Estate Agency and Letting Agent Tooting | Sutton | Mitcham Property Services

Property Management Tooting Letting Agency – Private Landlords in SW London

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 15:15:36 +0000

How Property Management Helps to Remove the Link Between Landlords and Tenants

Hiring a property management company can be a great solution for landlords, whether you’re new to the industry or tired of dealing with tenants directly. They can help to break the link with tenants and help you to avoid a whole range of problems that can prove to be a real pain point for landlords.

Using Next Step Estates can help you to avoid awkward conversations with tenants but also the problems that come with dealing with them directly. With our expertise, we can give you a hands-off approach when it comes to dealing with tenants as our property management services are designed to provide a simple yet highly effective solution.

Urgent letting enquiry? Questions about a problem tenant? Call us on 020 8767 6181

Out of office hours? Send a message via the Contact Form.

Private Landlords Benefit from Property Management in Tooting, London

So, let’s look at how a professional and dedicated property management company can help, first of all, we have some incredible stories to share of how we are problem solvers, at weekends, and out of business hours:

Aldis Street, London, SW17

Imagine this scenario: You own a big property in an area that commands very decent rent. You are under time pressures to renovate the property so that you can let it and start earning an income on it. Halfway through the refurbishment your contractor bails.

Tintern Street, London, SW4 7QQ

The landlord of this property was an established investor with multiple properties in her portfolio. She was used to working with large chain agencies and was pleasantly surprised to learn through us that sometimes big does not always mean best.

Inglemere Road, London, CR4 2BT

We have a very strong database of overseas investors. At Next Step Estates we are delighted to present to you our overview of this charming property on Inglemere Road. It is a great example of how we represent clients abroad. In fact, we have a very strong database of overseas investors.

Property Management – Tenants Rent Paid Promptly to Landlords

Collecting rent on time is a top priority for landlords, and a property management company can provide a valuable service in this regard. As a buffer between landlords and tenants who may struggle to pay rent, they can employ expert strategies to handle the situation in a professional way, preventing it from becoming personal. In the unlikely event that no resolution can be reached, they can also initiate eviction proceedings on behalf of the landlord.

Repairs and Property Maintenance Support 24/7 with Next Step Estates

When issues arise in your rental property, quick action is often necessary to address them. However, it can be challenging to find the time or the right person to handle the problem, especially if you’re busy or away. A property management company can provide a solution by having a network of skilled tradespeople on hand to address the issue. They will also handle the logistics of coordinating with tenants to schedule repairs, saving you time and hassle. Additionally, they will conduct regular inspections to ensure that the property is well-maintained throughout the tenancy.

Dealing with unexpected issues at a rental property can be a hassle, especially if the property is located in a different city. A property management service can take on this burden for you by handling any issues that arise, day or night. They will arrange for repairs or replacements and act as the main point of contact, freeing you from the inconvenience of having to handle these tasks yourself.

A property management company in Tooting can handle all tenant interactions in a professional manner, including delicate matters such as late rent payments, evictions, and damage to the property, without the need for you to engage in uncomfortable or confrontational conversations.

Find Great Tenants with Dependable Financial Solvency for Rent On Time, Every Month

A property management company’s main goal is to help you maximise your financial return on your rental property. They do this by making sure that the property is occupied by reliable tenants who pay rent on time.

To achieve this, they work diligently to get your property ready for the rental market by ensuring that it is legally compliant and presented in the best light possible.

They will advertise the property on various popular listing platforms to reach as many potential tenants as possible.

Additionally, when a tenancy comes to an end, they have efficient systems in place for checking tenants out of the property, making sure that it is left in great condition or if necessary, quickly bringing it back up to standard for the next tenants.

We are standing by to help, your next step is to send a message via our Contact Form.

The post Property Management Tooting Letting Agency – Private Landlords in SW London appeared first on Estate Agency and Letting Agent Tooting | Sutton | Mitcham Property Services.

What is a Rent Repayment Order for a Landlord in the UK?

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 12:55:03 +0000

Also referred to as an RRO, a Rent Repayment Order is when a landlord is ordered to repay the rent a tenant has paid them. This can be up to 12 months’ worth of rent and the order is decreed by a Tribunal.

UK Rent Repayment Order and How to Avoid RRO – London Landlords

If there are five people living in the property then the landlord must apply for an HMO licence.

The most common reason for receiving an RRO (especially in London where there is a high demand for rental property by tenants) is having an unlicensed HMO. Landlords who rent their property to three tenants or more in areas such as Tooting, Balham, Brixton are particularly at risk of this – especially if they don’t carry out regular checks.

That’s because in these areas the local authority Housing rules state that a property with three or more individuals renting must adhere to certain HMO guidelines. These include minimum standards with regard to:

The size of the bedrooms in the property
Fire safety measures
Kitchen and toilet/bathing facilities
Furniture and fittings
Landlord duties

The reason it is important for the landlord to make regular checks on the property – or appoint an agent to do so – is because one of the tenants may move in a partner without letting on. As a result, the property becomes an unlicensed HMO under the local authority regulations. We can help with property services and legal advice for landlords.

