Northfields

What's Going on in the Rental Market?

The below video goes over some of what has been happening in the rental market, which will be of interest to both landlords and tenants or those people searching for properties to rent in this busy market. 

 

One of the statistics discussed in this video about a higher percentage of landlords wanting to see more regulation for lettings agents is particularly interesting. 

Northfields has long belonged to regulatory bodies like the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) and the Ombudsman scheme.  Just as you would choose an ABTA travel agent, you protect yourself from sharp practice and guarantee expertise by using an estate agent with membership of these organisations.

Does membership in a regulatory body reassure you?  Would you like to see more regulation in the lettings industry?

Five to View: 3 Bedroom Properties for Sale in West Ealing, W13

Ealing is well known as a wonderful area for families with a wealth of excellent state and independent schools as well as family friendly parks and a sense of community.  If you are looking for a 3 bedroom property for your family, here are just 5 properties that Northfields has to offer in the West Ealing area. To see all the properties that Northfields is currently offering for sale, click the link.

1. 3 Bedroom, Two Bathroom Newly Refurbished Flat

 
This newly refurbished first floor conversion flat not only boasts 3 bedrooms, but also has 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite).   Further benefits include a kitchen/breakfast room and a separate reception room. The property is located within reach of West Ealing high street with frequent bus routes to Ealing Broadway. West Ealing Mainline station is a short walk away, with trains into Ealing Broadway and Paddington.  This property has been refurbished to a high standard.

The Property for sale: three bedroom flat

Where: Seaford Road, Ealing W13

The Price: £349,950

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this three bedroom flat for sale in West Ealing or to book your viewing online.

2. Three Bedroom House in the North Ealing School Catchment Area

 
This spacious three bedroom house is situated in a quiet cul de sac moments from Pitshanger Lane and only ten minutes walk to Ealing Broadway. This property not only enjoys a location close to the village feel of Pitshanger but also has wonderful living space including a large lounge, conservatory, fitted kitchen and a garage. Children and adults alike will enjoy the secluded rear garden. And parents will be happy to note that this property is in the popular North Ealing Primary School catchment area.

The Property for sale: three bedroom house

Where: The Mead, Ealing W13

The Price: £449,950

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this three bedroom house for sale in the Pitshanger Area of Ealing or to book your viewing online.

3. Three Bedroom House Offered with No Onward Chain

 
A beautifully appointed bay fronted, three bedroom period family home that consists of a bright front aspect reception room, large fitted kitchen open plan to large dining/family room, three size-able bedrooms, first floor family bathroom and a ground floor shower room. The property also benefits from a well maintained private garden. The property is located in the ever popular 'Draytons' enclave within the catchment of Drayton Manor school and just minutes from West Ealing's busy Broadway & Mainline Station with its regular services into Paddington & Heathrow. The more extensive and varied range of shopping, restaurant and transport facilities of Ealing Broadway are also in close proximity. This property is offered to the market with no onward chain.

The Property for sale: three bedroom house

Where: Drayton Avenue, Ealing W13

The Price: £475,000

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on thisthree bedroom period house for sale in West Ealing or to book your viewing online.

4. A Well Preserved Family House with Period Features

 
A fantastically preserved family home, with an abundance of original period features. Located within walking distance from Blondin Park, Northfields and South Ealing Tube Stations (Piccadilly Line) and various local amenities. The property's period charm can be easily seen in the spacious though lounge with feature fireplace, sash windows and period ceiling decoration.  Doors from the kitchen lead out to the garden where some outdoor space can be enjoyed.  The downstairs accommodation is completed with a shower room and wc while on the first floor three bedrooms and a family bathroom can be found. The property offers opportunity for modernisation and updating while also offering an opportunity for further extension subject to planning permissions.

The Property for sale: 3 bedroom house

Where: Wellington Road, Ealing W13

The Price: £575,000

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on thisthree bedroom period house for sale in Ealing or to book your viewing online.

5. Three Bedrooms with 35' Garden

 
 A spacious and beautifully finished three double bedroom mid-terrace period family home set in this popular location close to the local shops and transport of both Northfield Avenue and West Ealing. This lovely family home is comprised of three double bedrooms, two receptions with original timber floors, ornate fireplaces, along with a separate eat-in kitchen. The property further benefits from 35' (approx.) South facing garden.

