Court decision will hit landlords in the pocket

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Landlords who want to evict tenants who have breached suspended possession orders are being warned they must go to court with evidence of the breach before they can act. The warning comes following the case of Cardiff City Council vs Lee (Flowers) in which the Appeal Court ruled the council acted incorrectly by actioning the […]

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Landlords voice their opinions on client money protection

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Client money protection (CMP) should be made compulsory four out of five buy-to-let landlords believe. A majority of landlords feel CMP should be compulsory when they use a letting agent to rent a property out, according to new research. Of 85% of landlords that use letting agents, a significant 81% believe that CMP should be… Read more

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Being a landlord is like a 'bed of roses' – Maybe not?

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Politicians generally respond to those who shout out loud and often, as long as they are backed by a horde of potential voters.

The housing charity Shelter apparently is run on a budget many times that of the two largest landlord associations (NLA / RLA) and regularly demonise private landlords whilst ignoring the harsh reality that tenants can often be the sinners as well as being the ‘sinned against’. As such Shelter’s voice is heard more often as they appeal to the 11 million tenants all of whom have the same vote as the approximate 2 million private landlords. Do the math…..

Recently and not for the first time, Shelter drew the attention of many in the unquestioning national media to the large cost burden that the annual Housing Benefit bill now causes UK taxpayers, pointing out that private landlords are the widespread recipients of state largesse etc. The reality of course is that all too often it is only most committed landlords who these days will take on any housing benefit tenants as public sector spending cuts take their toll. And yet all around the country local councils are increasingly desperate trying to reach out to private landlords as the waiting lists for housing get longer and the costs of bed and breakfast accommodation soars.

I recently interviewed a subscriber to Property Investor News magazine about his experiences with housing benefit tenants. This video interview may not be for the faint hearted…..

… LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: Being a landlord is like a 'bed of roses' – Maybe not?

Moving in makeover

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The experts at Belvoir reveal six simple steps to getting your property viewing ready…

1. First impression lessons

“Before you arrange any viewings it’s important to take an objective look at your property and what it has to offer,” says owner of Belvoir Portsmouth and Belvoir Waterlooville Samantha Bateman. “Most properties will benefit from a pre-moving in makeover or MOT before viewings begin.

“Start with the exterior. This will be the first thing any prospective tenant will see – in fact, many tenants will drive past a property before even committing to a viewing so these first impressions are vital.

“Has your property got kerb appeal? Ensure the outside of the property is tidy and neat, with a weed-free driveway, garden, borders and beds. Look at the front door and door furniture too. Are they in a good condition or do they need refreshing? Is any exterior paintwork dirty or in need of re-painting? And what about the dustbins? Are they on display? If so, put them away.

Co-owner of Belvoir Melton Mowbray Katie Archer agrees and adds, “Also think about your guttering and windows. Guttering should be clear of weeds and windows should be sparkling and clean.

“Create visual impact with your property’s exterior in order to invite prospective tenants through the front door and tempt them to want to see more.”

2. No place like home

“Next, take a walk through your property to identify what interior updates or upgrades it needs,” says Katie.

“A prospective tenant will want a property that they can imagine as their new home, therefore it should be ‘move in’ ready and look well cared for and maintained.

“The interior should be clean and tidy, plus think about the décor too. Could it do with updating? Most tenants will be looking for a neutral backdrop where they can visualise their own furniture in situ.

“Bathrooms and kitchens are extremely important too. They don’t necessarily need to be replaced but they do need to be clean and smart.

“Providing curtains, blinds, lampshades and other attractive dressings can also help create a sense of ‘home’.”

3. Marketing value

“Don’t underestimate the value of marketing,” says Samantha. “Once you’ve perfected your property, both inside and out, it’s time to put together your marketing material and plan.

“Successful marketing material will need to tell a ‘story’ and should take prospective tenants on a journey through the property.

“Descriptions should be enticing, with particular attention given to the first sentence which will determine whether or not a tenant reads on. Remember, however, while it’s important to try and tempt a tenant with your text, it’s also essential that you’re accurate and don’t mislead them.

“Wording should be backed up with a selection of good quality pictures, preferably taken on a bright sunny day, to create a storyboard of your property’s highlights and key features.

