We are a local, independent specialist Residential Letting Agency working within Milton Keynes, Towcester and Buckingham. As specialists in the Letting industry we are fully focused on the priorities and needs of Landlords and Tenants and unlike estate agents our loyalties are not divided by dealing with property sales. We know how to manage property for optimum performance, whilst ensuring smooth running tenancies, and compliance with the various landlord/tenant laws.

As specialist Letting Agents we pride ourselves in offering a personal and friendly service to all, whilst at the same time maintaining a high standard of competence and professionalism that you should expect from a Letting Agent.

Landlords receive all of the below as part of out standard Letting Service

• 6 months Free Rent Guarantee insurance with every new tenant.
• 6 Months Free Legal Expenses cover to assist with tenant eviction as a result of non-payment of rent.
• Full insurance backed referencing, credit checking and guarantor referencing.
• Bank of professional contractors who have been used personally for many years.
• No mark up or commission received on ANY maintenance work arrange by us on behalf of landlords. Many agents add a huge 15%.
• Arrangement of Energy Performance Certificate, Gas & Electric Certificates if required.
• Rent paid by BACS within 7 days (usually same day).
• Quarterly property inspections and reports.
• Full inventory preparation.
• All our documents are legally backed giving you peace of mind.
• Section 21 notices issued on your behalf as standard.
• Help & advice for new landlords or clients looking to rent their own residential home.
• Full Letting & Management Service. Your property really is treated like our own.
• Professionally prepared Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements.
• Flexible contact, be at the forefront as a landlord or leave it all in our hands.
• Excellent service guaranteed from people who have been landlords in Milton Keynes & Northamptonshire for over 15 years.

Details of some of the properties in Milton Keynes and surrounding villages that we are currently instructed to let may be found on this website, together with an outline of our Letting Agency service.

If we can be of assistance in any way please do not hesitate to call us at either our Milton Keynes or Towcester offices on

Milton Keynes 01908 888816

Towcester 01327 828412

You can also email us at info@prestigemk.com

New figures launched by Belvoir Sheffield, the leading letting agent in Sheffield, reveal an increase in confusion surrounding the concept of ‘fair wear and tear’, with over half of landlords questioned struggling to make a sound judgement call at the end of a tenancy period.

Considered to be a ‘grey area’ by industry professionals, ‘fair wear and tear’ is the traditional technical term used to describe the amount of deterioration (dilapidations) on a rental property at the end of a tenancy. 

With a total of 23,500 tenant disputes being logged in 2009 alone, a staggering 92 per-cent of cases were found in favour of the tenant, costing UK landlords an estimated £12 million in lost claims.

Rick Flay, Director at Belvoir Sheffield, who offer a wide range of property to rent in Sheffield, said: “Under the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), landlords now have to prove their case when keeping a proportion of a tenant’s deposit. An increase in badly prepared inventories and a decrease in landlord education surrounding ‘fair wear and tear’ is making this very hard to do. The UK landlord now has as little as a one in ten chance of winning a dispute against a tenant.

“Our own research shows that landlords in the Sheffield area have a lack of knowledge when it comes to assessing ‘fair wear and tear’. The TDS uses a depreciation guide for fixtures, fittings, and furnishings against which they will measure a landlords loss. For example, a felt back/medium quality carpet is deemed to have an eight year lifespan.  Therefore, if a tenant damages the carpet but has lived in the property for three years, and the carpet cost £300, the TDS will only consider £187.50 of the landlords claim, ie the value of the remaining years.  

To ensure that landlords are covered in the event of a dispute, it is essential to follow these five simple steps:

• Ensure that your letting agent executes a meticulous and consistent approach to check-ins, check-outs, inventories and interim visits.  If a dispute does arise, this will lay the foundation of a successful and uncontested outcome, as it will provide all of the necessary supporting documentation to avoid any dispute.

• Bear in mind that the type of tenants occupying your property will have a bearing on what ‘wear and tear’ you should expect as a landlord. Students or those who spend more time at the property are likely to cause more wear and tear than a professional couple who are only at the property during the evenings and weekends.

