Zero deposits – The reality
Zero deposits – The reality
The introduction of zero deposit for tenants looking to let a residential property is available in various forms. Generally speaking it is an indemnity insurance policy that is purchased by the tenant and can have an annual renewal cost like most insurance policies.
The tenant positives are:-
The property would be attractive to a wider audience as no physical deposit would be required and it makes letting more affordable for the tenants.
- Allows you to start the rental process quicker, no longer having to save for a deposit
- Your moving costs are reduced as there is no need for a large upfront deposit to be paid
- Monies usually tied up in a deposit can be utilised to help with move in costs and things such as furniture for the property
- No risk of the deposit not being paid back, because there wasn’t one
- Once agreed, the scheme will remain active until end of tenancy
The landlords risks are:-
- The tenant is unable to save a deposit so are they able to afford the rent?
- A third party will have an input on any claim against the deposit which offer less control for the landlord.
- The new zero deposit is untested and this could be a realistic concern.
- The appointed letting agent has less control over the check out and cannot complete the work for the landlord that has been in place for many years.
- Hampshire Land & Lettings do not utilise or recommend any zero deposit schemes as it weakens the landlords position at the end of the tenancy with dilapidation’s and rent arrears. It is not a tried and tested method and as when applying for a mortgage the lesser the deposit the greater the risk to the process and seller. Our duty of care is to the landlord and what is essential is that there is a procedure in place should an application need to be made against the bonded deposit. Insurance companies have strict criteria on any claim and therefore it is not something that can be recommended to our clients.
What to expect from your Estate Agent
What to expect from your Estate Agent
When selling your home it is imperative that you carefully choose the right estate agent to represent you. The quality and experience of estate agents vary with many offering numerous additional services when what you want is to sell your home for the best possible open market value.
Standard estate agent responsibilities include:-
Taking full and detailed information about the property, each room and producing a simple and accurate narrative about the property, its location and main features.
Completing a multi picture presentation with a floor plan and measurements of all rooms.
Promoting your property online along with local marketing to a buyer database.
Dealing with all enquiries efficiently and with knowledge of the property being enquired about.
Pre-qualification of the person / people enquiring to ascertain their residential position.
Conducting all viewings with accurate feedback after the appointment.
Offers are to be fully qualified and submitted with the facts to the seller and advice given to help achieve the best offer.
Once an offer has been accepted the agent should progress the sale with regular updates to the seller on the progress of the chain until exchange of contracts.
Hampshire Estate Agent
As one of Hampshire’s most experienced estate agents we focus on the sellers needs in terms of providing an extremely professional and efficient service. We work tirelessly to achieve the best open market valuation for your property from the best qualified buyer. Our services include:-
- Accompanied viewing appointments 7 days a week or later evenings.
- Comprehensive online marketing via Zoopla Pro and Rightmove
- Viewing feedback within 24 hours or an update on this if the viewer needs more time to consider their options.
- Updated seasonal pictures
- The benefit of 27 Years estate agency experience
- Qualified offers and regular sales updates throughout the legal conveyance process.
We are a small independent company with a driven approach to our profession.
Hampshire Estate Agent top tips
Hampshire Estate Agents
—: top tips for finding your ideal home within the county
– Establish with your mortgage lender or financial advisor what your budget is.
– Identify the area that you would like to buy along with a secondary area eg, Whitchurch, Hampshire and Andover, Hampshire
– Research the location in Hampshire to ensure it has all of the amenities that you require for schools, work, socialising and communication links.
– Look at the recreational facilities and local transport infrastructure for the location in Hampshire.
– Look at the pricing trends via Hampshire Estate Agents and online property websites for Hampshire.
– Draw up a short list of properties to view within your preferred location.
– Contact the Hampshire Estate Agents with the properties that you wish to view and make an appointment.
– Always review the location at weekends / later at night and in the morning to ensure you are comfortable with the location.
– Make an offer with peace of mind and knowledge that your mortgage application in principle is approved.
Does your property or land have development potential?
Does your property or land have development potential?
Key areas:-
Vehicular access
Sight lines
Utility service locations
Planning policy
Established planning precedent
Heights and overlooking / over shadowing
If you can tick many of these then there is a good chance there is potential.
If your property is on a large plot of 1/4 acre or more then again there could be development potential as a total site or an additional dwelling within the curtilage of the existing property.
Selling land can be very profitable and or if it is your main residence it is likely to be capital gains tax exempt.
Selling your home – Top Tips
Selling your home
Selling your home – Top Tips
1 – First impressions certainly do count. Ensure the front of your property is clear and tidy with all boundary hedges or fencing prepared and attractive.
2 – De clutter where you can and keep plenty of space through out the property. It is important that viewers can be guided through without having to navigate around large items of furniture.
3 – Make sure that the property is well ventilated in the summer or warm and welcoming in the winter months.
4 – It is always best to allow your estate agent to conduct the viewing appointments.
5 – Be sensible on what price to market your property at. All estate agents should demonstrate how they feel they can achieve the value they have suggested can be achieved.
6 – Keep the property clean and presentable as best you can.
7 – Always have a floor plan completed as these are essential for online marketing.
Andover Estate Agent letting trends
Andover Estate Agent letting trends
Now that we are half way into 2019 we can evaluate the letting market trends within the Andover area. This year has seen a continued increase in the number of tenants looking to let a property in the Andover area.
Andover has always been attractive to tenants because of its value for money compared to surrounding towns and cities. This along with the level of new properties being available within the lettings market in Andover and surrounding villages has helped us to reduce any void period for our managed properties.
At Hampshire Land and Lettings our Andover estate agent business is driven by strong industrial sector with many high tech logistics company’s choosing to consolidate and move their operations to this very central location. This allows them to service a very large area in terms of the South of England. Its proximity to the A303, A34 and M3 is also a key factor.