Buying value-add properties is a smart real estate investing strategy for those looking to maximize returns. A value-add property is one that needs some kind of improvement, renovation or “adding of value” before it can command the highest potential rents or selling prices. For real estate investors, value-add acquisitions offer several compelling benefits.
First, you can purchase a value-add property at a significant discount given its current condition or rental rates. Often properties that need some work trade at a lower price per square foot or cap rate than move-in ready comparable properties. By buying at a lower price, your potential upside gains are magnified if you can add value through renovations or operational improvements. Hard money lenders and discounted offers from motivated sellers frequently create opportunities for bargain value-add deals.
Another key advantage is the potential to boost rents and occupancy by addressing any issues. Even relatively small things like fresh paint, updated fixtures, improved landscaping or upgraded amenities can make a big difference to tenants and allow you to charge higher rents. Focus on making valuable improvements that will most benefit tenants at the most affordable costs. Sometimes attracting just a few new higher-paying tenants is enough to justify any investment in a value-add property.
For more substantial value-adds involving renovations, be very careful in your budgeting, planning and execution. Consider trends, maximize efficiencies across projects and look for ways to defer or minimize costly renovations when prudent. Well-designed renovations delivered on-time and on-budget can greatly boost a property’s value and income potential without excessive risk or huge upfront costs. Keep an eye out for ways to use value-add plays as stepping stones to higher and higher investment opportunities.
Value-adding properties also provides the chance to create equity through paying down principal or accumulating appreciation. As you improve a value-add property, its market value will typically rise. And, as you pay down the mortgage over time through operations, the equity in the property grows. This can allow you to eventually refinance for cash, or sell the property for more than your total investment, creating substantial returns. Successful value-add cycles done multiple times can build an investor’s wealth substantially through creating value and equity.
Some see value-add plays as too risky or complicated, preferring the simplicity of fully stabilized properties. However, for those willing to do their due diligence, value-add acquisitions absolutely can be a winning investment strategy. The key is only pursuing properties where you have a high degree of confidence in being able to add meaningful value relative to costs through legitimate property enhancements and improved operations. With hard work, solid planning and patience, value-added properties can provide some of the richest rewards real estate investing has to offer. Done properly, buying and building value through real estate deals is a strategy that can lead to tremendous long-term success for investors.
In summary, there are several compelling reasons why value-add real estate properties make sense as an investment strategy:
•Discount purchases: You can buy at a lower price than comparable stabilized properties.
•Potential to boost rents and occupancy: Modest improvements and enhancements can significantly increase rental income and demand.
•Opportunity for equity build-through through paydown and appreciation.
•Chance to scale through cycles: Successive value-add plays can build wealth through equity and higher risk-adjusted returns.
•Significant upside potential: Well-designed renovations and operational improvements can yield 40-70% gains or more in value and income.
•Stepping stone to bigger deals: Value-add plays provide experience and a track record of success to then pursue larger, more complex investments.
•Can be less risky when pursued judiciously: While riskier than stabilized properties, value-add plays absolutely can be a winning strategy when focused on deals with a high likelihood of success.
By weighing value-add properties thoughtfully through a prudent and disciplined process, real estate investors can find many compelling opportunities to build wealth and achieve high returns. Value-adding is not for every deal or every investor, but when done for the right reasons and with a commitment to excellence, the potential rewards can be well worth the effort. Prudent investors will keep an eye out for value-add deals as a key source of future success and prosperity.