• As a landlord, it is perfectly acceptable to ask your agent to add certain clauses to a tenancy agreement relating to the care of specific items.  Some landlords will state that any garden areas should be looked after and maintained to a high standard.

• Remember that a formal check-in procedure is essential. Over 70 per-cent of letting agents fail to do this at the start of a tenancy agreement and without this check- in process, the landlord has no way of proving what state the property was in prior to the tenant moving in.

• Ensure that the agent visits the property every 3-4 months to check its condition and report any key changes, as this will add strength to your case.

Rick added, “When landlords come to Belvoir Sheffield, we offer them access to the most up to date legal advice available for FREE from our legal helpline.  We also specialise in creating a professionally written inventory for them, including digital photographs to ensure that they are protected, should a dispute arise.”

Belvoir Lettings Sheffield is the One Stop Specialists for Lettings including Property Management, Tenant Find, Investment and Wealth Management Advice, Fit-outs and Renovations, Furniture Packs and Investment Property Insurances and Mortgages.

For more information on ‘Fair wear and tear’, please visit www.belvoirlettings.com/sheffield.

Belvoir Sheffield is represented by Tina Clough, please direct all press enquiries to tina.clough@poppy-pr.co.uk or alternatively, call 07805716959

Recent figures released by the National Landlords Association demonstrate that void periods are finally decreasing, despite many landlords considering them to be a threat. With this in mind, Rick Flay at Belvoir Sheffield, the leading letting agent in Sheffield city centre, is helping to instil confidence in the lettings market with some impartial advice on avoiding the void.

During the last three months of 2009 the percentage of landlords experiencing voids over a 12 month period dropped from 55 per-cent to 52 per-cent. The findings also stated that the average duration of voids has fallen from 19 to 17 days. 

Despite the reported decrease in void periods, over half of landlords questioned are still considering the void period to be a very real threat, especially when teamed with a distinct rise in rental prices.

Rick Flay, director at Belvoir Sheffield, who offer a wide range of property to rent in Sheffield, said, “Although these statistics are good news for landlords, the threat of voids still remains imminent. In these harsh economic times property void is a huge problem that is plaguing many property landlord. Here at Belviour Sheffield we specialise in helping landlords abolish the possibility of voids.

  “Here at Belvoir Sheffield we currently we are renting properties on an average within 9 days of putting them on the market. We are inundated with enquiries from landlords keen to avoid such ‘void periods’ so we are offering our top five tips set to help those most in need.”

1.  Ensure that the price is right.

The price has to attract potential tenants. It must be competitive with properties in the area. Don’t hold out for the extra few pounds at the cost of having an empty property, accepting a lower payment is better than no payment at all.

2. Pay attention to the added extras.

Replacing old technology or worn out appliances with the latest flat screen television, broadband or furniture will all help make the property seem appealing to tenants. The more unique selling points you have the better.

3.  Accept viewings at anytime

Don’t let a bit of maintenance get in the way of viewings. Many tenants see the prospect of newly decorated property a huge plus. It also shows you are keeping the property well maintained and up to date.   Belvoir Sheffield organize viewing from 8am until 8pm seven days a week.

4.  Keep the property natural

Painting the property in neutral colours and adding large mirrors to the main living areas, will make the property appear bigger and give the viewer a blank canvas to work with. Too much clutter is not appealing.

5.  Ensure your letting agent responds promptly to leads

Ensure that your letting agent replies to any contact from potential tenants promptly and answer any concerns or questions they may have. If you aren’t quick you will lose out!

Belvoir Lettings Sheffield are the One Stop Specialists for Lettings including Property Management, Tenant Find, Investment, Mortgages and Wealth Management Advice, Fit-outs and Renovations, Furniture Packs and Investment Property Insurances.

For more information on avoiding void periods, please visit www.belvoirlettings.com/sheffield

The UK’s No.1 letting agent has launched “Martin & Co Student Homes”. This new Student Homes brand has been created as part of the award winning agent’s strategy to offer its service in every sector of the UK residential lettings market.