The Property for sale: 3 bedroom period house

Where: Leighton Road, Ealing W13

The Price: £580,000

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this 3 bedroom period house for sale in W13 or to book your viewing online.

If you are trying to beat other buyers to the best priced properties, we recommend that you call us on 0208 840 6666 to register your details so that we are sure to call you as soon as new properties become available. Schools situated in sought after school catchment areas sell particularly quickly, so be sure to register if school catchment areas are a priority for you.  If you aren't able to call us to register, make sure to click the link to register online now.

If you want to get to your property sold by Christmas you must list your property now!

There are 97 days left before Christmas.  And according to Rightmove’s latest House Price Index report, the average time frame across the nation for a property to remain on the market before being sold is 94 days.  That doesn’t give you much time, to have a valuation, choose your estate agent, sign your contracts and get your property onto the market.

Of course, the 94 days is a national average and does not necessarily reflect the more buoyant market in London where demand remains higher than in the rest of the country. 

Still, it is significant for sellers to note that the autumn selling season is quite short and that they should act now to take advantage of the motivation that some buyers may feel to move in before Christmas. 

At the moment, the property market is moving along, but not anywhere near the breakneck speed that we saw during the property boom.  Many buyers do not feel that there is any urgency to make an offer and complete a purchase.  However, in the lead up to the holiday season, there will be shorter timescales involved as businesses and families prepare for the festivities.  Anyone wishing to watch the Queen’s speech from the comfort of their new home, should be feeling an urgency to put an offer in now.

Getting moved before Christmas would at this point be a “tight but feasible option” in the words, of Rightmove’s Miles Shipside.  Suffice it to say, if you were to put off listing your property now, then “tight” will become “impossible”, so start the process off by scheduling your free, no obligation valuation with Northfields.  Call us on 0208 840 6666 or request your valuation online  and we can give you an idea of the buyers we currently have registered who are looking for your type of property, and what sort of time lines we think would be realistic for you to expect.

First Time Buyers Will Lose Money After March

Besides the Christmas season, another deadline is looming – the end of the First Time Buyer Stamp Duty holiday. If you wanto to sell a property that is an ideal purchase for a first time buyer, then you may want to list the property for sale now to take advantage of those first time buyers who rush to buy before the deadline.   

The Coalition government gave all first time buyers a money saving break by waving the stamp duty on all property purchases under £250,000.  But that stamp duty holiday will come to an end on March 25th,  2012.  All sales need to be completed by this date to be exempt from the stamp duty, otherwise, first time buyers will be faced with the usual taxation on their property purchase.

That means that post March 25th, all first time buyers purchasing a property between £125,000 and £250,000 will have to pay 1% of the property’s purchase price in stamp duty. 

Simply acting before March 25th of next year means that a first time buyer could be saving up to £2,500. 

Miles Shipside says that  “The stamp duty relief has more teeth to bite you in the pocket if you miss it, but that is a tasty incentive as long as you beat the deadline.”

If you are a first time buyer, don’t let £2,500 slip through your fingers - register your details now by calling our sales team on 0208 840 6666 or register online by clicking the link.  By all means, have a look at the properties Northfields currently has for sale online, but don’t forget to register as you will receive e-mail updates on all our newest instructions, so you won’t miss out on the perfect property.

If you are not sure if you qualify for the first time buyer stamp duty holiday, have a look at some Frequently Asked Questions regarding the stamp duty holiday.

 

Five to View: Properties to Let in the Kensington Area

If you've ever lived in the Kensington area of London, you'll know exactly how spectacular this area to the West side of central London really is. 

To the north, Kensington is bordered by Notting Hill; to the east, by Brompton and Knightsbridge; to the south, by Chelsea and Earl's Court; and to the west, by Hammersmith and Shepherd's Bush.

An affluent and bustling area, Kensington is full of spectacular shops, museums, parks, exhibition and concert halls - enough to keep anyone amused within walking distance from home.  But if walking isn't your cup of tea, the area is dotted by Tube Stations that can connect you to wherever it is you wish to go.

Here are just five properties in the Kensington area that Northfields Estates currently has available to let from our Paddington office. 

