Investing in property can be a great way of earning a second income. And I think there’s a glaring opportunity in the UK stock market at the moment.
House prices in the UK are hitting record highs again. But shares in companies that make money by owning and leasing them aren’t – I think this is something investors should take note of.
House prices
Interest rate increases caused house prices to drop. And shares in real estate investment trusts (REITs) that make their money by leasing properties also fell as the value of their assets declined.
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The property market didn’t stay down for long, though. A combination of longer mortgage terms and a reduction in construction output caused prices to recover quickly.
Last month, the average house price reached £375,000 – a new record. But REITs haven’t seen a similar recovery and this is where I think there’s a real opportunity for investors.
There are a couple of REITs that stand out to me at the moment as particularly attractive. And if I were looking to invest £10,000 to generate a second income, this is what I’d be buying.
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Primary Health Properties
Primary Health Properties (LSE:PHP) is a FTSE 250 REIT that leases a portfolio of GP surgeries. At today’s prices, the stock comes with a 6.5% dividend yield.
The high yield probably reflects the fact the company has a lot of debt, which is a risk. If it can’t refinance its loans, the company will have to issue equity to remain solvent.
This can’t be ruled out, but I think the dividend per share would still be attractive even if this happens. And there’s a lot to like about Primary Health Properties if things go even reasonably well.
Competition is limited and the company’s portfolio is fully occupied, with over half of its rent coming from the UK government. I think it’s well worth the risk at today’s prices.
The PRS REIT
The PRS REIT (LSE:PRSR) is another UK REIT that comes with an attractive 5% dividend yield. The business is much more straightforward – it buys houses from developers and leases them to families.
A shortage of rental accomodation in the UK helps boost demand for the company’s properties. And a rising property market allows it to borrow at more attractive rates to support its growth.
In an election year, it’s extremely unwise to discount the political risk associated with a company like The PRS REIT. Standards for rental accommodation could change, generating expensive upgrades.
At the moment, though, the firm is in good shape. Its properties are all above the current required standards and I think the firm can keep generating income for shareholders for some time.
£1,000 in 10 years
With £10,000 to invest, I could divide it between the two REITs on my radar. Investing two-thirds in Primary Health Properties and the balance in The PRS REIT would mean an average yield of 6%.
Compounding a £10,000 investment at 6% per year would result in £1,013 in passive income in the tenth year. That’s what I’d do to take advantage of what looks to me like a great opportunity.
