Barbers Lettings reports a record high for properties let during 2009

4th January 2010

Richard Heath, Head of Barbers expanding Lettings Department reports a record level of properties let during 2009.

Recent results of the Barbers landlord and tenant survey 2009 have identified some interesting trends, one fifth of tenants currently renting have upgraded in 2009, i.e. moved from one rental property to another, thus enabling them to improve standards of living and renting a standard of property that they would not be able to afford to buy. We currently have tenants who are in various situations from people who are relocating to the area to people in family break up situations.

In support of these findings and perhaps unsurprisingly the highest percentage of landlords are those who have been unable to sell their property and have decided to rent it out until the housing market improves. Also property owners who originally bought for investment purposes still make up 25 % of all our landlords.

With a higher than normal number of properties available to let Barbers Lettings valuations team have recently stepped forward to help landlords prepare properties to let out.

As Richard explains “the key to presenting a property is to make the most of any special features in the same way you would if you were selling the property”

Richard continues “It is important that floor coverings, decoration, fixtures and fittings are up to a good standard.  The secret is to take a step back and look at the property as an investment for the future.  The smallest and most inexpensive touches can often make a huge difference”.

“A deluxe kitchen will look fantastic but may add no real value.  Preferably it needs to be tidy and functional.  There is nothing worse than a dripping tap or ill fitting plug.  However, clean and tidy bathroom suites are essential as nobody wants to use a bath which is encrusted with lime scale and the remnants of the past.”

“Gardens should be easily maintainable with grassed and gravelled areas.”

Barbers have a substantial database of potential tenants looking for all types of property ranging from one bedroom flats to five bedroom farmhouses.  For further information or a free no obligation rental valuation please contact Richard Heath, Lettings Manager on 01630 652314 or email r.heath@barbers-online.co.uk