How to protect your Essex & Kent rental property this winter

Winter has officially arrived. Christmas lights are being put up here, there and everywhere and the days are getting colder, but how can landlords ensure that this year's winter period is disaster-free?

Well, here at Balgores Property Group, we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure when it comes to a landlord’s rental property, so follow these tips to nip any potential problems in the bud...

Educate your tenants

Well-informed tenants are the best protection against winter rental damage, but don’t assume that they know their stuff. As their landlord it’s your responsibility to educate them, so when your tenant moves in, make sure you provide them with a detailed information pack.

This should cover how to work the boiler and inform them where the stopcock is, should the water need to be turned off. Don’t forget to leave your tenants with a couple of contact numbers should an emergency arise, too.

Check the pipes

One of the biggest winter perils for a landlord is pipes with breakages or leaks, as in the colder months these pipes can freeze, expand and burst. This can cause havoc for landlords, causing expensive water damage, and could leave the property inhabitable for the tenant. It’s therefore vital that you or your letting agent regularly check them for breakages, and fix sooner rather than later if needed.

Bleed the radiators

The last thing a tenant wants in the middle of winter is a property without working radiators, so it’s crucial that you regularly bleed them. Doing so releases any trapped air within, meaning that the heat is able to travel along the whole of the radiator, providing maximum effect. This will also warm the property more efficiently.

Tenants should also be advised to keep the heating on at a low heat if they are to holiday in the winter period, so that the pipes don’t freeze.

Clear the gutters

Autumn is a season which often leaves behind a leafy reminder, often in a rental property’s gutter. This is why it is crucial that you keep an eye on your gutters and ensure that they’re clear, as leaves can collect, leading to blocks and overflows. It could also be worth your while investing in gutter leaf guards to prevent the problem reoccurring.

Be thief aware

Winter, and particularly the festive period, is a time when your tenants may leave the property vacant for a couple of weeks. Student tenants are in plentiful supply in areas like Chelmsford and Brentwood where we let property, and are likely to travel back home Christmas. Many tenants may also choose to holiday, or visit family during the cold snaps of winter.

It’s therefore vital your rental property is not open to thieves whilst tenants are away. Fit noticeable alarms outside of the property and install motion sensors too; tenants will appreciate you going the extra mile when it comes to the protection of their home.

Void periods are also a landlord’s worst nightmare, especially in winter, but if you choose to let your property with trusted estate and letting agent Balgores Property Group we market your property in the right places to ensure void periods are minimised.

If you require further information about letting property in Kent, Essex or their surrounding locations then get in touch with our team of property experts today.

Alternatively, if you would like to discover how much rent you could obtain from a property then why not check out our handy free online valuation tool?

http://www.balgoresproperty.co.uk/News/12760/Protect-your-rental-property.aspx

Balgores Property Group wins four prestigious property awards

Balgores Property Group has just scooped four new prestigious awards, including the International Property Awards 2015 and The Negotiator Awards 2015. 

Balgores competed against the best estate and letting agents across the UK and was awarded the Best Letting Agency and Best Sales Agency in Essex, at the International Property Awards. 

Balgores was also recognised for a further two national awards including the Medium Estate Agency of the Year and Property Management Department of the Year, at the industry-leading, Negotiator Awards.

Both Awards were made at gala and presentation dinners in London and represent a significant achievement for Balgores.  The firm has had a bumper year, thanks to the expansion of its sales and lettings teams, the opening of a new offices at Gravesend, Kent; and the introduction of new staff training initiatives.

Martin Gibbon, a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents and Group Director of Balgores Property Group comments: “We pride ourselves on giving our clients a highly professional service, backed by a team of dedicated property professionals.  Winning these prestigious awards shows that we are on the right track. They are also fantastic accolade for the Group’s hard working and committed staff. 

“I would like to thank everyone in the Company for the great contribution they have made to our success this year and look forward to maintaining and further developing the high standard of service that we provide to our clients.”

The International Property Awards’ judging panel consisted of over 70 highly respected experts from all over the world and is chaired by three active members of the House of Lords: Lord Caithness, Lord Best and Lord Courtown.

For further information, contact your local office or visit Balgores Property Group.

Why it’s the right time to sell your Chelmsford property

It appears that Chelmsford has become somewhat of a property hotspot, recording price rises of 12% in the last twelve months.

These figures, which have been released by estate and letting agent Balgores Property Group, should come as no surprise as Chelmsford has grown leaps and bounds since it was given city status back in 2012.

The average property price in Chelmsford currently stands at a handsome £361,000, higher than the average price of an Essex home which is £347,000.

Both of these figures also surpass the national average of £294,000, meaning that even if you have an Essex property not located in Chelmsford, you’re still likely to achieve a great price when you come to sell.

Even in the past four months or so we’ve seen a marked increase in the amount of buyers looking for a Chelmsford property.

When buyers look to purchase a new property, location really is everything. Chelmsford provides a cost-effective solution for those who don’t want to live far from the capital. It is a wider commuter belt city, and this is the primary reason why buyers are heading here in their droves.

Chelmsford residents are able to travel to London Liverpool Street in just 30 minutes, where any other London location is easily accessible. Additionally, even though there has been a marked increase in property prices here in the last year, property in Chelmsford is still decidedly cheaper than in many locations in the capital.

This area is therefore ideal for young couples or professionals who wish to lay down some roots close to work without having to fork out an arm and a leg.

Our director, Martin Gibbon, discussed this impressive property price increase in the city and commented that: “this, coupled with the fact that mortgage rates are still low, means that people are more likely to pay the asking price, or a higher price, to secure their dream home. This, in turn, is driving up property values.”

This increase in demand for property in and around Chelmsford isn’t just from young professionals, either. The area has wide-ranging appeal and in recent years the city has witnessed an influx of families, thanks to its selection of brilliant schools and numerous open spaces.

Chelmsford certainly isn’t an area which is sitting back and relaxing either after witnessing significant increases in house price values. Instead, different projects further improving infrastructure in the area are being put in place. One of the key ways which Chelmsford is looking to develop as a city is through updating its shopping and leisure facilities.

An exciting Bond Street retail development is coming to fruition, and looks likely to be finished by the end of 2016. There will be a selection of 32 shops, including a three-storey John Lewis, five popular restaurants and a cinema in the city. This is set to attract more residents and visitors to the area, while also providing more jobs.

If that wasn’t enough to entice buyers to the area, there is also a new mega-housing development which will contain a range of family houses located adjacent to parkland and popular schools.

Chelmsford’s versatility of appeal is what makes the area so exciting, this Essex city has a bright future ahead of it, and is only set to become even more popular for property buyers.

If you are considering putting your Chelmsford property up for sale, or any other property in Essex, then why not contact the property experts at Balgores Property Group today?

We’re highly experienced at selling property and know what the modern buyer is looking for.

Alternatively, if you would like to discover how much your property could be worth in this fast-paced housing market, then enter your details and get a free, online property valuation. 

http://www.balgoresproperty.co.uk/News/12496/Sell-your-Chelmsford-home-now.aspx