Construction manager Zigimantas Noreika has built up a portfolio of three buy to let properties to help provide financial security for his family - as the most secure way to invest for the future.
He has just completed the purchase of his latest investment property – his second apartment at London Square Watford, chosen for its great location, the high quality of the build and good return on investment.
The town of Watford is a top ranking destination as the UK capital’s top commuter hotspot, reflecting the excellent lifestyle on offer, employment opportunities, quality education, extensive green spaces and first-class transport links.
At London Square Watford, the stylish collection of studios, one and two bedroom apartments are in a well-connected location. With striking contemporary design, attractive brick facades and pitched roofs, the development is designed to blend in with the more traditional lower rise homes in the area. The apartments feature high specification and detailing, sleek kitchens and open-plan living areas providing flexibility for working from home or relaxing. Most of the apartments have private outside space, with communal landscaped gardens for residents to enjoy. There is private, secure parking and cycle storage. London Square Watford is close to excellent transport, with fast train links to central London and motorway links to Heathrow and City airports.
Zigimantas and his family live in Watford and have first-hand experience of all the attractions the town has to offer.
He explained: “We moved to Watford in 2019 and fell in love with the area straight away. Watford offers a great balance of urban amenities and green spaces, making it an ideal place for families. The town centre provides a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere. The numerous parks and highly-rated schools in the area make it an excellent environment for raising children. Our experience living here has reinforced our decision to invest in this location. We are enjoying the benefits and quality of life it offers.
“I am a Construction Manager for one of the top developers in the UK. My role as a Construction Manager involves overseeing large-scale projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to high standards. This professional background gives me a unique perspective and confidence in evaluating property investments. I leverage my industry knowledge to make informed decisions, assess build quality, and identify potential growth areas, which significantly benefits my investment strategy.”
41-year-old Zigimantas started his investment journey a few years ago. His first property investment was a two-bed flat in Neasden, which has appreciated significantly in value. The second property was a four-bedroom family home in Watford. The flat in Neasden has been consistently rented out, providing a steady income stream. This latest acquisition, a one-bedroom apartment together with another one-bed apartment in London Square Watford he bought last year, is part of a strategic plan to diversify his portfolio and tap into the potential growth areas within the M25.
He said: “My experience with London Square has been positive. The quality of their developments and the professionalism they exhibit have been impressive. The first apartment I bought from them has performed well in terms of rental income. This gave me the confidence to invest in another unit within the same development, reinforcing my trust in their product and the location’s potential.
“In my opinion, investing in property, especially within the M25 area, is the most secure investment possible. I’ve been a homeowner since 2006 and since then none of my properties have lost money, even during the 2008 financial crisis or COVID-19. Property values went up or at worst stayed the same. However, rents remained steadily on an upward trajectory. Additionally, rental income provides a reliable cash flow, which is less susceptible to the short-term fluctuations seen in other asset classes. This stability and the potential for long-term capital growth make property investment very appealing to me.
“I work in the construction industry, so I do recognize a quality product when I see it. The build quality of London Square developments stands out, meeting high standards that ensure durability and appeal to tenants. The yield from these properties is competitive, offering a good return on investment. Watford’s ongoing regeneration, including infrastructure improvements and new amenities, adds to its attractiveness as an investment location. These factors collectively make it a compelling choice for long-term investment.
“This is a long-term investment. Unfortunately, due to high interest rates, I’m not projecting large monthly profits for the next five years. However, when the market stabilises and property demand increases, I’m confident that the property value will increase as well. Given the cyclical nature of property markets, I anticipate that interest rates will eventually normalise, leading to an increase in property values. My strategy is to hold onto this investment through market fluctuations, ensuring steady income in the short term and significant capital appreciation in the long term. This patient approach aligns with my overall investment goals and provides a buffer against economic uncertainties.
“Beyond securing a comfortable retirement, my investments also aim to provide financial security for my family. The rising cost of homeownership is a concern, and by building a robust property portfolio, I can potentially support my children in their future endeavours, whether that means helping them purchase their first home or funding their education. At the same time, achieving personal dreams and goals remains a priority, and a successful investment portfolio will enable us to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle in retirement.
Zigi added: “At this stage in my life, I am focused on building a solid financial foundation for the future. With over a decade of experience in property investment and construction, I have developed a clear strategy and set long-term goals. My age allows me to blend a forward-looking approach with the experience and insights gained over the years, positioning me well to navigate the property market and achieve my investment objectives.”