London House Exchange Review

An Initial Review to the UK Peer-to-Peer Lender London House Exchange (formerly Property Partner)

Introduction

Although I have not invested yet in London House Exchange (yet), I have completed extensive research, so rather than leave it in a draw somewhere, I decided to publish it so others can use it in their research. I hope you find it useful.

My London House Exchange review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the UK-based peer-to-peer lending platform, exploring its features, advantages, and potential drawbacks. As we progress through this review, I will discuss the company’s background, how the platform works, and assess its suitability for various types of investors. By the end of this review, you should have a clear understanding of whether this platform is the right choice for your investment needs.

I. Company Background

Founded in 2014 (platform launched in 2015), London House Exchange (frmly Property Partner) is a UK-based property crowdfunding platform that enables investors to buy shares in residential, commercial, and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) properties. Through the platform, investors can access the property market without the need for substantial capital or direct property management responsibilities. Previously named “Property Partner”, in January 2023, they renamed to London House Exchange to “better describe the purpose of the platform” amongst other reasons.

Read more about the rebranding here and here.

II. How London House Exchange Works

The platform allows investors to purchase shares in individual properties, offering a diverse range of investment opportunities with varying levels of risk and return. The process can be broken down into the following steps:

1. Property Selection: London House Exchange’s expert team conducts thorough research and due diligence to identify high-quality investment properties. This includes assessing factors such as location, rental yields, and capital growth potential.
2. Property Listing: The chosen properties are listed on the platform, along with detailed information on the investment, including the property’s valuation, rental income, and projected returns. This London House Exchange review acknowledges the platform’s commitment to providing transparent and comprehensive information to investors.

3. Investment: Investors can browse the listed properties and choose the ones that align with their investment goals. They can invest as little as £250, allowing for portfolio diversification and risk management. Throughout this review, I will highlight the benefits of this low minimum investment requirement.
4. Property Management: Once a property is fully funded, the platform takes care of all aspects of property management, including tenant sourcing, rent collection, and maintenance. This hands-off approach is a key advantage.
5. Rental Income and Capital Growth: Investors receive monthly rental income proportional to their share in the property. Additionally, they can benefit from capital growth if the property value increases over time.
6. Resale: Investors can sell their shares through London House Exchange’s secondary market, allowing them to exit their investments and realize potential capital gains.

III. Platform Features

In this section of the London House Exchange review, I will discuss platform’s standout features, which include:

1. Diversification Opportunities: London House Exchange offers a wide range of investment options, including residential, commercial, and PBSA properties. This allows investors to diversify their portfolios and manage risk effectively.
2. Auto-Invest Function: London House Exchange’s Auto-Invest feature enables investors to automate their investments based on their chosen criteria, such as property type, location, and investment amount. This review commends the platform for making property investing more accessible and convenient.
3. Secondary Market: London House Exchange’s secondary market allows investors to buy and sell shares in properties, providing liquidity and flexibility in managing their investments.

4. Expert Property Management: As mentioned earlier, the platform handles all aspects of property management on behalf of investors. This makes the investment process hassle-free, particularly for those who lack the time or expertise to manage properties directly.
5. Educational Resources: The platform offers an extensive range of educational resources, including articles, webinars, and market insights. This London House Exchange review acknowledges the value of these resources in empowering investors to make informed decisions.

IV. Fees and Charges

A crucial aspect of any evaluation of the fees and charges associated with the platform. London House Exchange has a transparent fee structure, which includes:

1. Property Purchase Fee: A one-time fee of 2% of the investment amount, charged when an investor purchases shares in a property.
2. Management Fee: An annual fee of 10.5% (including VAT) of the gross rent, charged for property management services.
3. Selling Fee: A 1.2% (including VAT) fee, charged when an investor sells shares on the secondary market.

These fees are in line with industry standards, and the platform’s transparent fee structure is a definite advantage for investors.

V. Pros and Cons

To provide a balanced London House Exchange review, it’s essential to weigh the platform’s advantages and potential drawbacks:

Pros:

1. Wide range of property types and locations

2. Low minimum investment requirement
3. Hassle-free property management
4. Secondary market for liquidity
5. Transparent fee structure
6. Educational resources and support

Cons:

1. Limited to UK-based properties
2. No guaranteed returns or protection against market fluctuations
3. Platform may be less suitable for experienced property investors seeking more control

VI. Is London House Exchange Right for You?

This review aims to help you assess whether the platform is suitable for your investment needs. They may be an ideal choice if you:

1. Seek exposure to the UK property market without the need for significant capital or hands-on property management
2. Desire a diversified property investment portfolio
3. Are a beginner or intermediate investor looking for a user-friendly platform with educational resources

However, they may not be the best fit if you:

1. Want to invest in properties outside the UK
2. Are an experienced property investor seeking more direct control over your investments
3. Prioritize guaranteed returns or protection against market fluctuations

VII. London House Exchange’s Track Record

Historical performance – Since its inception in 2014, London House Exchange has facilitated over £140 million in investments and boasts a diverse portfolio of more than 800 properties.