1.  Heaven in the Form of a Studio Apartment
 
This spacious studio apartment comes with a wealth of perks to keep you happy in your abode.  The property is situated within a 24 hour portered block and comes with the added appeal of free use of the gym and spa, plus free broadband, free sky TV and free weekly linen and towel supply. The Natural History Musuem and V&A museum are only 10 minutes walk.  Meanwhile the convenience of transport links are only 5 minutes away with a choice of Gloucester Road and South Kensington tube stations (Piccadilly, Circle and Distict line).

The Property for let: studio apartment

Where: Roland Gardens, Kensington SW7

The Price: £375 per week

Click on the link for more info on this studio apartment for let in Kensington including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

2. Two Bedroom in Knightsbridge

 
Close to Kensington, this second floor newly refurbished apartment is set within a portered block in Knightsbridge.  The property has been beautifully furnished throughout and comprises two bedrooms, two bathrooms, reception room and separate kitchen.  Features include neutral decor, brand new furnishings, double glazed windows and wooden flooring.  The apartment further benefits from the nearby transport links and amenities of Knightsbridge and South Kensington.

The Property for let: 2 bedroom apartment

Where: Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge SW3

The Price: £850 per week

Click on the link for more info on this two bedroom apartment for let in Knightsbridge including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

3. Affordable Option
 
Our Shepherd's Bush office is offering this newly refurbished raised ground floor studio flat for let in Kensington.   With high ceilings, private modern shower room and fully fitted kitchen appliance range including dishwasher and washing machine, this property is desirable indeed, but when its location close to the restaurants, shops and bars of Kensington High Street is added into the equation it is simply irresistible.

The Property for let: studio flat

Where: Holland Road, Kensington W14

The Price: £1,400 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this studio flat for let in Kensington including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

4. Over 1000 Square Feet of Space in Kensington High Street Location
 
Prepare to be stunned by this first floor two bedroom, two bathroom flat finished to the highest contemporary standard.  From the separate kitchen to the large reception room, right down to the wood style flooring, this property could not fail to impress.  However, it is this flat's sheer space and size that makes the impression with approximately 1010 square foot of interior space to its credit.  The apartment is also close to transport links and amenities of Holland Park and Kensington High Street (Central, District and Circle lines).

The Property for let: two bedroom flat

Where: Kensington High Street, Kensington W8

The Price: £825 per week

Click on the link for more info on this two bedroom apartment for let in Kensington High Street including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

5. Exceptionally Spacious Studio in Kensington

 
An exceptionally large studio apartment located on the top floor of a portered development in a desireable location close to High Street Kensington with all its local shops, bars and transport links.  The excellent living accommodation offered by this property includes wooden flooring throughout, a separate fully fitted kitchen as well as a beautifully finished tiled bathroom suite with shower.

The Property for let: studio flat

Where: Chatsworth Gardens, Kensington W8

The Price: £450 per week

Click on the link for more info on this studio flat for let in Kensington including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

Let Northfields help you to find the perfect property to meet your needs. Check out all the properties Northfields currently has for rent here.

Some Inside Information- Our negotiators will often phone to tell you about a property that has just become available before it even appears on the internet, but only if you've registered.  So beat the competition by registering today - call our award winning lettings team at our Paddington Office for properties in Kensington or other central London locations on  020 7402 6554 or click the link to register your details with our lettings team.

Rental Tips for Students

With record numbers of students taking places at university this year, there will be more students than ever looking for properties to rent.  Peter Bolton King, of the National Association of Estate Agents, advises students in the following video about rental terms:

   

If you need help finding rental accommodation, call the Northfields lettings team on 0208 567 6660 or register your details online here.

Splurge, Save or Split the Difference: 5 Bed Properties to Let in Ealing

When one of our negotiator's sits down with a prospective tenant on the hunt for the perfect property to rent, one of the first things that will come up is the budget. No matter what you want to spend, whether you are looking to splurge, save or split the difference, Northfields can help you find the right property at the right price for you.

Here are just three 5 bedroom properties for let in Ealing that Northfields Estates currently has available for rent. There's one to suit every budget.

Splurge

This property would be ideal for a corporate let.

£5,415 pcm - Mulgrave Road

The essentials:

• 5 beds
• 3 reception rooms
• large kitchen
• large rear garden
• in a prime location in Ealing

The "wow" factor

• refurbished to an exceptionally high-quality throughout
• cinema screen in one of the three receptions
• a cook's dream - Neff appliances in the kitchen
• rustic oak wood flooring
• coloured CCTV and secure electric gated driveway with room for three cars

Click the link for more photos, a map, and information on this 5 bedroom property to let in Ealing or to book your viewing online.

