriends.co.uk, says: “Rising property prices throughout the country, especially in the south east, have meant that many FTB are finding themselves priced out of the market, with the deposit and monthly payments simply out of their reach. The increasing trend is for prospective co-buyers to look outside their circle of family and friends for someone to invest in a suitable property. Co-buying is also especially attractive to property investors.”
She adds: “In recent years, we have been so moved by the lack of opportunity to buy property and the overburden of debt in the UK that we wanted to do something about it. We believe Propertyfriends.co.uk is a no-nonsense, progressive opportunity for first-time buyers and also for property investors who are looking to increase their portfolio.”
