The property market right now feels like a giant waiting room. Buyers, sellers, and landlords are all holding their breath, waiting for the Chancellor's Autumn Statement to drop. The general consensus is simple: Wait and see.

And that's precisely why now is the time to act.

💡 The Law of Contrary Public Opinion

In the famous sales play Glengarry Glen Ross, a key principle is laid bare: "I subscribe to the law of contrary public opinion... If everyone thinks one thing, then I say, bet the other way."

This principle holds a profound truth for property investors, especially right now.

If everyone is waiting—if the public opinion is overwhelmingly "pause"—then the sensible move is to bet against the crowd. The current inaction creates a temporary window of opportunity in the often-overheated buy-to-let market.

🏠 The Main Benefit: Securing Today's Prices

The most immediate and critical benefit of moving now is securing today's prices before the market gets busy.

When the Autumn Statement is released, the uncertainty cloud lifts. Regardless of whether the news is perceived as good or bad, one thing is certain: The market will move.

1. If the News is Favourable: Investors who were holding off will rush back in, increasing demand and quickly driving asking prices up. You risk missing out on value.
2. If the News is Neutral or Unfavourable: The market may not surge, but you still benefit from having secured a deal when sellers are more flexible due to the low current demand.

By initiating the purchase of an off-market or Below Market Value (BMV) investment property today, you lock in the price at a time of low competition.

🔮 The Ownership Structure Strategy

The biggest reason for the current pause is the fear of legislative changes impacting landlord profitability. Investors are nervous about potential shifts in tax relief, stamp duty, or ownership rules that could favour holding property in a Limited Company or a Trust rather than as a sole trader.

The consensus is to wait until the Statement provides a clear roadmap for efficient property ownership.

Here is why waiting is a mistake, and securing a property now is a superior strategy:

You can still change the ownership structure during the conveyancing process.

Once you agree on a price and have the property under offer, the conveyancing period (the time between offer acceptance and completion) is often several weeks or months long.

This window gives you ample time post-Statement to consult with your tax advisor and mortgage broker. If the new legislation necessitates a specific ownership type then you can work toward this before contracts are exchanged.

In an investor's world, timing a big part but time in the market is easier than timing the market. While everyone else is waiting around, the savvy investor is signing the contract. Bet the other way.

Written by Josh Patrick - Boydens Property Sourcer