What Is a Search Agent?

What Is a Search Agent?

Simply put, a search agent looks for a property on your behalf. If you are looking to move – be it buying or renting – the search agent can do all the legwork for you. That’s finding suitable properties, arranging viewings and brokering the negotiations on your behalf saving you heaps of time and energy. If you really trust them, they can even attend viewings on your behalf. Maplewood often takes on this responsibility and reports back with videos or video calls, saving you further time travelling to multiple appointments.

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How to Win the Rental Game

How to Secure a Rental Property in a Competitive Market

Demand for rental properties in London has been through the roof over the past months with the market having more than recovering from the lockdown slump. We’re regularly listing new properties only to have them snapped up within days and often over asking price.

Because we also undertake property searches for clients, we know from both sides of the ‘equation’ how tricky securing a property can be. We’re lifting the lid to share our top tips on winning in a busy lettings market. Here’s how to best position yourself to secure that sought-after rental property.

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Rental Sector Resumes Business... with Plenty of New Tenants

Our Commitment to Safe Viewings and Move-Ins

As the lettings industry officially resumed business earlier this month, we’ve adapted our procedures quickly to adopt the government’s recommendations for safer working.

Using PPE, hand sanitisation and frequent washing and through observing social distancing and conducting viewings only when a property is vacant, we’re able to continue delivering the exceptional service our landlords and tenants know us for.

Additionally, with 5 new tenancies commencing for Maplewood landlords in just the first 10 days of the ‘new normal’, we are anticipating that the next few months will be busy. We also expect to see the sales market pick up again as mortgage lenders reopen and property surveys resume.

Maplewood Property can take on the management or sale of a property at any time - even with tenants in place. Many owners have seen the benefits of using us even (or especially) during Covid-19.

To discuss how we can help you, call us on +44 (0) 203 488 1224 or get in touch via the link below.

Landlord FAQs - Covid-19 Edition

Frequently Asked Questions from Landlords During Lockdown

My new tenants have already signed a contract and are due to move-in shortly. Can this go ahead during lockdown? 

Yes. Removal companies and locksmiths have been deemed essential services and if your tenants have already signed a contract, the relevant start of tenancy arrangements can easily be carried out via remote working and social distancing. Repairs and maintenance, inventories, gas safety certification and professional cleaning can all take place on empty properties after your previous tenants have vacated and in some cases, we are even able to use key boxes or have keys kept securely with the concierge in the building to further simplify face-to-face meetings to exchange keys. We’re always embracing ways to work better - right down to online signature of tenancy agreements - and this means that much of our working is business as usual.    

Does my property still require certification during this time?

Yes. The measures being introduced by the government do not affect the general health and safety requirements for rental properties. Boilers should still be serviced as per normal and gas and electrical safety checks will need to be carried out, regardless of the virus, and following the government’s guidance on safe working practices. 

Are rents going to go down… or up? 

Depending on which day of the week - and who you ask - you’ll get a different answer every time. At Maplewood, we have seen rental prices in Central London continue to be very stable over the past weeks. However, with lower numbers of tenants choosing to move during this period, it may mean that we see a surge in tenants who have been waiting to move house once lockdown is lifted. This could result in a slight drop in rental values now and a small boom as it bounces back, but longer term, we don’t anticipate any major fluctuations in the market at this point.  

The government has published detailed guidance on moving during the coronavirus outbreak. You can read it in full via the link.

Section 21 Changes

Section 21 Changes - Discussion

The potential change in the Housing Act could mean more security for tenants. This discussion features the possible impacts this will have on tenants and landlords highlighting the type of notices to be used to end a tenancy.

As tenants as well as landlords, we are thinking positively and always look forward to a tenant renewing their tenancy and staying for longer. If this is the outcome then things are looking up. See the full discussion via the link below.