Friday, March 18, 2011

Rental sector to continue expanding well into 2012

Devon based lettings specialists Scott-Bates & Coles Lettings and Estates are expecting busy times ahead in the Devon Lettings sector as demand for rental property in the county continues to outstrip supply.

James Askew-Coles, a director of Scott-Bates & Coles says:

“With every property we are instructed to market we are surprised, and of course very pleased, by the numbers of potential tenants contacting us either via our own website, or indeed the external property portals, whether the property concerned is in the Exeter lettings sector or areas further afield such as East or Mid Devon. This appears to be something of a nationwide trend that we expect to continue throughout 2012”.

The reason for this is of course the ongoing issue of the credit crunch, as recognised by Ian Potter, Operations Director of the Association of Letting Agents.

“The lack of new rental stock for the private rented sector (PRS) was the dominant factor in the market last year, and will continue well into 2012 because of the broader issues of diminishing housing supply and lending drying up,” said Ian Potter, operations director of ARLA. “The Leader of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband, recently flagged research that shows 41 per cent young low-to-middle earners live in privately rented accommodation compared with 14% in 1988. This trend looks set to continue while mortgages are so hard to come by and the capital barriers to home ownership appear so entrenched.”

Robyn Bates, co-director of Scott-Bates & Coles says:

“It is therefore clear that now is a great time to let a property, and with sales still hard to come by for many local selling agents, good deals are available on purchases. Rental values are still on the rise, so if funding is available to you, it could be the perfect time to begin or expand a buy-to-let portfolio.

Contact either James or Robyn for a free, no obligation rental appraisal, or for advice on a potential buy-to-let property and the possible rental yields.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Devon property professional recognised for training excellence.


PRESS RELEASE FOR NFOPP TECHNICAL AWARD IN RESIDENTIAL LETTING AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT.

A Devon based lettings agent has secured a nationally-recognised industry qualification, and has joined the growing number of qualified agents across the UK to do so.

Robyn Bates of Scott-Bates & Coles has passed the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP) Technical Award in Residential Letting and Property Management, the industry standard for all agents working in this area. It is the required qualification for entry to the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), the only professional, self-regulating body specialising in the private rented sector.
Robyn Bates, a director of Scott-Bates & Coles is delighted with her qualification and says:

“For me, it is evidence of our professionalism and shows our clients that they are dealing with a company actually qualified to give them advice. I strongly feel that all agents should be regulated. At Scott-Bates & Coles our main aim is to restore people’s confidence in an industry with an increasingly bad reputation.”

The NFOPP Awarding Body is accredited by the government’s Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) and Offers nationally recognised qualifications across all disciplines of the property sector.
The NFOPP Technical Award in Residential Letting and Property Management is a Level 3 qualification within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). The examinations for the qualification cover:
• Health and Safety, Security and General Law
• Legal Aspects of Lettings and Management
• Residential Property lettings Practice
• Residential Management Practice.

“I heartily congratulate Robyn on her achievement, which represents a commitment not only to developing her business but also achieving the high industry standards we seek as a body to promote.”
Ruth Lilley, Head of Membership and professional Development.

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