Save

If your budget doesn't quite stretch to your own cinema screen, then this lovely and well located property in Ealing will fit the bill.

£2,200 pcm - Rathgar Avenue

The essentials:

• five bedroom house
• dining room and breakfast room
• stunning private garden
• off street parking

The "wow" factor

• wood floors and contemporary decor
• walking distance to Northfields Tube Station (Piccadilly Line)
• walking distance to Ealing Broadway (Central and District Lines, plus mainline services to Heathrow and Paddington)
• close to Walpole and Lammas Parks

Click the link for more photos, a map, and information on this five bedroom house to let in Ealing or to book your viewing online.

Split the Difference

If you want something that sits happily in the middle, budget-wise but still has five bedrooms and lots of appeal this may be the property for you.

£3,011 pcm - Warwick Road

The essentials:

• five bedrooms
• Large kitchen with dining room
• Garden
• Off street parking for three cars

The "wow" factor

• feature fireplace and large bay window in the reception room
• contemporary kitchen
• beautiful large, south facing garden
• semi-detached
• within walking distance to Ealing Broadway (Central and District Lines, plus mainline services to Heathrow and Paddington) and South Ealing Station (Piccadilly Line)

Click the link for more photos, a map, and information on thissemi-detached 5 bedroom house for let in Ealing or to book your viewing online.

Call our lettings team on 0208 567 6660 and tell us what your budget is and we'll find a property that suits you within your price range. Or take a minute to let us know your rental requirements online.

Five to View: Properties for Sale in West London for Under £250,000

One of the best ways to save a bit of money when buying property is to buy a property that is under the £250,000 stamp duty threshold. Properties from £125,000 to £250,000 are charged at 1%, but properties that sell above the £250,000 threshold are charged at 3%, so choosing properties under the 3% level will save money.

If you are a first time buyer the news gets even better - if you purchase a property for under £250,000 before March 25th, 2012 you owe no stamp duty at all! The Coalition government instituted a stamp duty holiday especially for first time buyers. To find out more about the first time buyer stamp duty holiday and whether or not you qualify for the scheme, click the link.

Here are just 5 properties that Northfields has to offer, all available for under £250,000, ranging from studios to 3 bedroom flats. To see all the properties that Northfields is currently offering for sale, click the link.

1. Studio in an Outstanding Location

A fantastically located studio apartment in the heart of Shepherds Bush. Briefly comprising a studio room, separate kitchen and a shower room, this property represents an excellent opportunity to get onto the housing ladder in a sought after area.

The Property for sale: studio flat

Where: Boscombe Road, Shepherd's Bush W12

The Price: £195,000

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this studio flat for sale in Shepherd's Bush or to book your viewing online.

2. One Bedroom Flat in Between West Ealing and Ealing Broadway

A one bedroom apartment in this purpose built block in an excellent location. An ideal first purchase or buy to let investment the property comprises reception room, double bedroom, modern kitchen and bathroom. Hastings Road is located just off Drayton Green Road making it ideally positioned for the shopping, restaurant and transport facilities of West Ealing (Mainline services to Paddington) and Ealing Broadway (Central and District lines, plus mainline services to Paddington and Heathrow).

The Property for sale: one bedroom flat

Where: Hastings House, Ealing W13

The Price: £185,000

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this one bedroom flat for sale in Ealing or to book your viewing online.

3. Two Bedroom Flat Close to Transport Connections to London Waterloo

A great first time buy with two good sized bedrooms, open plan kitchen, lounge and bathroom. The property is located on the first floor in this secure modern building within easy reach of various transport links including Brentford Mainline Station with connections to London Waterloo and Boston Manor Tube Station (Piccadilly Line) as well as easy access to the A4/M4 for the motorist. The property is presented in very good order with neutral decoration throughout. The flat is situated near to the green spaces of Boston Manor Park.

The Property for sale: two bedroom flat

Where: Boston Park Road, Brentford TW8

The Price: £214,500

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this two bedroom flat for sale in Brentford or to book your viewing online.