“Think too about where and when you’re going to advertise your property in order for it to reach the widest cross-section of prospective tenants.”

4. Inventive incentives

“Having a tenant already occupying your property when you’re marketing it can make the viewing process more challenging as you won’t have full control over access to the property or its interior appearance on the day,” says Katie.

“Some landlords offer their current tenants incentives in return for them keeping the property clean and tidy, plus for being flexible about when viewings can be arranged. This could perhaps be by offering to release them from the tenancy early if needed or agreeing on a suitable incentive together.

“If you do have a tenant in situ it may also be worth thinking about arranging block viewings in order to minimise disruption.”

5. Access all areas

“During the viewing a prospective tenant will want to see everything the property has to offer so make sure you’re suitably prepared,” says Samantha.

“Ensure you have a full set of keys to the property and that all areas can be accessed, including the loft space if necessary. Is there a lockable garage, shed, outbuildings, basement or cellar? If so, make sure you have keys available for those too.”

6. Last-minute lowdown

“While many of your preparations will take place in advance, some will need to be done immediately prior to the viewing itself,” says Katie.

“If possible arrive at the property before the meeting is scheduled so you have time for essential last-minute preparations and any troubleshooting that is needed.

“Ensure the property looks airy and bright, plus feels inviting and warm. Draw back curtains, switch on lights and either open windows or turn on the heating depending on the season.

“In addition, empty overflowing bins, ensure toilet seats are down, plus make certain each room is tidy and neat and walkways aren’t cluttered.

“Remove any post that has collected behind the front door too so that when the doorbell rings you’re ready to give your prospective tenant a warm welcome into their potential new home.”

On the day

Steps to success – during the viewing…

√ Be punctual – prospective tenants won’t want to be kept waiting. Arrive in advance if possible for last-minute preparations.

√ Guided tour – take the tenant on a journey through the property, highlighting the benefits of each space and leaving the best feature until last.

√ Life story – create an appealing lifestyle story by ‘selling’ key facts about the local amenities and area.

√ Double take – allow the tenant to explore the property and take a second look at their leisure. Never rush or push.

√ Success stories – explain why the current tenant is leaving, plus refer to past successful tenancies too.

√ Trust issues – it’s important that you come across as genuine, effective and efficient in order to gain the tenant’s trust. They will be looking for a landlord who they can communicate with and have confidence in.

√ Question time – ask open-ended questions to help the conversation flow. Encourage them to ask you questions too.

√ Answers at the ready – tenants will often ask about Council Tax Bands, utility bills, plus moving in timescales etc so identify commonly asked questions in advance and make sure you know the answers.

√ Research and reveal – if you don’t know the answer to a question, find out after the viewing and then let the tenant know.

√ Marketing matters – ensure you have the marketing material to hand so you can give out copies for prospective tenants to take away.

√ Feedback follow-up – a phone call following the viewing will enable you to gain valuable feedback about your property.

√ Expert help – benefit from the experience of a professional letting agent by instructing them to do the viewings for you.

Article Courtesy of: Belvoir

… LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: Moving in makeover

Moving in makeover

admin    Uncategorized     agents

The experts at Belvoir reveal six simple steps to getting your property viewing ready…

1. First impression lessons

“Before you arrange any viewings it’s important to take an objective look at your property and what it has to offer,” says owner of Belvoir Portsmouth and Belvoir Waterlooville Samantha Bateman. “Most properties will benefit from a pre-moving in makeover or MOT before viewings begin.

“Start with the exterior. This will be the first thing any prospective tenant will see – in fact, many tenants will drive past a property before even committing to a viewing so these first impressions are vital.

“Has your property got kerb appeal? Ensure the outside of the property is tidy and neat, with a weed-free driveway, garden, borders and beds. Look at the front door and door furniture too. Are they in a good condition or do they need refreshing? Is any exterior paintwork dirty or in need of re-painting? And what about the dustbins? Are they on display? If so, put them away.

Co-owner of Belvoir Melton Mowbray Katie Archer agrees and adds, “Also think about your guttering and windows. Guttering should be clear of weeds and windows should be sparkling and clean.

“Create visual impact with your property’s exterior in order to invite prospective tenants through the front door and tempt them to want to see more.”

