BPI’s properties are generally either singles or double units, details of which can be found below:

Singles: This is the name given to a detached family home. All the properties provided by BPI are freehold. When financed the single family homes have the highest cash on cash returns. There is also a waiting list of tenants for this type of property. There is also a larger resale market for these properties as families and investors will find them attractive. It is often the case that they are sold to the tenant residing there. Voids are low, and can be non existent with single family homes.

Doubles: This is the name given to one building that has been separated into two apartments. All doubles provided by BPI will have two furnaces (heating) and two hot water tanks. The tenants are then responsible for paying there own utilities, with the exception of water (see net yield). These buildings have an exceptionally high net profit. There is a slightly higher turn over of tenants in double units.

Construction: Most properties have concrete foundations and basements. The basement walls are made of stone, sometimes field stone. The furnace and hot water tank is kept in this area, along with laundry hook ups (washing machine and dryer). There is sometimes a sump pump in the basement. The plumbing mains and power source can also be found there. The upper frame of the building is timber; Siding is then placed around the frame, similar to cladding in the UK. The siding can be made from wood, vinyl, aluminium. It is often the case that insulation is blown into the wall cavity.

More modern windows are referred to as thermo pane, and are similar to PVC frames found in the UK. Although some properties still have the original timber windows, which can be very attractive and often have stained glass. All the windows and doors are covered with screens, which is like a thin mesh which prevents insects from entering the house, and helps with protection from the weather.

The roofs have similar rafters to those seen in the UK. These are then boarded and a layer of shingles (roof tiles) is put over the top. The roofs can be re roofed which simply means putting another layer of shingles over the existing layer. This can be done several times before a ‘tear off’, which is done when a completely new roof is required. This roofing system will last a considerable amount of years if maintained.

The inside of these properties is similar to that found in the UK. Although the rooms are often larger in the older houses. The buildings are often sited on large tree lined lots. Some of BPI Properties are over 100 years old, and have original teak trim, doors and flooring, and carefully sculpted tin ceilings. There are many original features, unique to each building.