Tooting, Sutton, Carshalton and Wimbledon Property Management Services London

The particular ruling of the RRO describes the offence/s as:

“having control of, or managing, an unlicensed property, under s.95 Housing Act 2004” (ie having an HMO with more than three but less than five people)

And, in the event another tenant has also moved in his or her partner/friend:

“having control of, or managing, an unlicensed house in multiple occupation (HMO), under s.72 Housing Act 2004”

In both cases it’s not important that the landlord didn’t know about the ‘unintentional’ HMO in his or her case. The Tribunal will look at the facts ie that it happened.

Landlord Rental and Rent Refunds – Court Order and Tribunal

A Tribunal can insist that the landlord return up to a year’s worth of rent to a tenant, if found guilty of the offence. This could be housing benefit or universal credit if the tenant isn’t working and receiving government benefits.

The landlord doesn’t even need to have been convicted for an RRO to be awarded, just that the Tribunal believe an offence has occurred beyond reasonable doubt.

The landlord may also be ordered to pay the legal costs of the applicant (in addition to having pay his or her own costs of instructing a solicitor).

How the application for an RRO is made

Your tenant can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Although the application can also be made by the local housing authority. The application must be made within 12 months of the tenant residing in your property.

In the case of the local authority they must send the landlord a notice of intended proceedings, stating the reasons they are applying for the RRO and how much they seek to recover. They then offer the landlord an opportunity to explain the situation. Having considered the landlord’s reply, they can apply for the RRO if they feel it’s warranted. This all comes under the statutory guidance on Rent repayment orders (Housing and Planning Act 2016).

What happens during an appeal

Both sides ie applicant and landlord submit their evidence at the First-tier Tribunal. The applicant is then usually an opportunity to respond to the landlord’s comments. A hearing between a judge and two Tribunal members then takes place, and a decision made. Landlords can appeal against the RRO to the Upper Tribunal, provided there is a legal basis for doing so.

Why Appoint Next Step Estates to Let your property

Do you need a reliable letting agency / managing agent for your rental property in Tooting, Sutton, Carshalton and Wimbledon? Then here at Next Step Estates we carry out regular checks on all our tenanted properties with documented inspection reports.

We personally live in the area and have, in fact, been working as an estate agent in SW17 for the past 15 years. That means we know the area inside out. We also take pride in providing all our landlords with a highly personal service. For more information on our SW17 estate agency service call 020 8767 6181 or email us today.

The post What is a Rent Repayment Order for a Landlord in the UK? appeared first on Estate Agency and Letting Agent Tooting | Sutton | Mitcham Property Services.

Independent Estate Agent London SW Tooting Bec, Mitcham, Sutton Surrey

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 16:46:21 +0000

Independent Letting and Estate Agents Tooting Mitcham and Sutton London South West

Why Christmas Is the Perfect Time to Sell Your Property

Have a property to sell and waiting until New Year to put it on the market? Based on recent trends we advise against this. Holding off until the New Year is what most vendors are thinking. Understandably, the majority of sellers reckon they’ll get Christmas and all the festivities out of the way before they start concentrating on selling.

No Sale No Fee Estate Agent – Property Valuation and Listing

Come Boxing Day hundreds of house hunters are already online seeing what’s available. And if you haven’t already instructed an estate agent in Tooting, Sutton, Mitcham or surrounding to get selling your property then you’ve pretty much been left on the back foot. Act today and broadcast your listing with Next Step Estates.

How to sell with us and list your home for sale
Ten steps to successful property selling in London South West – Tooting Bec, Mitcham and Sutton, Surrey
Call our team today on 020 8767 6181. Or, get in touch online via our Contact Form.

Independent and Trusted in Tooting – Sell Your Home with Next Step Estates SW London#

Boxing Day property viewers are increasing

Online portal Rightmove reported visits to their website on Boxing Day 2021 were 54 per cent higher than the previous year. We’re not surprised. The week between Christmas and New year is a period when people have the time – and inclination – to sit down and start organising their life – they’re still off work, after all.

Instructing Next Step Estates prior to the Christmas break will allow us time to implement the right marketing strategy for your property ready for a Boxing Day launch. Our marketing includes a professional photography session, floor plans, virtual tour etc all completely risk free to the seller as we offer a no sale no fee service.

Let’s chat! Book a consultation with us or call, email or just pop into our office, we’d love to meet and greet you. Did you know? Along with our offline marketing efforts plus the added boost of the increased online portal views we should be able to conduct a large number of viewings in January 2023 which will help in achieving the best possible price for you. Sound good?

SW17 London Best Estate Agent 2023 – Selling Your Property is Easy with Next Step

As an experienced estate agent covering Wimbledon, Morden, Sutton, Mitcham and Tooting we are well aware that another reason the Christmas holiday period is a good time to sell is because most families will be together. And that means being able to discuss any new house move with the main decision makers present in the room.

Sell your London home during the festive period, cash in on cosiness – The height of winter isn’t a bad time to sell your current home. Yes, you can’t get the full benefit of a lovely garden, but you can make the property look cosy, warm and inviting with a log burner, plenty of lamps and jewel-coloured throws and cushions.

