Many inexperienced residential property investors think that when the market slows down, it’s time to look for a new form of investment. If property isn’t selling well, they say, get rid of it. But shrewd investors – whether they invest in the stock market, antiques, art or property – have a more fruitful strategy. What is it?

Why sell when the market is slow, they ask. This is the time to buy. They know that when the market is hot, buyers tend to outnumber sellers and they end up competing for stock that is snapped up at alarmingly increasing prices. So they buy when the market slows down, expanding their property portfolios when the market is in their favour so that they will be sitting pretty when the next boom comes along. After all, experienced investors know that the market is cyclical. They know that no matter how frantic the market, sooner or later it will slow down and they will be able to buy at their leisure. Often in a boom market, buyers find themselves pressured to make a quick decision or lose out to another buyer if they take the time to do the thorough research they would ideally require to ensure they have met all their investment criteria. When there are fewer buyers and competition is reduced, there is time not only for research but also to negotiate shrewdly and drive a harder bargain.