MCG Investments, based in Mid Ulster, has announced two free online events that will bring together some of the leading experts in the local property industry to provide insights into the future of Northern Ireland’s commercial market post pandemic and advice to help first-time buyers hoping to buy their first home.

The first of two webinars, Commercial Property Investment in 2021, will take place on Tuesday 2nd March at 10.30am, and in discussion with Tanya McGeehan, Managing Director of MCG Investments will be Simon Hamilton, Chief Executive of Belfast Chamber of Trade & Commerce; David McNellis, Director of Lisney and Robert Mulligan, Co-Founder of Farleigh Rengen.

This will be followed by, Buying Your First Home During Covid-19, on Wednesday 10th March at 10.30am, when Sam Dickey, Partner of Simon Brien Estate Agents; Jordan Buchanan, Chief Economist of PropertyPal and Neil Conlon, Managing Director of NI Property Finance will provide much-needed advice and tips for first time buyers.

Tanya McGeehan, Managing Director of MCG Investments said: “Despite the challenging times we have faced over the last 12 months with Covid-19 and Brexit, Northern Ireland’s property market has remained buoyant. This is expected to continue throughout 2021 with investors being largely optimistic about market conditions and activity is continuing to exceed all expectations, particularly in relation to first-time buyers.

There has been a renewal in confidence in the property market as an attractive proposition given that construction has largely continued during the pandemic. With interest rates remaining low and the return of 90% loan to value mortgages, more people are able to access finance and are actively looking for their first home. The recent stamp duty holiday was a clear incentive however, the trend is continuing despite the fact that the tax benefit is due to end on 31st March.”

“I am delighted to launch a new series of webinars to examine some of the key issues in the current property market. We have secured some of the industry’s leading experts and I am confident that their knowledge and advice will help so many people at this time.

The two webinars aim to help two very different audiences, the first-time buyer starting out on their property journey and the more experienced investor within the commercial property industry and I am confident that the advice, guidance and tips from the prestigious panel will help, regardless of where you are on the property ladder,” Tanya continued.

The ‘Commercial Investment in 2021’ webinar will examine the impact the pandemic has had on Belfast and look at the regeneration plans for the next five years. There has been an increased number of retail brands permanently closing their doors in recent months, leaving behind numerous derelict commercial buildings in Belfast city centre, and the panel will provide an insight into the current demand and supply for commercial property in Northern Ireland, discuss the barriers to UK and international investors investing in Belfast and what areas need improved on, to increase the demand from investors.

The ‘Buying Your First Home During Covid-19’ webinar will look at how the first-time buyer market in Northern Ireland is currently performing and the types of properties and associated price ranges that this particular customer is most interested in. The panel will look at the trends and insights into how the market will perform throughout 2021 and some of the important economic indicators that first-time buyers will need to be aware of. There will be information on the current mortgage market for first time buyers and the types of finance available to them.

For further information on the webinars, go to www.mcginvestments.co.uk or email info@mcginvestments.co.uk.