4. Stylish Two Bedroom Flat Offered with No Onward Chain

This stylish two bedroom apartment combines contemporary living space with an enviable location, just off the Uxbridge Road and therefore close to the bustling and youthful Ealing Broadway with its array of shops and restaurants, not to mention its Underground station for central London. Hanwell National Rail station is also close by. The apartment itself features a fitted kitchen as well as a private balcony for reflection at the end of a hard day, and secure off-road parking for greater peace of mind if you own a car. On top of all this, there is no onward chain so the prospective buyers, of which there will be many, need not worry about that!

The Property for sale: 2 bedroom flat

Where: Diamond Court, Hanwell W7

The Price: £239,950

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this 2 bedroom flat for sale in Hanwell or to book your viewing online.

5. Three Bedrooms with Private Patio Garden

A 3 bedroom split level flat, which comprises its own private patio garden. The accommodation benefits from a separate kitchen-dining room, reception room, bathroom and a separate cloak room. Sherwood Close is situated near Northfields Avenue and is moments away from Northfields Piccadilly line and West Ealing main line station. This property is an ideal first time buy or a buy to let investment.

The Property for sale: 3 bedroom split level flat

Where: Sherwood Close, Ealing W13

The Price: £225,000

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this three bedroom split level flat for sale in Ealing or to book your viewing online.

If you are trying to beat other buyers to the best priced properties, we recommend that you call us on 0208 840 6666 to register your details so that we are sure to call you as soon as new properties become available.

Properties that are competitively priced tend to sell very quickly, so if you aren't able to call us make sure to click the link to register online now.

To see more properties that Northfields currently has for sale for under £250,000, click the link.

You're an Honest Person, Why Should Mortgage Fraud Matter to You?

Exaggerating your income at a dinner party is one thing, but lying about your salary on a mortgage application is another thing entirely.  Sadly, cheating on your mortgage application is a £1 billion a year problem.

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has come up with a solution.  The new scheme involves HMRC partnering with mortgage lenders to sniff out fraudulent mortgage applications.

Under the scheme, those people who lie about their salaries to get a larger mortgage could face prosecution.

How Does the Scheme Work?

HMRC will now be helping mortgage lenders to flush out payslip fraudsters.  Whenever a mortgage lender feels there is something untoward about an application, the taxman can verify the applicant’s income.

So whether the fraud takes the form of an inflated salary or if it involves fake payslips or bank statements the support of the HMRC means that there is a very high chance of fraudsters being found out which could result in an investigation and possibly prosecution for fraud.

The minimum a mortgage cheat could expect as the outcome is that their application will be refused and they won’t be able to buy a property.

The scheme has been given the green light after a successful pilot program which involved two unnamed lenders.  The voluntary "mortgage verification scheme" was officially launched at the beginning of September.  The scheme was a combined effort between HM Revenue & Customs, the Council of Mortgage Lenders(CML) and the Building Societies Association.

Under the scheme lenders pass on applicant's details to the HMRC. These details will then be checked against tax and employment records to ensure that what the information on the application regarding income is the same as the information held on the HMRC databases.  If discrepancies are found, not only would the mortgage application be refused, but the applicant could find themselves being investigated by HMRC.

HM Revenue & Customs has set up a dedicated team to deal with investigations, which will cost lenders £14 a time.

Who Will be Investigated?

Mortgage lenders conduct their own checks and investigations into an applicant’s income.  Should there be any reasonable suspicions following these standard checks, the lender could then appeal to the HMRC for further investigations.

You might be under the impression that cheating on a mortgage would be limited to self-employed people, freelancers or others will complicated earning structures.  However, there are employees on the PAYE scheme who have been known to commit mortgage fraud, too.

Why The Scheme Should Matter to You

“I’m not a fraudster, so what does it matter to me if this scheme has been developed”, you might be saying to yourself. 

Well, for one thing, this scheme will help them to lender more responsibly and keep the risk to banks down.  In the aftermath of the credit crunch we have all become increasingly aware of how important that is.

It stops liars and cheats from getting mortgage funds, but it also helps lenders have confidence about a borrower’s credentials.  If there was any doubt in a lender’s mind about a certain applicant, their mortgage application could have just been refused.  With this new scheme, those doubts can be put to rest, so honest applicants will avoid refusals.

You’re Honest – Is Your Mortgage Broker?