 “Student lettings are big business with nearly 1.5 million students requiring housing from the private rented sector each year, but the service on offer to landlords, students and their parents is often very poor. Our plan is simple; we already have offices close to many campus sites and we have a strong web presence, and in student lettings this online presence is even more important,” commented Managing Director Ian Wilson.

 If the step into the student market seems a logical and obvious one, why has it taken so long?

“Our strength has been that we focus exclusively on the residential lettings market. We are not a high street estate agent who also dabbles in lettings. Getting the offer right for student’s has taken a number of months of careful planning and investment in our business systems, including the training of many offices involved in this new brand and, our website.

 The biggest investment has been made in the Martin & Co website www.martinco.com . The whole site has been revamped and re-designed as part of a further £50,000 investment by Martin & Co’s head office. “We spent £50,000 on the site in 2009 and we are repeating that investment in 2010. A major addition is the dedicated Student Homes part of the site www.martinco.com/students , that allows students to search by university and campus – a feature that students said they would find convenient but which even the large property portals and specialist student lettings websites aren’t offering at the moment!”

 “In the property industry having a market leading website is essential. We have worked with students to find out what they want from their letting agent. Our website is the highest ranked of any UK lettings specialist and the student homes area allows us to reach out to a new audience. We’re asking landlords the question – “How hard is your current agent trying to reach student tenants?”

 Wilson’s enthusiasm is understandable, the brand have really done their homework, no pun intended. If Martin & Co’s success in the residential sector is anything to go by then the student market is set for a real shake up!

Photos: Martin & Co Student Homes section of the website

            Martin & Co staff on Training Tour

Contact:

For further information about Martin & Co nationally please contact Marketing Manager Jayne Codling 01202 405543 or email jayne.codling@martinco.com

Belvoir Lettings Agency, Kettering and Desborough ,have watched the market change in quarter 3 of 2010. With the decline in the sales market still going strong, the lettings industry has seen a surge of properties become available in the local area. Although this was great news for letting agents, investment landlords saw rents decrease by 12%.  

 A few months on and some headway has been made, with rents rising at an incredible speed.

For example, a Victorian terrace home in Kettering was reaching just £450.00pcm in the spring. Now the rent would reach a minimum of £500pcm.

 Belvoir are a specialist lettings group who work alongside a number of industry professionals, mortgage advisors, investors and local tradesman, to ensure they provide landlords and tenants with the most accurate and vital information, relevant to the current market. They can be found at 2 Newland Street, Kettering, NN16 8JH and can offer a comprehensive service for both landlords and tenants.

Recent press articles debating whether or not the base rate will remain low, have prompted speculation into where mortgage rates will go in the next six to twelve months. With this in mind, Rick Flay of Belvoir Sheffield has warned that such increases could push landlords over the edge. As some lenders increased their fees in August, escalating the payments on a mortgage of £250,000 by £70 a month, Rick Flay from Belvoir Sheffield, the leading letting agent in Sheffield warned that an interest rate increase in 2011 could see the UK hit by many more repossessions. Rick, Director at Belvoir Sheffield, who offer a wide range of property to rent in Sheffield, said: “Many landlords are finding that they are already stretched to capacity. If mortgage rates do increase, it will of course result in more repossessions. It is also highly likely that a rate increase will result in many landlords suffering negative equity as prices would potentially drop due to even further reduced demand.” The Bank of England, which has frozen rates for the past 18 months, is rumoured to begin increasing its key rate from the middle of next year, affecting even those with tracker mortgages. In line with these predictions, a number of economists have also speculated that the Bank of England may enforce two 0.25pc rises in 2011. Rick continued: “If the predictions of an interest rate rise in 2011 are correct, the impact on the rentals market will be immense. “Not only will landlords be faced with higher mortgage bills, but tenants will suffer too as landlords try to push up rents to cover their increased costs. Many low income families who cannot afford to buy properties in the current market are opting for rental properties, because it is the cheaper option. This could however be extremely short lived if the Bank of England does decide to increase its key rate.” Belvoir Lettings Sheffield is the One Stop Specialists for Lettings including Property Management, Tenant Find, Investment and Wealth Management Advice, Fit-outs and Renovations, Furniture Packs and Investment Property Insurances. For more information, please visit www.belvoirlettings.com/sheffield. Belvoir Sheffield is represented by Tina Clough, please direct all press enquiries to tina.clough@poppy-pr.co.uk or alternatively, call 07805716959

