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The primary aim for landlords is to let their property at an optimum market rent with good quality tenants who pay their rent on time and in full, whilst maintaining their property in good condition. In addition to this most landlords wish to be reassured that their property can be let for 50-52 weeks per year ensuring the maximum rental income without any breaks. It is imperative that landlords prepare their properties in good clean and tidy condition with all facilities in working order.
Here at Guardian we can provide you with clear, sound, simple advice to ensure that your property is maintained in the correct condition and presented in a fashion which will be encouraging to any prospective tenants.
If you wish to let your property, call us now on 01279 635685, or use our contact form.
HOME OWNERS
As you are more than aware, in the current financial climate selling your property is becoming increasingly more difficult given the ability of purchasers to finance new sales. As the recession becomes slightly deeper and with most analysts predicting at least eighteen months to two years before we start to see a more positive future, renting your property out instead of selling can be the smart option.
If you are relocating with your job or looking to move to a larger property, then retaining your original home and renting it out and securing an investment for your future years is something we would highly recommend. Many people relocate abroad, and one of their main concerns is what to do with their existing property should they return. Our advice is when the market returns to normality or a price is reached that you think the property is worth, you would still have the option to sell. Once you have sold the property you no longer have these options.
It is important to switch your frame of mind from having an emotional attachment to your current home, think of it more as a business proposal or project over the coming years.
It is important to switch your frame of mind from having an emotional attachment to what is your home, and to think of it as a business proposal or project.
INVESTORS - SMALL AND LARGE
Although property has fallen in the last twelve months it is fair to say that as an over-all investment opportunity property generally out-performs most other types of investment. Many of our landlords who have decided to let out their property a number of numbers ago have now increased their portfolio to five, six or as many as ten properties in the Harlow area. With interest at their lowest point, yields of eight to ten percent have finally returned to the lettings market, with interest rates as low as they are, for a long or mid term option property is still an excellent return for money invested. It is also worth remembering that interest rates can go up as well as down. If you have inherited a property this can provide a useful source of additional income for possible retirement homes, income for your children’s education or a useful first step on the property ladder for the future.
REGULATIONS
The Gas Safety (installation and use) Regulations 1994
The Gas Safety Regulations 1994 cover all gas appliances and pipework installed in let properties. All landlords must ensure that such appliances and pipework are maintained in safe condition. Landlords must ensure that each appliance is checked at least once every twelve months by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and a Gas Safety certificate must be supplied and be available to pass on the tenant at the start of and during a tenancy.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES (EPC)
Landlords are legally obliged to have an Energy Performance Certificate before marketing a property for rent or sale.
The EPC consists of a graph that displays the current and future energy efficiency of the property and the CO2 it emits in an ‘A-G’ scale, together with a Recommendations Report that lists optional measures that will improve the future energy efficiency.
To produce the EPC a Domestic Energy Assessor will need to visit the property to carry out a survey.
All our EPCs are produced by local company: Performance Energy Surveyors.
Please contact us at Guardian to arrange your EPC.
BEFORE YOU LET:
There are a number of things that you must check before letting your property.
If you'd like to know more, why not contact us on 01279 635685?
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