Serious sellers choose the Christmas season

House hunters who are actively looking over the traditionally quiet festive period in the property market tend to be those who are very serious about moving quickly. In other words, they are motivated, which translates in to ‘quality buyers’. What do we mean by that? Well, they are viewing property because they want to – or feel they need to – rather than turning up at parties and enjoying all the frivolity of the season. And this means, you are far more likely to get a sale.

Selling in London SW17 – Set up a solicitor – How we’ll work together

As well as getting a good estate agent onboard, you’ll also need a conveyancing solicitor to help you sell your home. It’s a good idea to get one ready in advance so they have all your paperwork prepared and can act quickly when you give them the nod.

Here at Next Step Estates in SW17 we will prepare all the necessary particulars needed to sell your property so that it’s ready to be marketed online on Boxing Day. This includes getting a print of the floor plan, commissioning an EPC, instructing a photographer and producing a marketing brochure.

At Next Step Estates we don’t tie home sellers in to a contract. You can instruct us today and walk away tomorrow, that’s how confident we are in the service we offer. So, house sellers in SW17 put down the mulled wine and wrapping paper and pick up the phone today, would you like us to come round to see you at your home?

BOOK A PROPERTY ADVICE CHAT

VALUE YOUR PROPERTY

HOME VISIT BOOK HERE

The post Independent Estate Agent London SW Tooting Bec, Mitcham, Sutton Surrey appeared first on Estate Agency and Letting Agent Tooting | Sutton | Mitcham Property Services.

SW17 London House Prices – Estate Agent Sell Your Home

admin — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 15:26:07 +0000

Sell You Home in SW17 London Estate Agency Next Step – House Prices November 2022

BOOK AN INSTANT ONLINE VALUATION

Property in London as a whole is strong, having increased by eight per cent in September 2022, according to the Halifax House Price Index. If you are looking to sell your property in South West London, call our team today on 020 8767 6181. Or, drop us an email via our Contact Form.

We offer private Landlord property management services and you’ll love to read our ‘above and beyond’ case studies on how we help you 7 days a week.

The lender, which bases its report on the number of mortgages approved over a particular month, recorded a record high last month. It’s clear, however, that the property market is beginning to slow, thanks to the cost of living crisis and an increase in mortgage interest payments as the Bank of England continues to put up its base rate figure. This is now sitting at 2.25 per cent, although it’s expected to increase by another one per cent at the next Monetary Policy Committee meeting this month. On 17th November 2022, (today) the government outlined new changes for England which is published here on gov.uk

Independent Estate Agents SW London

This is balanced against stamp duty cuts, a shortage of property coming on to the market and a positive employment situation – all of which fares well for a strong property market. There is no doubt though that the market is beginning to slow down – but then, it was coming from a very high starting point, having been constant since the end of the first lockdown.

In this post though we are looking at property in SW17 Tooting. Here we get the average price of several property categories from three different price indexes – each of whom calculate using different metrics. There isn’t a great deal of difference between each – certainly in the lower priced properties:

Rightmove average prices

According to property portal Rightmove, whose results are based on asking prices, the average price of a property in SW17 last year was £722,905.

They noted that the majority of properties that changed hands in the area were flats – the average asking price for which was £495,670. Terraced properties were the next most popular property type, selling at an average £893,034. Semi-detached properties were also popular, selling at an average £1,237,194.

These prices were three per cent higher than in 2021 and 10 per cent higher than the previous peak of £655,910, back in 2016.

Property Prices London SW17 with Zoopla in Tooting

According to rival property portal Zoopla, the average property in Tooting sold for slightly more over the past year, at £751,886. This makes sense since the company gets its figures from the sale price for properties on its site. In other words, many properties sold for more than the original asking price.

Zoopla was also able to differentiate between property types. Their figures found that flats sold for an average £490,410, for instance. Terraced properties cost around £929,983, semi-detached houses sold for £1,069,580 on average, and detached houses for £2,009,400.

Home.co.uk shows historic price rises – The sales and lettings database calculates annual average selling prices from local estate agents around the UK. It compares them with historic data. Their current statistics are from 1995 to July this year. A comparison between the first data published and now shows phenomenal growth in house prices – not just in Tooting, of course – but all over the country.

Looking at the individual property types, it shows that the price of flats in Tooting have increased by 722 per cent since 1995. Then a flat would have cost £55,671. Today (November 17th 2022) a flat will set you back £457,638.

Terraced houses were on average around £96,444 in 1995. Today you will pay £849,710. That’s an increase of 781 per cent. A semi-detached house was £225,850 in 1995, today it’s £1,340,007 – a jump of 493 per cent. Finally, a detached house was £84,995 around 22 years ago, now it’s worth an average of £2,650,000 – and, at an increase of 3018 per cent, that’s the biggest jump of the lot.

SW17 London Landlords and Property Owners – Let’s Chat

If you have a property you would like to sell in South West London, Tooting, Mitchum and Sutton then get in touch with our sales team today. Conversely, if you see a property you like on our site and are interested in viewing it then call us to book an appointment.

At Next Step Estates we are an independent sale and letting agency focusing on property in London’s upcoming SW17 area. We have been covering the location for more than 15 years now. As a result, we are familiar with all the area’s property types and the type of prices you can expect to find. To contact us, tel: 020 8767 6181. Alternatively drop us a line via our Contact Form.

