Joe Martin Bindley has worked in the property industry since 2005, and over the past two decades, he’s built a track record most investors would be proud of.
As the founder of Peninsular Property, Joe has overseen more than £300 million worth of property purchases, including over 1,000 properties across the UK.
With deep experience in the property market and a practical, hands-on approach, Joe has helped hundreds of landlords grow their portfolios. His advice is based on what’s worked over years, not months and it’s grounded in real numbers and real outcomes.
If you’re thinking about buy-to-let or already in the game, here are Joe’s five most valuable tips based on his experience in the property industry.
No. 1 – Think Long-Term, Not Short-Term Gains
Joe stresses the importance of looking beyond short-term wins. Quick returns may look good on paper, but they often come with more risk. The most reliable gains in buy-to-let come over years, not months.
A few things Joe looks for when choosing a location:
- Consistent rental demand
- Employment hubs or good commuter links
- Local infrastructure investment or regeneration projects
The market will always have its ups and downs. Joe’s view is that your strategy should be strong enough to handle both. If a property only works in perfect conditions, it’s probably not the right one.
No. 2 – Get Your Numbers Right From Day One
Misjudging the maths is one of the most common and costly mistakes Joe has seen from new investors. It’s not just about the mortgage and purchase price.
According to Joe Martin Bindley, you should always factor in:
- Letting agency or property management fees
- Repairs, maintenance, and regular safety checks
- Void periods between tenancies
- Insurance and landlord licensing
- Tax liabilities on rental income and capital gains
Joe recommends testing the deal under a worst-case scenario. If it still turns a profit when things don’t go smoothly, that’s a good sign. If the deal only looks good with optimistic assumptions, it’s best to keep looking.
No. 3 – Understand the Local Area Inside Out
Joe Martin Bindley, the founder of Peninsular Property, doesn’t invest in places he hasn’t spent proper time in. One of his key lessons: you need to know the streets, not just the city.
He advises spending time in the neighbourhood and asking:
- Who lives here and why?
- What types of properties rent well locally?
- Are there any major developments or transport upgrades nearby?
- Are there schools, shops, and public services tenants will value?
Joe preaches to talk to local letting agents before investing. They can offer real insight into what tenants want and what properties they avoid. Two streets apart can mean a huge difference in rental return and tenant quality.
No. 4 – Run It Like a Business, Not a Side Project
One of the things Joe stresses most is treating property like a proper business. Whether you own one flat or a hundred, professionalism matters.
What this means in practice:
- Keep proper financial records from day one
- Use detailed tenancy agreements and carry out full tenant referencing
- Keep properties well-maintained and legally compliant
- Budget for regular upgrades to avoid falling behind the market
Joe’s own success with Peninsular Property has come partly from reinvesting profits: upgrading kitchens and bathrooms, modernising interiors, and increasing appeal to quality tenants. Doing the bare minimum may save money short term but costs more later.
No. 5 – Work With the Right People
Behind every successful property investor is a strong team. Joe Martin Bindley has built trusted relationships with surveyors, brokers, solicitors, and contractors, and credits that network with helping him scale effectively.
He says it’s worth taking the time to find:
- A mortgage broker who understands property investment
- A solicitor who moves quickly and communicates well
- A letting agent who treats your property like their own
- Reliable tradespeople who show up when they say they will
Joe warns against cutting corners to save a few pounds. Paying for good advice and dependable service often prevents far more expensive problems.
Joe’s Final Word
With nearly 20 years in the property industry and over 1,000 properties under his belt, Joe Martin Bindley has learned what works and what doesn’t.
His advice to anyone getting started in buy-to-let is simple: do the research, take your time, and treat it like a business.
From his experience at Peninsular Property, Joe believes long-term success comes down to three things: solid planning, smart spending, and surrounding yourself with the right people.
Buy-to-let isn’t passive income; it takes real work, but with the right approach, the results can be worth it.
