New lettings manager all set to help Orchard grow
T
may be quite an understated word but it is one of great significance and should not be underestimated, especially when it is applied to the housing market.
One condition the market really doesn’t like and that’s doubt and now that the post election dust has been swept up the outlook is far more positive.
This is because the “mind’s been made up” and has resulted in that much needed stability word and there is distinct movement in all areas, especially at the high-end.
This more secure feeling is equally true in respect of the rental market, in fact probably more so.
There was little question that rents would have increased if the result had been different, this is because there were plans on the table and pens in hand to change the law; essentially, to make 3-year tenancies the standard rather than the 6 or 12-month shor t-term tenancies that most renters have.
The issue with that idea is that in reality it would, and not too much of a shock, have resulted in landlords (knowing they would have been unable to levy an increase for 3 years), taking the oppor tunity in factoring in a rise to cover this rule change, so they would almost cer tainly have gone up from day one.
It is a widespread view that neither landlords nor tenants want to be tied-in to a long-term tenancy. This is because, in practice, year-long tenancies give landlords the flexibility that they need and likewise with renters.
It is wor th bearing in mind that the average length of a tenancy is 2 to 3 years, rather than 12 months, because tenants do want the security this brings but they don’t wish to be tied-in longer than is necessar y or, naturally, with the prospect of possibly paying higher rents.
However, as this is now not the case it means that, arguably, the most effective control method of all – that of “market forces” – will be allowed to take over and regulate the competition, the quality, and the conditions, which has to be a good and sound state of affairs for all.
PAUL GILLESPIE; 020 8426 1972; pgillespie@gibbs-gillespie. co.uk; www.facebook.com/ gibbsgillespie;Twitter: @ gibbsgillespie
HE team at Orchard Property Services are delighted to introduce their new partner, Christopher Foster. Christopher is joining the Orchard team as our Lettings Manager bringing 10 years of experience gained primarily in the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Chris says: “I am equally delighted to be joining the team at Orchard. My focus is in providing excellent customer service and delivering true value for money.
“Orchard has a very competitive fee structure, rivalling our competitors, affording sales and lettings clients the chance to experience a first class service combined with fair and transparent fees.
“I look forward to forging long and lasting business relationships with new and existing landlords in the borough and surrounding areas.” CONGRATULATIONS to Mr & Mrs Kreamer from Eastcote who were the lucky winners of Gibson Honey’s recent Prize Draw.
In return for displaying one of their boards advertising their 0.5% sales fee, participants had the chance of winning £500 cash plus an additional £500 to be donated to a charity of their choice.
Here are the couple’s daughters, Isha, six, and Mahi, three, receiving the cheque on behalf of their chosen charity, RNIB Sunshine House School, Northwood.
“Rob and I wanted to specifically donate to a charity in the local community and the girls wanted to choose a charity for children.” Mrs Kreamer explained. “We did some local research and found out about this wonderful school and its contribution to these special children.”
RNIB Sunshine House School is a specialist school which educates blind and partially sighted children with significant learning difficulties and disabilities between the ages of 2 and 14 years.They also offer support and
Christopher is fully accredited with the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) and is able to assist you with every aspect of the letting process. If you are looking to let your property or are disappointed with the level of service your current Lettings agent services for families.
The school works hard to create a fun filled welcoming place for children to develop and grow. From the smell of pine trees placed in the reception area to the gurgle and flow of the cool water fountain, they are always trying to think up new and exciting sensory experiences for the children to interact with the world around them. Children benefit from facilities such as a soft play area, pool, sensory theatre and music therapy which are made more possible by the generosity of the local community.
Mr & Mrs Kreamer are also clients of Gibson Honey, having experienced both Sales and Lettings services. Here’s what they had to say about their experience: “Over the last couple of years, we have had contact with many estate agents in Ruislip.We have found that Gibson Honey actually care about their customers and their needs/requirements rather than just expecting interest to be generated by websites such as Rightmove and Zoopla.
“When our current house came up is providing, please do not hesitate to contact him on 01895 623 666 to discuss your options.
Orchard Property Services have offices situated in prime High Street locations, close to transport links and shops and have carefully chosen our internet and newspaper for sale in Eastcote, Kevin was quick to contact us and tell us he had found our dream house – he was absolutely right and we are now sohappy in our ‘forever’ home.
“With our rental property in Ruislip, Laura has been a great sounding board advertising to ensure that we have the ability to generate more enquiries for our properties, which in turn gives our clients more options when selecting a potential tenant.
Lettings fees start from 5% + VAT, Sales fees from 0.75% + VAT. and is never too busy for a chat and to help with some much needed advice.
“Gibson Honey are an absolute gem to deal with and whilst they continue with these values, we would never choose another agent.”