The post SW17 London House Prices – Estate Agent Sell Your Home appeared first on Estate Agency and Letting Agent Tooting | Sutton | Mitcham Property Services.

Sutton Letting Agency, Rent a Flat in Carshalton, SW London

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 14:19:50 +0000

Featuring fantastic schools, lots of green areas and property that’s good value for money, Sutton isn’t just up-and-coming – it’s already here.

Sutton Landlord Property Services, Renting in Carshalton as a Tenant with Letting Agents Next Step Estates

The area, which houses around 200,000 people, attracts both young professionals and couples who like the buzzing atmosphere. But young families too are keen to move here, thanks to the outstanding reputation of local schools. If you are a Landlord looking for a reputable, trusted letting agency, let’s chat today about our exclusive Property Management services in South West London.

In fact, Sutton has the fifth highest owner occupancy rate in Greater London. More than 40 per cent of working age residents have a degree level qualification or higher, while the number of residents economically active is higher than the London and national average. Of the seven districts which make up this borough, many have a lively, independent community feel.

To find out how we can help you secure a quality rental at a good price then call us on 020 8767 6181. Alternatively write to us via our contact form..

Sutton Letting Agency, Rent a Flat in Carshalton, SW London

Are you thinking of letting your property? Or are you already a private landlord looking for a new tenant? Next Step Estates offer you a personal service.
New Landlords and first time private landlords can read our Letting FAQ here
Tenants – View our current properties to let in South West London

Sutton Rail and Tube to Balham, Clapham, Dorking, Guildford and St Albans

London Victoria is a mere 30 minutes from Sutton Railway Station. Balham is 20 minutes and Clapham Junction 23 minutes. You can also get to Dorking, Guildford and St Albans from here. Sutton Common Railway Station has local connections, such as, Wimbledon, Farringdon and Kentish Town. There’s also talk of extending Tramlink from Colliers Wood to Sutton. Sutton is actually in Zone 5. A TfL annual rail card is £2,628, while monthly it’s £252.30 at the time of publication (November 2022)

Driving in and out of London from Sutton is pretty easy, thanks to easy access to the A232 and A217. Further out you’ll soon get to the M25 & M23, and last but not least if you are looking for a property that’s close to a London airport – Gatwick Airport is a mere 30 minutes away, and Heathrow 60 minutes.

Rental Prices and Costs in Sutton and Carshalton, SW London

Competitive rental prices for single tenants and families – A one-bedroom flat in Sutton comes in at around £1150 to rent while a two-bedroom house is renting for £1650. A three-bedroom flat is £1800 and a four-bedroom bungalow £2,700 (November 2022)

A one-bedroom flat in Sutton comes in at around £1150 to rent while a two-bedroom house is renting for £1650. A three-bedroom flat is £1800 and a four-bedroom bungalow £2,700.

Education

Sutton’s state secondary schools regularly feature amongst the top in the country. A report by Ofsted in 2021 showed 43 per cent of the borough’s secondary schools received a rating of ‘outstanding’ – significantly higher than the London figure of 36 per cent.

And, with a total of 24 state secondary schools and 50 primaries – including five grammar schools – parents have plenty of schools to choose from in Sutton. The local colleges at Croydon and Merton both also share good educational reputations.

Green spaces and parks – Outdoor activities nearby

Sutton has 16 parks, making it one of London’s top green areas. Certainly, with more than 1,500 acres of open space in total and the largest regional park outside of central London, there’s plenty of opportunities for getting away from city living in Sutton.

Whether you want to go cycling, running, skating or wandering around formal gardens, there’s something to occupy everyone. Play tennis at the 58-hectare Beddington Park, try a round of crazy golf at Grove Park or enjoy a game of bowls at Rose Hill Park. For those keen to get plenty of exercise or wildlife watching at the weekend, they can head for two local Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs.

Crime

Last year the crime rate for Sutton was 62 per 1000 people. That compares favourably with the crime rate for the capital as a whole (87 per 1000 residents) and makes Sutton one of London’s five safest boroughs.

Sutton High Street and Local Shopping

Sutton High Street offers brand names while more shops can be found in the Saint Nicholas Shopping Centre, alongside a food court and multiplex cinema. For independent boutique style shopping Wimbledon Village is just 15 minutes on the train while the bright lights of London Bridge and Victoria’s shops are just 30 minutes away.

Restaurants and cafes local to Sutton and Carshalton

The Grumpy Mole, The Ginger Frog, and the quirky and dog-friendly Shinner & Sudstone are favourite family bars and restaurants. The Winning Post (formerly Red Lion pub) is also popular and lays claim to hosting the Rolling Stones in their heyday.

For Italian head to Casa Nostra, Spaghetti Tree and Zizzi. Seafood lovers will no doubt frequent The Fat Crab where, actually, your hands are the cutlery. For Chinese food there’s Heen’s restaurant.

Entertainment

Sutton Music Festival is an annual event and showcase of young talent. You’ll also find drama and live music in Nonsuch Park, including a local country show and lively 5k weekend parkrun.

The post Sutton Letting Agency, Rent a Flat in Carshalton, SW London appeared first on Estate Agency and Letting Agent Tooting | Sutton | Mitcham Property Services.