2. No place like home

“Next, take a walk through your property to identify what interior updates or upgrades it needs,” says Katie.

“A prospective tenant will want a property that they can imagine as their new home, therefore it should be ‘move in’ ready and look well cared for and maintained.

“The interior should be clean and tidy, plus think about the décor too. Could it do with updating? Most tenants will be looking for a neutral backdrop where they can visualise their own furniture in situ.

“Bathrooms and kitchens are extremely important too. They don’t necessarily need to be replaced but they do need to be clean and smart.

“Providing curtains, blinds, lampshades and other attractive dressings can also help create a sense of ‘home’.”

3. Marketing value

“Don’t underestimate the value of marketing,” says Samantha. “Once you’ve perfected your property, both inside and out, it’s time to put together your marketing material and plan.

“Successful marketing material will need to tell a ‘story’ and should take prospective tenants on a journey through the property.

“Descriptions should be enticing, with particular attention given to the first sentence which will determine whether or not a tenant reads on. Remember, however, while it’s important to try and tempt a tenant with your text, it’s also essential that you’re accurate and don’t mislead them.

“Wording should be backed up with a selection of good quality pictures, preferably taken on a bright sunny day, to create a storyboard of your property’s highlights and key features.

“Think too about where and when you’re going to advertise your property in order for it to reach the widest cross-section of prospective tenants.”

4. Inventive incentives

“Having a tenant already occupying your property when you’re marketing it can make the viewing process more challenging as you won’t have full control over access to the property or its interior appearance on the day,” says Katie.

“Some landlords offer their current tenants incentives in return for them keeping the property clean and tidy, plus for being flexible about when viewings can be arranged. This could perhaps be by offering to release them from the tenancy early if needed or agreeing on a suitable incentive together.

“If you do have a tenant in situ it may also be worth thinking about arranging block viewings in order to minimise disruption.”

5. Access all areas

“During the viewing a prospective tenant will want to see everything the property has to offer so make sure you’re suitably prepared,” says Samantha.

“Ensure you have a full set of keys to the property and that all areas can be accessed, including the loft space if necessary. Is there a lockable garage, shed, outbuildings, basement or cellar? If so, make sure you have keys available for those too.”

6. Last-minute lowdown

“While many of your preparations will take place in advance, some will need to be done immediately prior to the viewing itself,” says Katie.

“If possible arrive at the property before the meeting is scheduled so you have time for essential last-minute preparations and any troubleshooting that is needed.

“Ensure the property looks airy and bright, plus feels inviting and warm. Draw back curtains, switch on lights and either open windows or turn on the heating depending on the season.

“In addition, empty overflowing bins, ensure toilet seats are down, plus make certain each room is tidy and neat and walkways aren’t cluttered.

“Remove any post that has collected behind the front door too so that when the doorbell rings you’re ready to give your prospective tenant a warm welcome into their potential new home.”

On the day

Steps to success – during the viewing…

√ Be punctual – prospective tenants won’t want to be kept waiting. Arrive in advance if possible for last-minute preparations.

√ Guided tour – take the tenant on a journey through the property, highlighting the benefits of each space and leaving the best feature until last.

√ Life story – create an appealing lifestyle story by ‘selling’ key facts about the local amenities and area.

√ Double take – allow the tenant to explore the property and take a second look at their leisure. Never rush or push.

√ Success stories – explain why the current tenant is leaving, plus refer to past successful tenancies too.

√ Trust issues – it’s important that you come across as genuine, effective and efficient in order to gain the tenant’s trust. They will be looking for a landlord who they can communicate with and have confidence in.

√ Question time – ask open-ended questions to help the conversation flow. Encourage them to ask you questions too.

√ Answers at the ready – tenants will often ask about Council Tax Bands, utility bills, plus moving in timescales etc so identify commonly asked questions in advance and make sure you know the answers.

√ Research and reveal – if you don’t know the answer to a question, find out after the viewing and then let the tenant know.

√ Marketing matters – ensure you have the marketing material to hand so you can give out copies for prospective tenants to take away.

√ Feedback follow-up – a phone call following the viewing will enable you to gain valuable feedback about your property.

