So, you’ve bought a property, have a property, or want to buy a property to rent? What is the best way to get tenants in? There has been a big rise in online only letting agents offering services at a lower price than traditional High Street agencies but are they right for you?
By not having a shop front, an online agency will certainly be able to keep their overheads lower and pass those savings on to you. They can be based anywhere in the country, rely on the online property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla and OntheMove and as most people start their new home search online it really can be a good option for some. They generally do not accompany potential tenants on a visit to the property so you will need to arrange to be there and do that yourself.
However a High Street agency usually employs experienced staff who know the local market very well. Using their experience they can offer advice about local rent prices taking into account the location of the property, and its proximity to schools, amenities and transport links. They are on hand to offer advice to new landlords and landlords looking to expand or reduce their portfolio and they have good links with contractors for quick maintenance and repairs. They will also have tried and tested procedures in place to cover tenant checks, references, deposit schemes and rent arrears.
Like the online agencies a High Street agency will make good use of the online property portals but they will also have a database of potential tenants and the types of property that they are looking for.
It has been said that High Street agencies are becoming a thing of the past, and the trend is that these services are heading online and that is fine for landlords who know the market well, are willing to do their own viewings and only communicate with their agent by phone and email. But with the High Street agencies embracing new technologies, a new younger generation of passionate property owners coming through and and the option to communicate face-to-face, I hope they will be around for some time to come.
At New Mills Properties, we pride ourselves on providing unparalleled service to both tenants and landlords. Recently, we had the pleasure of facilitating a rental transaction that exemplified our commitment to efficiency and excellence. In just under 7 days, we successfully handed over the keys to a new tenant, from the initial inquiry to moving…
As a landlord, ensuring that your holiday let is well-maintained and clean is essential for attracting and retaining guests. Not only does it ensure that your guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, but it also helps to protect the longevity of your property and maintain its value over time. In this blog post, we’ll…
Here is what you need to know about smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rented properties from 1st October 2022. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Current Legislation Since October 2015, private landlords have been required to install at least one smoke detector on each storey of their rented property that is used as living accommodation.…