Wimbledon Letting Agency Landlord Property Services South West London

admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 13:14:23 +0000

Wimbledon Letting Agency Landlord Property Services South West London

It may be world-famous for its tennis while it’s Common is renowned as the 1980’s home of the Wombles, but Wimbledon has something else going for it too. And that is community spirit. If you are a tenant or a family looking to rent in the Tooting Bec, Blaham, Morden and Wimbledon areas, call our team on 020 8767 6181. Or, get in touch via our Contact Form.

Wimbledon, London and Renting a Family Home

An upmarket area of southwest London beloved of families, there’s always organised local events for children and adults alike, giving it a village feel. Its demographic means it’s a safe area – one where it really is safe to walk around those green leafy residential streets at 3am without fear.

And, in fact, crime is extremely low in Wimbledon. Last year the Office of National Statistics (ONS) recorded the crime rate as 62.4 per 1,000 people. That compared favourably to a national average of 77.6.

It’s not just the green areas, wide streets and assortment of large three to four-bedroom homes that attract families to Wimbledon, there’s also the good school’s aspect. Then there’s the excellent travel connections with the London Underground, the tube stations are very well orientated. Heathrow Airport is a mere 60-minute drive (or the same time via TFL). Trains run direct to Gatwick Airport from Wimbledon Station. Access by car to the A3 is easy, opening up connections to Portsmouth. The A3 merges with the M25 then westwards on the M40 to Oxfordshire or eastwards to Surrey.

Wimbledon sits a mere six miles from the centre of London. Wimbledon Station is on the District line, with Westminster only 35 mins by train, Earls Court and Waterloo and within easy commuting distance too. Being in Zone 3, an annual travel card for Wimbledon is £1,808, or £173.60 a month. The Station connects to both South Western Railway and Thameslink. Wimbledon Chase Station also connects to Thameslink, while you’ll get a link to the Tramlink from the main Wimbledon Station.

Wimbledon Things to Do, Entertainment and Nightlife

The New Wimbledon Theatre shows a variety of plays and concerts throughout the year. This beautiful grade II architectural venue dates back to 1910 and is the eighth largest Edwardian Theatre in London.

Those looking for live music can head for the Prince Albert (rock) and Ye Olde Mitre (indie). The Crooked Billet or King’s Arms are big rugby pubs and regularly host live screenings of the Six Nations.

The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club ensures the area is buzzing all summer long, of course, with the most prestigious tennis championship in the world taking place in its 12,000-seater midst. The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is another attraction – one which holds Family Fund Days twice monthly. Kids can also enjoy art classes at Wimbledon Art Studios, dance at The Russell School of Ballet and drama at the Polka Children’s Theatre (which started way back in1967).

Wimbledon School and Education Catchment Areas for Families Looking to Rent

It shows how many families live in Wimbledon when you consider there are seven secondary schools here, and 15 primaries. There’s also an international school – Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill. Impressing education establishments include Wimbledon High School, Kings College School (which this year received an ‘excellent; ISI report) and the independent catholic, Ursuline Preparatory School.

November 2022 Single Tenant and Family Home Rental Prices

You can rent a bright and sunny one-bed maisonette in Wimbledon for £1550 a month and a two-bed flat for £1,700. Three-bed properties are renting for around £3,900 and a house with four-bedrooms for £4,983.

Thinking of moving to Wimbledon? Then ring our letting team here at Next Step Estates. After a decade working here we have built up excellent contacts in the area. Tel 020 8767 6181 or email us using our Contact Form.

Eco Friendly Green Spaces and Parks – Wimbledon Common

Wimbledon is blessed with green spaces – the Common offers wildlife and tranquillity from the business of living in the capital. It’s not unusual to find families enjoying picnics there in the summer and joggers all year round. Then again there’s also plenty of sporting opportunities for residents to get involved in. That’s because Wimbledon Park (just off the courts) is home to an 18-hole golf course, an athletics track, cricket pitches and nine ponds.

For something a little different, grade II-listed Cannizaro Park boasts landscaped gardens, diverse flora and fauna, a water garden, rose garden, various sculptures and lots of quiet corners where busy executives and professionals can chill for some time under a rare tree or two.

Shopping

Wimbledon is split into the larger High Street area and the more upmarket Village area uphill. The latter is pedestrianised and home to around 40 shops – many independent boutique offerings – and a cinema. The High Street sports, amongst UK recognised brand names, the independent century-old, grand Elys department store. Gourmet delicatessen Bayley and Sage is the place to go to stock up on picnic essentials and can be found in the Village, alongside such upmarket offerings as Cath Kidston, Le Creuset and Farrow & Ball.

Restaurants and places to eat

Thai Tho is the place to eat if you want to spot A-list tennis players, particularly the likes of Venus Williams’s who says it’s her favourite in the area.

High Street offerings come in the form of The White Onion, while more a la carte dining can be found at The Light House on Ridgway. Cote serves up French plates while Sticks ‘n’ Sushi is another favourite for Asian-inspired edibles.

The post Wimbledon Letting Agency Landlord Property Services South West London appeared first on Estate Agency and Letting Agent Tooting | Sutton | Mitcham Property Services.

