In the wake of numerous reports claiming signs of recovery in the beleaguered property market, local property investors gained a rare insight into how to maximise speed in closing a transaction at a Property Investors Seminar in Wolverhampton this week.

Andy Hodges, chief executive of Midlands law firm Challinors, which has offices in Birmingham, West Bromwich, Halesowen and Wolverhampton, examined the issues that can cause problems in residential and commercial property transactions, and made suggestions as to how to steer clear of and solve them, whilst keeping an eye on avoiding delays and speeding up the deal.

Hosted by Wolverhampton lettings agents Lawsons, a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), the event took place on Tuesday 27th October 2009 at The Mount Hotel, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton.

Andy Hodges said: "The average cost of a home in England and Wales has risen by 0.2 percent from August, representing the biggest increase since June 2007. The lack of housing for sale suggests an increase in market confidence and speed is of the essence for all professionals involved in a property transaction to maintain momentum at this key time in the property sector."

Keynote speaker at the event was Birmingham-based Director of Hedge Property Investment, John Davies, who said: "Whether you wish to build a small portfolio for your retirement pension, or become a full-time property business, we can help hedge the investment by helping to minimise the risk associated with property investment in general and maximise the return on that investment, through tried and trusted methods."

Lawsons' Sally Lawson, also spoke at the event and gave her own tips and strategies on the current Buy-To-Let market. She said: "With all the recent uncertainties and speculation surrounding the current property market, many landlords and property investors are constantly torn over what their next move should be. Once again, the Property Investment Seminar was an informative and enjoyable evening for landlords, property investors and property professionals who had the benefit of some excellent networking and learning and the chance to exchange property news, views and opinions.

"My hope for these seminars is that they prove Lawsons' commitment to being a real centre of excellence for property professionals in the Wolverhampton and surrounding areas."