According to many scribes, the ability to hold up a looking glass up an industry and deliver a true reflection of its current state of health is a responsibility best entrusted to its benchmark exhibition - a 'live environment litmus test' some have called it. In the case of our sector that challenge falls firmly on the shoulders of our longest running expo - one that can trace its ancestry back to the pre-buy to let period. Since launching in 2002, this expo has provided an uncannily accurate barometer of the pressure points within our industry - hence it is one that the shrewd and serious take careful note of.
The phrase of the moment 'property bubble' will be on many lips in October - with all of us trying to make sense of the very mixed messages emerging in recent months. Is London still 'hotting up' or 'cooling down'? … is the ripple effect happening? … and should the South East investor be looking north of Birmingham for healthy yields and (whisper it quietly) capital growth? Peter Bolton King (a man who was firmly in the "no bubble" camp 12 months ago), will present the current RICS perspective on this topic in what promises to be an illuminating presentation on Friday afternoon 10th October - and we anticipate several other distinguished voices will be equally forthright in delivering their thoughts.
A sneaky peak at the first phase of the upcoming shows' exhibitor list reveals that 'regular' buy to let deals from across the country will be out in force, as indeed will be another event favourite - UK Student Investment. One area that seems to be developing a particularly healthy momentum is peer-to-peer lending with several property-related crowd funded options confirmed to be in the hall. As this magazine went to press, that list included The House Crowd, Proplend and Crowd Property.
With investment property in short supply in some parts of the country, it is encouraging to learn that 'property sourcing' solutions will be present on the exhibition floor.
Followers of international property trends - and monitors of confidence in the Eurozone - won't be surprised to learn that the event again anticipates a varied representation from the safer haven of the United States. The Florida market has been basking in plenty of positive sentiment this year, while a healthy mix of property options from other states and cities will be competing for share of voice too. While still tracking well below historic levels, it is interesting to note that the Spanish content seems to be building. Whether this is a result of rising seller confidence or a response to the relative strength of sterling (or perhaps both) remains to be seen. Similarly, participation by a number of long-haul developers and agents is good to witness.
A favourite aspect of this event is the opportunity it provides for all of us to compare and contrast. The seminar programme presents a healthy mix of traditional and new - with enough independent speakers to ensure a healthy mix of views. Confirmed speakers include John Charcol's Ray Boulger, Landlordzone's Tom Entwistle and current breakfast television favourite - Kate Faulkner. The AIPP's Peter Robinson will host a debate on good practice in Overseas Property, while Shawbrook Bank will host a financial session.
As always PIN magazine's Richard Bowser will give his 'state of the investment nation' address on both days.
Veteran investors will, as usual, find plenty to interest them too - with a selection of off-market deals and 'robust' panel debates always a magnet.
While possibly not a defined category as such, the number of investment propositions offering some sort of 'Exit Strategy' element remains in the ascendant, with perhaps the definitive example provided by IPIN Global.
Expect the 'alternative investment' sector to be quietly represented too.
And do please find a few minutes to drop in at The Property Investor News™ stand (no 6 - close to the main entrance). It's the last major property investor gathering of 2014 and we'd love to see you attending this October.