Tooting Bec Letting Agency and Estate Agent Local Tips

admin — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 14:03:13 +0000

Letting Agents Tooting Bec – Estate Agency Tips for Tenants and Homebuyers

From great restaurants, to England’s biggest freshwater open-air pool, and plenty of buzzing night life, Tooting is a top place in which to rent. That’s especially the case is you happen to be in your 20s, 30s and 40s.

In fact, the area has twice as many single young people and families in those age groups than the national average. If you are a tenant looking to rent in the Tooting Bec, Blaham, Morden and Wimbledon areas, call our team today on 020 8767 6181. Or, drop us an email via our Contact Form.

So up-and-coming is Tooting, in fact, that’s it’s now regarded as on a par with previously trendier neighbours Balham and Clapham. The popular leading travel publisher Lonely Planet rated it amongst its 10 favourite neighbourhoods five years ago. And it’s got even better since.

Apartment Rental Prices in Tooting – One Bedroom Flats to a Family Home

A little more affordable to rent in than nearby areas such as Balham or Clapham, it’s possible to rent a one-bedroom flat in Tooting for around £277 per week. You can find a two-bedroom flat for £392 per week and a three-bedroom family home will cost you around £668 weekly.

Tooting Bec Tenants Enjoy Travel Links to London

Here’s just some of the highlights Tooting can boast of:

Underground Stations Link Tooting to London, West and Central

Central London ie London Bridge is a mere 18 minutes train journey from the underground line Tooting Bec on the Northern Line. Tooting Broadway is the other underground station in the area. Both will take you into the West End and London City via stations such as Waterloo, Kings Cross St Pancras and Tottenham Court Road. Better still, get on at Tooting and you’re practically guaranteed a seat.

If you plan on travelling via train (rather than underground) then Tooting also has its own station. You’ll get trains Sutton and St Albans or Clapham Junction, Victoria and London Bridge, from the next stop down at Balham.

Flats to Rent Tooting Bec – Letting Agent for Mitcham, Sutton and South West London

Curry Corridor – Places to Eat in Tooting

There’s a reason the path between the two underground stations in Tooting is called Curry Corridor. The area just has THE best south Asian eateries this side of London and beyond. There’s also a curry shop offering 15 different types of Naan – now that’s impressive. Spice Village, the Pakistani restaurant and take-away on Tooting Road, prepares food traditionally via a tandoori oven or over hot coals. One of the most popular curry houses, and lauded by London Mayor Sadiq Khan is Lahore Kahari.

Head to the two markets in the area – Broadway Market and Tooting Market and you’ll find plenty of variety, from wraps and ramen to sushi and street food. For some good old British fayre there’s plenty of gastro and traditional pubs in the area too, such as the 200-year-old Castle and The Antelope.

For beer try the markets and the Craft Beer Shop, while cocktails are beautifully served at The Goldfinch.

Tooting Nightlife – Live Music and Comedy Entertainment

The Tooting Tram and Social is the place to go for live gigs. This former tram shed has plenty of space (on two floors) and lots of comfy sofas to collapse on when you’ve had one too many (dances, that it). There’s an Open Mic night, Comedy performances and, of course, dancing until the wee small hours.

If you like a pub quiz then head for the Wheatsheaf pub, where you’ll also find live music and comedy nights.

Green Areas, Parks, Picnics and Parakeets

You’ll find plenty of fresh air and greenery at Tooting Bec Common – a mere 10-minute walk from the station of the same name. In the park you can walk, cycle, picnic, play tennis and even swim – in the beautiful Art Deco Grade II-listed 90-metres long Lido. Or, just sit back and relax with an ice cream or coffee from the park’s café and listen out for the drilling of woodpeckers in spring or see if you can spot one of the parakeets who reside there.

Safety on the streets of Tooting Bec

Crime stats for Tooting show there’s less crime here (in Wandsworth borough) than in other areas of London. There’s a real ethnic mixed community spirit and a Safer Neighbour Police Team really does engage well. The number of crimes committed in the area has fallen over the past 12 months.

Next Step Estates – Letting Agents in Tooting, Mitcham and Sutton SW London

If you’re interested in renting in Tooting then get in touch with our letting team here at Next Step Estates. We’ve been working here for more than a decade and are familiar with all locales in the area. To find out how we can help you secure a quality rental at a good price then call us on 020 8767 6181. Alternatively write to us via our contact form..

The post Tooting Bec Letting Agency and Estate Agent Local Tips appeared first on Estate Agency and Letting Agent Tooting | Sutton | Mitcham Property Services.

Estate Agency News for Tooting, Mitcham and Sutton Stamp Duty Boost

admin — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:42:33 +0000

First Time Buyer Stamp Duty Boost – Estate Agency News for Tooting, Mitcham and Sutton

First time buyers in Tooting, Sutton and similar areas of London have been handed a stamp duty boost by the current Conservative government.

Just as former Chancellor Rishi Sunak choose to provide a stamp duty holiday for buyers – and in doing so inflamed an already ‘hot’ property market – now Kwasai Kwarteng has increased the threshold at which stamp duty tax is payable.

South West London First Time Buyers – Act Now

The £125,000 no-tax cut-off point has been raised to £250,000, while first time buyers can buy property up to £425,000 without having to paying any stamp duty tax (previously the first-time buyer threshold was £300). In addition, first-time buyers can buy a property valued at up to £625,000 and still claim relief (a jump of £125,000).