Landlords to benefit from stability of longer tenancies and tenants ‘trading up’ in within rental sector There is an abundance of opportunity for landlords looking to invest for the long-term across the South at the moment, according to the UK’s largest independent letting specialist, Leaders. Leaders report that demand for properties to rent has been extremely strong over the last year, with more tenants choosing to rent for longer. This has led to a shortage of available properties to rent as fewer tenants are moving on at the end of their tenancies, choosing to renew instead. Says Leaders’ managing director, Paul Weller: “There is still a lot of uncertainty in the economy with talk of cuts. This means many tenants are opting to stay where they are for the foreseeable future while they take a ‘wait and see’ approach. This is great news for landlords because it means rents are rising and there is virtually no risk of a well-presented, well-situated property remaining empty for any significant time.” Leaders, which has 46 branches across the South, reports that more tenants are now choosing to take a 12 month tenancy rather than just 6 months. Many are deciding to extend their tenancies, even at an increased rent, and average tenancies are currently around 14 months which means more security for landlords. Says Weller: “There are huge opportunities right now for landlords looking to invest or increase their portfolios in all the areas we cover. With the sales market still very slow and buy-to-let lending improving significantly in recent months, now is an excellent time to enter the market for a long-term investment. “We are finding that good quality properties with neutral décor and modern kitchens and bathrooms are being snapped up within days, and often within hours, of coming onto the market with us.” Weller continues: “Whilst what is most in demand always varies from area to area, we are finding that good quality one bedroom flats are letting very quickly – often within hours – in many locations. Good priced one bedroom flats are giving gross yields of up to 7 per cent. “Two and three bedroom houses are also very popular and let quickly as many tenants are not moving out of rented accommodation to the sales market but are trading up within the rental sector. This is definitely a trend we are seeing more than ever before. Two and three bedroom houses are frequently let within a few days of coming onto the market, with gross yields of around 6 per cent. “Generally, we are seeing yields improving as sales prices come under pressure and rents continue to rise.” Whilst buy-to-let looks a sound long-term investment, to minimise the risks and get the best results it is imperative to seek advice from an experienced and impartial, ARLA-registered letting specialist such as Leaders. They can tell you about where to invest, potential rental values and yields, how to prepare your property and your legal obligations as a landlord. Leaders also offer a completely impartial buy-to-let mortgage service to help landlords take advantage of the improved lending currently available. This can be accessed via www.leadersmortgages.co.uk

Lettings specialist ‘Leaders’ have launched a new mortgage service that allows landlords to find the most appropriate mortgages from the entire market of buy-to-let lenders whilst ensuring they make the most valuable financial choices.

 Leaders Mortgages offers a full service including free personalised quotes and a list of the best mortgage rates as well as invaluable advice from industry experts.

 Using the Leader Mortgages website landlords have the ability to see hundreds of mortgage quotes from different providers; having all these sources included in one simple format means that landlords are able to compare the best financial options without the hassle of calling/visiting every lender. The comprehensive tool allows homeowners to view interest rates, deposit breakdown, repayments and mortgage terms of the most popular mortgages, all in one convenient place.

 The website also provides a quote system so that landlords can review a selection of lenders before making the important decision of choosing/changing a mortgage.

Their site offers a choice of either a ‘Basic Quote’ or an ‘Advanced Quote’.  The Basic Quote offers a general and instant overview of mortgages that may be available, whilst the Advanced Quote allows for a more specific review and can filter products according to the homeowner’s personal preferences and requirements. This means that Landlords are able to review a wide choice of mortgages all from the comfort of their own home.

 Leaders have teamed up with Landlord Centre to provide a dedicated team who are available via phone or email to answer any questions landlords may have in regards to obtaining a new mortgage or the remortgage of an existing investment. The combination of award winning industry experts, Landlord Centre and The Business Mortgage Centre, allows clients to receive individual, bespoke information on the best options to suit their needs. The site also provides a glossary, detailing common industry terms and their meanings that can assist Landlords when searching for their perfect, personal mortgage.