Again, if you’re thinking that none of this mortgage fraud applies to you, you may want to think again.  In some cases, when a false declaration of salary is made on an application form, it is the mortgage broker and not the applicant who is the perpetrator.  The Financial Services Authority (FSA) banned 95 mortgage brokers in the last four years for such offences. 

To protect yourself from dishonest mortgage brokers, first check the mortgage brokers is registered by the FSA.  The register is available online at  http://www.fsa.gov.uk/Pages/register/index.shtmlor call 0845 606 1234.  The online records allow you to check the broker’s history, including any disciplinary action. 

There is major incentive for using a FSA registered broker – if you don’t use an FSA registered broker you will not have any recourse if mortgage fraud by a broker is uncovered.

Don’t put your home buying at risk, use a FSA registered broker.  Call Northfields today on 0208 840 6666 or email us at sales@northfields.co.uk and we can refer you to a registered and reliable independent broker.

Five to View: Properties for Let in West London with Feature Fireplaces

It seems that the weather has decided that summer is over and fall is here to stay.  So as the cooler weather settles in, you may want to find a cosy abode to settle in yourself.  Northfields has several great properties for rent that boast feature fireplaces - perfect for creating that cosy, homey atmosphere so perfect in the crisp fall air.  Here are just 5 properties with feature fireplaces that are available for you to view right now.

1. Two Bedroom Near a Tube Station

 
When the weather cools off you don't want to find yourself with an overly long journey to the tube, so this two double bedroom first floor conversion flat that is situated within walking distance to Boston Manor Tube Station (Piccadilly Line) will fit the bill nicely.  When the weather is looking lovely, you can always enjoy the sun in the private garden.  The property is bright and neutrally decorated throughout.  The reception room has a feature fireplace as well as stripped wood floors for that bit of period charm, while the kitchen/diner provides a touch of contemporary style with modern appliances.

The Property for let: 2 bedroom flat

Where: Oaklands Road, Hanwell W7

The Price: £1,200 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this two bedroom flat for let near Boston Manor Tube Station including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

2. One Bedroom with Balcony and Shared Garden

 
This spacious one bedroom flat has perfect spaces for both warm weather and cold.  When the weather is fine, sit and enjoy the sun on the balcony or alternatively in the shared garden.  When you need to hunker down and hide from the wind and rain, cosy up in the large reception with feature fireplace and high ceilings.  The property also features a separate kitchen with shaker style units and appliances  and a modern tiled bathroom with shower.  This flat's proximity to Acton Mainline BR station and the A40/M40 will make commuting a breeze.

The Property for let: 1 bed flat

Where: York Road, Acton W3

The Price: £1,050 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this one bedroom flat for rent in Acton including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

3. 3/4 Bedroom House with Two Bathrooms

 
If you want a fireplace and plenty of space too, this bright and spacious three or four bedroom house might be the answer.  With two double bedooms, a single bedroom and two bathrooms, this house has plenty of space for everyone.  The period fireplace in this property is situated in the front reception room which could also be used as a fourth bedroom.  There is also a reception room to the back of the house leading on to kitchen diner.  Yet more space of the outdoor variety is offered by the south facing garden

The Property for let: three/four bedroom house

Where: Salisbury Road, Ealing W13

The Price: £1,800 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this three or four bedroom house for let in Ealing including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

4. Two Bedroom, Two Bathrooms

 
Northfields are proud to offer to the market this delightful newly refurbished two bedroom, two bathroom property situated in one of the most popular roads in the area. The property briefly comprises a large living room with wood floors and feature fireplace, two equal sized spacious bedrooms, a stunning dine-in kitchen and two shower rooms. The property is located on the first floor and is only a very short walk to both the Uxbridge Road and The Askew Road and all their amenities. The property is being offered furnished.

The Property for let: two bedroom flat

Where: Valetta Road, Acton W3

The Price: £1,250 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this two bedroom flat for let in Valetta Road including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

5. One Bedroom with a Private Garden

 

Don't miss out on this stunning one double bedroom first floor conversion flat with study room.  Situated close to the transport links of the Uxbridge Road, this property has a large eat in kitchen with fitted units as well as a bright reception room with a bay window and a feature fireplace.  The lucky tenants of this property will also be able to enjoy direct access to the private garden.