√ Expert help – benefit from the experience of a professional letting agent by instructing them to do the viewings for you.

Article Courtesy of: Belvoir

… LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: Moving in makeover

Free services for Landlords

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Hi Property118 readers, I occasionally hear about FREE services for landlords, and I’m now in contact with a company that provides two free services that could benefit many landlords: Room in roof insulation Free central heating boilers The room in roof insulation is for properties with an attic room.  The company will come and insulate the… Read more

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Free services for Landlords

admin    Uncategorized     agents

Hi Property118 readers, I occasionally hear about FREE services for landlords, and I’m now in contact with a company that provides two free services that could benefit many landlords: Room in roof insulation Free central heating boilers The room in roof insulation is for properties with an attic room.  The company will come and insulate the… Read more

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Rallying call as Autumn Statement approaches

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The legal bid to force a judicial review of the Government’s controversial Mortgage Interest Relief – or Tenant Tax – plans failed at the High Court. But all is not lost. While Steve Bolton and Chris Cooper have confirmed they will not appeal the decision, the RLA is continuing to lobby at the very highest level […]

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What does Heathrow expansion mean for property?

admin    Uncategorized     agents

Expanding airport capacity in the UK has been a hot topic for years. The South East of England has taken the limelight in the political debate, as Gatwick and Heathrow became the top contenders for expansion proposals. For big business, Heathrow has always been the preferred option. However, it has also attracted the most criticism from both Tory MPS and local residents alike, claiming that the expansion would increase noise pollution due to low flying aircraft over nearby schools.

Despite the opposition, Theresa May’s government ministers approved the long-awaited decision at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday 25^th October 2016. Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, described the decision as “truly momentous”, indicating that the expansion would improve both trade and jobs. But what do the proposed expansion plans mean for property?

Due to delays in decision-making, the construction work is not likely to begin until at least 2020. This means that Heathrow’s third runway won’t be fully operational until 2025. That being said, effects on property in the surrounding area are expected to take affect long before more flights start coming in and out of Heathrow’s runways.

Heathrow airport is already the third busiest in the world, so it is unsurprising that the surrounding office market, in locations such as Slough, Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, is already thriving. A staggering 120 of the UK’s top 300 company HQs are based within a 15-mile radius of Heathrow airport. The Thames Valley is already home to giants like Apple, Cannon, GlaxoSmithKline and Toshiba. With stronger international transport links and more connections proposed between the UK and China, more multinationals are expected to relocate to this area over the coming years, boosting demand for commercial property and pushing up prices. Further job opportunities in the region is not only good for the local population, but will also attract other professional residents looking to move closer to their workplaces.

This in turn should further support house price growth in surrounding areas. Noise concerns from aircraft are expected to have very little effect on the residential property market. As a result of Crossrail plans and on-going regeneration projects, Slough is already experiencing a huge increase in property prices of up to 19pc per year, which is twice as fast as the rest of the South East.  Reading and Wokingham have seen prices increase from 28pc to 33pc between 2014 and 2016 and the rate of increase is expected to go up further as a result of the confirmed runway expansion. With more people looking to move to these well-connected suburbs and business hubs, perhaps it is prime time to invest in property in Berkshire. Obviously it is still very early days to pin down exact rental price increases, but it is likely that Berkshire property will fetch even higher rental yields over the coming years.  Arthur suggests keeping a close eye on Berkshire as the next residential property hotspot and a huge potential for investment!

As a landlord expanding their existing property portfolio, it is essential to ensure that it is managed effectively. Arthur property management software enables property managers to do just that, by giving them control over all aspects of their portfolio from their computer, tablet or mobile phone. Our app brings landlords, tenants, contractors, agents and owners together, in a single user interface, which makes problem solving easy, from wherever you are in the world. The Arthur software is guaranteed to help you get your property portfolio in order, no matter what size…

Come and try our 30-day free trial today!

Arthur Online

… LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: What does Heathrow expansion mean for property?

Guarantor not paying rent and bailiffs are backlogged?

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My tenant who is on benefits is in arrears and the guarantor is not paying the rent. Do I take legal action against,the tenant or guarantor? I have been granted order of possession by the court and the council have told tenant not to move out until a bailiff knocks on the door. I have… Read more

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