Investors on the platform have enjoyed consistent rental yields, with an average annualized return of approximately 3%. It’s important to note, however, that past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results, and returns may vary depending on market conditions and property performance.

VIII. Customer Support – London House Exchange Review

The platform provides a variety of support channels, including email, phone, and live chat. Investors can also access an extensive FAQ section on the website that addresses common queries and concerns. Overall, they have received positive feedback for its responsive and helpful customer support team.

IX. Security and Regulation

London House Exchange is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring that the platform adheres to strict regulatory standards. In addition, the platform employs robust security measures to protect user data and transactions, including SSL encryption and secure data storage.

X. London House Exchange’s Investment App

Mobile app. The London House Exchange mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices, offering a seamless user experience and enabling investors to manage their investments on the go. Key features of the app include property browsing, investment tracking, and access to educational resources.

XI. London House Exchange’s Community and Networking Opportunities

London House Exchange has built an active community of investors who can connect and share their experiences and insights through the platform’s forums and webinars. The value of these networking opportunities in fostering collaboration, learning, and informed decision-making among investors is important to any potential investor.

XII. London House Exchange Review: Comparing with Competitors

In this section of our review, I will compare the platform with some of its competitors in the UK property crowdfunding space. Key competitors include The House Crowd, CrowdProperty, and British Pearl. Here’s a brief comparison:

1. The House Crowd: While The House Crowd also offers property crowdfunding opportunities, it focuses more on property development projects and bridging loans, as opposed to London House Exchange’s focus on residential, commercial, and PBSA properties.
2. CrowdProperty: CrowdProperty is primarily a peer-to-peer lending platform that specializes in property development loans, making it a more suitable choice for investors looking to fund specific projects rather than invest in individual properties.
3. British Pearl: Similar to London House Exchange, British Pearl allows investors to invest in shares of residential and commercial properties. However, it does not offer purpose-built student accommodation investments, which may limit diversification opportunities compared to London House Exchange.

This comparison highlights that London House Exchange’s diverse range of property types, comprehensive property management services, and user-friendly platform make it an attractive choice among its competitors.

XIII. Risks and Considerations

In the interest of providing a balanced London House Exchange review, it’s important to address the potential risks and considerations associated with investing on the platform:

1. Market Fluctuations: Property values and rental yields can be affected by market fluctuations and economic conditions, which may impact investment returns.
2. Liquidity Risk: While London House Exchange’s secondary market offers an exit route for investors, there is no guarantee that shares will be sold quickly or at

the desired price, potentially affecting liquidity.

3. Platform Risk: As with any investment platform, there is a risk that London House Exchange could face financial difficulties or operational issues that could impact investors’ holdings.
4. Regulatory Changes: Changes in UK property regulations or tax laws could potentially impact investment returns and the overall attractiveness of property investments.
5. Diversification: While London House Exchange offers a range of property types, investors are still limited to the UK property market, which may not provide the level of global diversification some investors may seek.

XIV. Testimonials and Case Studies

To further enhance this London House Exchange review, I have presented a few investor testimonials and case studies that demonstrate the platform’s potential benefits and drawbacks.

1. Investor A, who had minimal experience in property investing, found London House Exchange to be an accessible and user-friendly platform. The educational resources and expert property management provided the support needed to navigate the property market with confidence.
2. Investor B, a seasoned property investor, appreciated the diverse range of property types and locations available on London House Exchange. However, they missed the direct control over property management that they had experienced with their previous investments.
3. Investor C, who sought to diversify their investment portfolio, was pleased with the low minimum investment requirement and secondary market, which provided liquidity and flexibility in managing their investments.

These testimonials and case studies highlight the varying experiences of investors and emphasize the importance of evaluating the platform’s suitability based on individual investment goals and preferences.

XV. Conclusion and Final Thoughts: London House Exchange Review

In conclusion, I have tried to provide a detailed analysis of the UK-based peer-to-peer lending platform from an unbiased point of view, examining its features, advantages, and potential drawbacks. With a diverse range of property types and locations, low minimum investment requirement, comprehensive property management services, and a user-friendly platform, London House Exchange is an attractive choice for investors looking to access the UK property market.

However, it’s essential to consider the platform’s limitations, such as the focus on the UK property market and potential risks associated with property investments. Ultimately, London House Exchange may be an ideal choice for investors seeking exposure to the UK property market without the need for significant capital or hands-on property management, particularly beginners or intermediate investors who appreciate the platform’s educational resources and support.

I hope that this London House Exchange review has provided you with the necessary information to make an informed decision about whether the platform is suitable for your investment needs. Remember, it’s always important to thoroughly research any investment opportunity and consult with a financial advisor before making a commitment.