Sellers encouraged to list sooner rather than later.

Stamp Duty Cuts – Sell Your Home with Next Step Estates

All of the new measures came in immediately and, according to the government, will benefit around 200,000 new property buyers in England and Northern Ireland, including first time buyers in Sutton, Tooting and other London boroughs. Scotland and Wales have their own Stamp Duty systems – Land and Buildings Transaction Tax and the Land Transaction Tax respectively – and where the cuts aren’t applicable.

The cuts to stamp duty have been welcomed by some first-time buyers, while others fear they may just make the cost of property even more expensive.

If you are thinking of selling, contact Next Step Estates

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Letting Agency Tooting Bec Morden Balham and Wimbledon SW London

admin — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:26:04 +0000

Where’s the UK Property Market ‘At’ Right Now?

Tooting Bec Letting Agents SW London for Morden, Balham and Wimbledon

The cost of living crisis, escalating utility bills and the possibility of a recession any time soon – it doesn’t bode well for the economy. But how is it affecting the property market?

Unlike other commercial sectors which had a miserable time during the two years of on-off lockdowns as a result of the pandemic, the UK housing market flourished. House prices have risen by as much as £30,000 over the past year, according to the latest figures by the Halifax. And if you think that’s impressive, consider the fact that property has risen in value by as much as 60 per cent over the past decade. That’s astounding.

Tenants Wanted – SW London Landlords Contact us for Property Services

Are you looking to sell a property or a tenant looking to rent in the Tooting Bec, Blaham, Morden and Wimbledon areas? If so, call the team today on 020 8767 6181. Or, drop us an email via our Contact Form. We offer Landlord property management services different to any other letting agency in South West London – the company founder was a tenant with a poor landlord. Next Step Estates are specialists at matching great tenants with great properties, as the connection between the Landlord and the person renting, we always go above and beyond as problem solvers with prompt communication 7 days a week.

Property to Let – Balham and Morden Buy to Let House Prices On The Rise

Property prices are still rising – but at a slower rate – and house prices are still rising on a monthly basis, albeit at a much slower rate than has been typical since 2020. In fact, house prices went up by 0.4 per cent in August compared to a typical monthly rise of 0.5 per cent this year. Annual growth also fell – to 11.5 per cent in August from 11.8 per cent in July.

Still, the cost of the average UK property is £294,260, says the Halifax. And there are no signs of a price fall any time soon, thanks to there being such an undersupply of property compared to demand. Those 300,000 homes Boris Johnston and the Tory party promised they’d build every year back in summer 2019? It’s a target they’ve never reached yet.

Back to September 2022 and some of the reasons the property market was so busy over the past couple of years, no longer exist, of course. It was Rishi Sunak’s stamp duty holiday which propelled the property boom – and which is now a distant memory. At the time of its introduction in July 2020 lockdown had already encouraged many city dwellers to look for coastal or countryside homes, while working from home meant many homeowners were keen to upgrade to a home with an additional bedroom which they could then turn in to an office. Conditions were ripe for a flourishing property market – especially when you consider the historically low mortgage interest rates.

Tooting and SW London mortgage rates expected to rise again

However, mortgage rates are rising – and keep rising. Householder are being forced to tighten their spending. The Bank of England’s monetary policy committee’s base rate is currently 1.75 per cent (the highest in 13 years) but economists expect it jump to 2.25 per cent next time they meet (at some point this month). The further increase will again impact on mortgage payments as homeowners on tracker mortgages and variable interest rate home loans see their monthly payments rocket.

Inflation, which was sitting at 10.1 per cent in June could reach as much as 18 per cent by the start of 2023, according to some economists. An energy cap has been announced for October’s utility bills, but it still sits at £2.500 – doubling most householder’s bills compared to the previous year. And with utility costs also hitting businesses hard, the fear of unemployment sits around the corner.

Tenancy Rental prices increase over past 12 months – Lowest Growth in London

And what of the rental market? Latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures from their Private Housing Rental Index show that the average UK rent increased by three per cent between June 2021 and June this year. The figure for England was 2.9 per cent. In London the growth was lowest at 1.7 per cent whereas landlords in East Midlands imposed the highest growth at 4.3 per cent.

Housebuilders and New Builds see a fall in reservations

They may have made impressive profits of £1 billion this year, but Britain’s biggest house builder Barratts is also seeing a downturn in reservations for New Build homes. Quite a substantial downtown in fact, from 0.82 per available to unit to 0.6. That’s even lower than before the pandemic when the figure was 0.7 per unit.

The developers were also having to cope with the first-time buyer scheme Help to Buy being withdrawn by the government – and not so far replaced. There are also more expensive build costs due to higher inflation and continuing supply problems.

Land Register undergo a digital transformation

There’s one bright spot on the horizon for home buyers and sellers though (not to mention surveyors and conveyancers). And that’s the introduction of the government’s three-year digital transformation project for the Land Registry office. The aim being to make buying and selling properties quicker and easier by putting the process online.