The Property for let: 1 bedroom flat

Where: St. Elmo Road, Shepherd's Bush W12

The Price: £1,250 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this 1 bedroom flat for let in W12 including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

Let Northfields help you to find the perfect property to meet your needs. Check out all the properties Northfields currently has for rent here.  

Some Inside Information - Our negotiators will often phone to tell you about a property that has just become available before it even appears on the internet, so beat the competition by registering today - call our award winning lettings team on 0208 567 6660 or click the link to register your details with our lettings team.

Landlords Stand to Make £3,776 Per Rental Property Per Year

Rents are rising. In London the average rent has broken the £1,000 per month barrier.

In England and Wales average rents rose by 0.7% in June to reach a new record high of £701 per month in June. This rise represents an annual rent inflation of 4.1%. Those figures are for outside our capital however. In the metropolis, rents broke a new record, capping off at an average of £1,006 per month – the first time the £1,000 a month barrier has been breached. In London then average rents rose by a full 1% in June.

When comparing the growth of London’s rental market with other regions it is obvious that London is far outstripping the rest of the country. Over the last year, London rents went up by 6.9%. While other areas such as North East and the West Midlands, experienced substantial rises of 5.1% and 4.6% respectively, neither quite touches London. In fact there was only one area over the past year where rents fell – the East of England. Even then, the rent drop was a mere 0.3%.

And that’s not all – the BBC recently reported that Oxford Economics believes that rents could go up 20% over the next five years.

Why Are Rents Going Up?

Fewer People Buying – The people who would normally have transitioned from tenant to first time buyer are remaining in rented properties, largely because many are unable to save up the large deposits required by lenders or do not meet lending criteria, while others are undermined by a lack of confidence in the market, rather than actual financial restraints. The knock on effect of these people remaining in rented accommodation means that there are more people trying to rent a limited number of properties.

Growing Population– The UK's population increased by nearly half a million last year. So many new residents need a place to reside and must compete for limited housing.

Housing Shortage- Just 102,570 new homes were built last year. When you compare that figure to the half a million new people who swelled our population, it is obvious that there are not nearly enough homes currently being built, leading to competition for existing homes. Many house builders have many 1-2 bedroom properties in city centres that they can’t get sold, so many firms, like Bovis, who have confirmed that they have shifted the mix of new homes being built to larger more expensive properties. So, even the new properties being built will not be of the affordable type suited for either rental or first time buyers.

What Does That Mean for Tenants?

Competition is fierce – it is not unheard for properties to be let in one day. If you see a property you like, you must offer quickly and seriously, to secure the property.

Market yourself as a reliable tenant – Believe it or not, landlords are not just looking for the maximum rent from tenants, they are also looking for reliability. So if you have a secure job, make sure you point that out.

Get all documentation ready so you can offer quickly – make sure you beat competing tenants to the offer by simply being prepared. This will also show the letting agent and landlord that you are well organised and motivated.

Raise the deposit in advance so there are no delays – again, beat your competition by simply being better prepared.

If you are sharing with friends, agree beforehand to be jointly responsible for the rent - a singly responsible person may look unattractive to landlords

Use a guarantor, if necessary - if you are a student or do not have a steady income - use a guarantor, such as a parent or other homeowner who will make the landlord feel secure. Not sure what a guarantor is? Read this article explaining the role of the guarantor.

Suggest a 18 month contract – if you take an 18 month contract you will be securing the property for a longer period of time and also saving the landlord extra administration and bother to find a new tenant. This type of commitment also makes you more reliable with a view to the long term.

What Does This Mean for Landlords?

The average monthly rent is now £28 a month higher than it was in June 2010. The total annual return on a rental property was 1.3% in June, as the rental income received by landlords is offset against an annual decline in property prices.

If property values continue on their current trend as predicted by many economists, a property investor could expect to make a total annual return of 2.3% over the next 12 months – equivalent to an average of £3,776 per property.

If you are a buy to let landlord, Northfields’s award winning lettings team can help you to find a reliable tenant quickly and even manage your property – we can tailor our service to meet your needs. Call our lettings team on 0208 567 6660 and tell us what we can do for you.

If you are looking to take advantage of the demand for rental properties our sales team can keep you up to date on the latest investment properties as they become available for sale. Call us on 0208 840 6666 to tell us what type of property you are looking for or click here to give us your details online.