What makes more sense to you?

Question

Hello everyone,

I'm starting out in rental property investement. There are 3 questions that popped into my mind and I'm sure some of you can help me to find an answer ! :-)

- When buying a property with the goal of BRRRR investing: is there something like a good or a bad location to invest in?

For example: in cities the prices are higher, but the amount of rent (income) you generate will be aswell. In quiter/less expensive areas you can buy bigger property but it might be harder to find people to inhabit the property.

- Is it better to rent out the full property to 1 person/family or to rent out seperate rooms to different people?

I was thinking of renting out seperate rooms in my properties. I feel like this would generate more income than renting out the whole property to 1 person.

-Lastly, what TYPE of property should I look into? I've heard appartements would be a less interesting investment than (single family) houses for exampl. Why is that?

I only have enough money to buy condo or single family home to renovate. Belgium is incredibly expensive.

Thank you so much for your help!

Appreciate it.

Jaryd Swegryd · Answer

Thank you, it is a different market indeed. This information helps me a lot, so thank you! :-)

JD Martin · Answer

Most of the answers you get here are going to be specific to the US and have that bias, so you will have a pretty severe handicap with this question because real estate is local. You have to really understand the cultural norms in Belgium - is it normal & acceptable for people to regularly just rent out rooms in other people's homes, or a bunch of strangers to cohabitate in one home? If so, then it shouldn't be a problem just renting out rooms. In the US that's not real common other than college students and low-end rooming houses.

As for what's better/worse, as an investment that produces income your goals should almost always be:

1. Principal protection - buying & renovating in an area that's reasonably certain of at least maintaining the price(s) you spend on purchase/renovation.

2. Cash generation - maximizing the amount of cash flow relative to your investment.

3. Minimal effort - minimizing the amount of work/time/effort you have to put into the property to generate that cash flow.

Other things are also important - ability to resell/refinance (exit strategies), appreciation, etc, but those are going to be paramount for something you expect to provide you a reasonable, regular dividend.