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Tooting Letting Agency Property Services Landlord Flats to Rent Tooting Mitcham

admin — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 19:09:48 +0000

Letting Agent Property Services Landlords to Rent Tooting Mitcham SW London

Over the years, we have had various questions proposed to us by landlords, many of which are valid. But, one question we often hear would not benefit the landlord if we were to react too swiftly and could have more negative consequences than good. So what is this question?

How quickly can you let my house?

Landlords may ask, ‘how quickly can you let my property out?’ or say, ‘I don’t want a void’, and while our team at Next Step Estates work with speed and accuracy, we also do not want any voids. Instead, we choose to rephrase these common questions and enquire. We often urge landlords to ask:

“How quickly can you let my property to the right tenant(s)?”

Property Services Mitcheam, Tooting, Sutton, South West London Landlords

Urgent letting enquiry? Questions about a problem tenant? Call us on 020 8767 6181

Out of office hours? Send a message via the Contact Form.

As a landlord, there are many reasons why finding the right tenant is essential. The tenant selected, after all, will be the person who will be responsible for the property.

Importance of renting your property to the right tenant – Selecting the wrong tenant could be costly, as they could damage the property, pay late or not at all and may even leave without notice. On the other hand, the right tenant will do more than pay the rent. They will care for the property and will notify the letting agent/landlord of any issues before they can develop into costly maintenance problems.

With our years of experience and refining our approach to property marketing, tenant registration, vetting and viewings, we often find ourselves in a position of receiving multiple offers on a single property. This situation allows us to pick the right offer which is most suitable, and this is not always a case of ‘highest offer wins’. There are many factors that we take into consideration when considering an offer, such as the proposed length of tenancy, if a break clause is required, offer amount, requirements and rental history, to name a few.

Landlord Property Services SW London – Tenant Advice

Unfortunately, within the letting industry, many are quick to let properties to tenants without a thorough tenant selection or screening process. The lack of a thorough process sometimes results in unwanted issues such as rent arrears or significant damage caused to the property. Rushing the selection process can potentially have the reserve effect by costing the landlord more money further down the line.

Do you have any further information needs? We have collated some hot topics for you to read below:

Tooting Letting Agency That Cares About Landlords in Mitcham and Sutton

Unfortunately, renting a property can never be risk-free, but taking shortcuts is not acceptable in today’s market. With an ever increasing amount of landlord legislation that needs to be complied with to regain possession of a property successfully, should you need to seek possession via the courts, it is important to find a letting agent that follows protocol.

When appointing a letting agent to let your property, ask them about their approach/strategy and how they ultimately mitigate the risks of renting a property. At Next Step Estates, we see our role as more than just simply renting a property but to actively ‘manage and mitigate the risks of renting a property’ on behalf of our landlords. Therefore we must act with a duty of care and skill and not compromise the letting process.

To discuss your property services requirements, speak to our highly experienced team on 020 8767 6181

Working too late for a phone call? Send us a message via the Contact Form and we’ll reply as soon as we are able.

SW London Letting Agents - Landlord Property Inspection Interim Services

Every landlord and letting agent should be carrying out a routine property inspection. At Next Step Estates, we believe that these inspections are essential for landlords and tenants.

These interim property inspections can highlight any issues with the property and provide the landlord with peace of mind about the quality of their property.

An interim property inspection is a property inspection that occurs at specific points during the tenants’ tenancy.

At Next Step Estates, we conduct interim property inspections approximately every 6-9 months.

These inspections help identify any potential issues and problems that tenants might be having or causing.

Why interim property inspections Are important: : Overcrowding, Smoke Alarms, Misuse and Maintenance

Property Overcrowding

Has your tenant sublet a room within the property without your knowledge? Whilst this may not seem like a huge concern, your tenant could have created an HMO (house of multiple occupations). Suppose the property is rented to 3 or more unrelated occupiers, and they share facilities such as bathrooms or kitchens. In that case, the property may need to meet certain standards and adhere to HMO manager rules. An interim property inspection will confirm who occupies the property.

Smoke alarm Testing

An interim property inspection is an excellent opportunity to ensure that all smoke alarms are in good working order. It could be that the tenant has deliberately disconnected the alarm/s, which is a health and safety issue, or they haven’t replaced the batteries.

Property Misuse

The tenant/s may not be maintaining the property to a good state of repair or not using the property as they should. An interim inspection will allow you to identify this and provide recommendations to the tenants on what action they need to take or take further action if required.

Maintenance of Property and Garden

Keeping a property well maintained will help reduce overall repair and maintenance costs, both at the end of the current tenancy and throughout. During the inspection, you will have an opportunity to look at bath seals, waste traps, taps etc. and identify any maintenance issues that the tenant may not have realised were an issue.

Benefits of interim property inspections

The main benefit of interim property inspections is that they allow both parties to see if the other is fulfilling their obligations. The landlord can confirm the quality of the property, while the tenant can highlight any potential issues they are having with the property. By conducting interim property inspections, the necessary party can address any maintenance issues.

Landlord Summary: Interim Inspections Are Essential To Keep Great Tenants

While many letting agents abandon the need for interim property inspections, we believe they are necessary for both the landlord and tenant. The landlord can ensure that their property is being cared for, while the tenant can highlight issues that might affect their day-to-day life, such as leaking pipes, broken locks, or other normal wear and tear.

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