Visit http://leadersmortgages.co.uk/ for more information.

Lettings specialists Leaders  will be holding three free seminars, ‘Make the most of your Property Investment’ across Surrey and Hampshire over the coming months. They aim to provide landlords and property investors with relevent knowledge about the current lettings market, the latest legal legislation, tax information, general advice on the present buy-to-let mortgage market and what is anticipated for the near future. 

Each seminar will be hosted by Leaders as well as recognized accountancy firm from the local area. These events are free to current/potential landlords and property investors but spaces are limited so to guarantee a place please email bookings@leaders.co.uk with your name and preffered seminar date.   

The informative seminars will be held on the following dates and locations.

20th October 2010 at the Hilton, Cobham, Surrey, co-hosted by Menzies Accountants. The event will start at 4:30pm with the following speakers:

Allison Thompson – Leaders Regional Director, Surrey: An overview and update on the rental market.

Simon Massey – Menzies Accountants, Partner: Tax information and advice relating to property investment.

Steve Simpson – Leaders Mortgages, National Sales Manager: An overview of the buy-to-let mortgage market, now and for the future.

Carole Charge – Leaders, Technical and Compliance Director: Legal legislation and how the recent changes effect the lettings industry.

3rd November 2010 at the Holiday Inn, Farnborough, Hampshire, co-hosted by Menzies Accountants. The event will start at 4:30pm with the following speakers:

Neal Ball – Leaders Area Manager: An overview and update on the rental market.

Simon Massey – Menzies Accountants, Partner: Tax information and advice relating to property investment.

Carole Charge – Leaders, Technical and Compliance Director: Legal legislation and how the recent changes affect the lettings industry.

17^th November 2010 at the Holiday Inn, Fareham, Hampshire, co-hosted by Spofforths Accountants and Dutton Gregory Solicitors. The event will start at 4:30 with the following speakers:

Neal Ball – Leaders Area Manager: An overview and update on the rental market.

Steve Simpson – Leaders Mortgages, National Sales Manager: An overview of the buy-to-let mortgage market, now and for the future.

Bryan Elkins – Spofforths, Partner: Tax information and advice relating to property investment.

Robert Bolwell – Dutton Gregory, Partner: Legal update – A new Government, a new legal approach to letting.

Since the end of May this year, the Rentright team have been watching from our office window as the new branch of letting specialist Leaders has taken shape here in Basingstoke.

It has been fascinating to see how MPL Interiors have completely refurbished an old printing shop – rapidly transforming it from a tired old shop-front in much need of a lick of paint to an exciting, vibrant and sophisticated Lettings Agency that catches the eye of all traffic passing through the centre of Basingstoke.

My colleague Dan and I popped down for the grand opening on the 5^th of August – whilst Dan did sterling work recording the proceedings for posterity I met with the party-goers to find out what this new branch means to everyone.

 Local developer and landlord Martin Smith, who has worked with such high-profile clients as Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, cut the ribbon to declare the new branch officially open. Mr Smith was very pleased to have been asked along and was enthusiastic about the stunning new branch.

 Basingstoke branch manager Kim Smith says: “Our new office looks fantastic and gives us much more space to welcome our clients and accommodate our growing business. We are very excited about becoming part of the UK’s largest independent letting chain and launching the Leaders brand here in Basingstoke”.

 It was a great day to invite members of the local community, businesses, landlords and tenants to witness the official opening – all in all it was a highly successful opening event and has placed Leaders firmly on the Basingstoke map!The Rentright Team would like to take the opportunity to wish Leaders Basingstoke the best of luck with their new venture and look forward to working closely with Leaders in the near and distant future.

 Flats to rent and houses for rent through Leaders Basingstoke can be seen on Rentright.co.uk.

 For advice you can trust on all aspects of renting or letting in Basingstoke please call Leaders on 0844 504 9805 or pop in to see the new office and meet the friendly team at 26 Winchester Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7DZ.