A realistic assessment of the value of your property is an important first step to ensure you understand how you will finance your home move.    

We can meet you at your property at a time that best suits you. Our appointment with you would typically take around 30 minutes and would include a detailed inspection of your property. At our meeting, we will discuss the specific needs relevant to your own situation, the market forces and current demand, any previous transactions in your area and activity levels with other property similar to your own. This information will help us advise you on:

• The potential rental value applicable to your property
• Anything you could do to enhance this value
• A recommended marketing strategy that suits your particular objectives
• The type of tenant that suits your property and your expectations

Any questions or concerns you have can also be addressed at this meeting.

To book a free valuation, please call us on 01604 235139 or click this contact link to submit your details.

Once the value of your property has been established and you have decided to put it on the market, you will need to choose an Agent to act for you.

When considering which agent to use, watch out for those suggesting inflated values. This  can leave you languishing on the market whilst properties in the neighbourhood are rented out! A successful agency will have a comprehensive marketing strategy and methods, professionally qualified & courteous staff and a realistic expectation of what the market can achieve.

We understand it is not just renting the property that is important! It is also about finding the best quality tenants. We have stringent credit and reference procedures and only match working tenants with our landlords properties.

With iProperty Finders, the initial rental valuation of your property is free. You only pay commission when we successfully let your property and you will always have access to our specialist letting consultants.

ALL properties that are placed on the market are now required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). iProperty Finders can arrange the certificate for you, quickly and without fuss – and at a very competitive rate of £65.00!

The majority of tenants now use internet property portals to search for a home. Therefore the visual imagery used with these listings is the first taste of your home a potential tenant is likely to experience and this will be hugely influence whether they contact us to arrange a viewing.

Preparing your home for photography and other visuals is therefore one of the most important actions you can take to maximise your chances of attracting interest.

Tenants are usually prepared to pay more to get more – and a property in first-class order can usually be let more easily. The following features appeal to most tenants:

• Fresh decorations - light colours, such as white or off-white, are always acceptable.
• High quality carpets of the same colour throughout. These should be light and neutral - biscuit/beige colours are popular, as are wooden floors.
• Attractive, good-quality, well-lined curtains or blinds.
• Well-maintained exterior and tidy, well-planted gardens.
• The property should be as clean as possible. We will expect the property to be handed back in the same condition as we let it out. (Inventory binding )

There is often no difference between the rental achieved for a property whether it is furnished or unfurnished.

• 'Unfurnished' is normally defined as being fully carpeted (or with wooden floors in the reception areas) and a cooker provided in the kitchen.
• 'Furnished' is usually defined as being a property ready for someone to move into. The furniture needs to be good quality and the property should be uncluttered. iProperty Finders will be happy to advise you on what should be left and what should be removed.
  

Fixtures & fittings

All fixtures and appliances should be serviced before the start of the tenancy and in good working order. If you have instruction booklets, please make them available or write out clear instructions for use. Your property should always offer:

• A modern and well-equipped kitchen. With all fitted appliances tested and working. Concerning white good, we recommend you offer them as (gifted). If you need more information on this, please just ask for more details…
• A modern bathroom with an effective power shower, modern fittings and good lighting. Tiled floors are preferable to carpets.
• Good wardrobe space in the bedrooms.
• An efficient central heating system and plenty of hot water.
• Appliances need to be tested by a qualified electrical and gas safe engineers before the property can be put on the market.
  

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations

On 31st October 1994, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 came into force. Under Regulations 35(2), it is the duty of any person (i.e. landlord) to maintain a gas appliance and pipework in a safe condition so as to prevent risk or injury to any person. The Regulations cover all appliances and all types of gas, i.e. mains propane or calor gas for heating, lighting, cooking or other purposes.

The owner (i.e. landlord) of any gas appliance must ensure that each appliance is checked for safety at least every 12 months by a qualified gas engineer, e.g. an employee of British Gas or a Gas Safety registered person. A record must be kept of all safety inspections and the results open to Tenants inspection by law. The Landlord must have a Gas Safety Inspection carried out before a tenant occupies the property and signs the tenancy agreement. A copy of the certificate must be given to the tenant before the tenancy commences. If the Landlord is unable to, iProperty Finders will provide the certificate at the landlord’s expense, at a rate of £65.00.

The Electrical (Safety) Regulations 1994 and Plugs & Sockets (Safety) Regulations 1994

It is a criminal offence to supply unsafe electrical equipment with rented accommodation. The maximum fine is £5000. The above Regulations apply to portable electrical equipment such as:

• Electric heaters, lamps, televisions, radios, vacuum cleaners, irons, toasters, microwaves and other kitchen equipment.
• Built - in electrical goods such as cookers and certain storage heaters are not covered by the Regulations. However, landlords should be aware that any person injured by the landlord's property could sue for damages.
• Electrical items must be examined by a qualified electrician prior to tenants taking occupation and if required, we can instruct an approved contractor to carry out this check on your behalf. The portable appliance tests must be undertaken for each new set of tenants.
  
  

Tenants References

Once we have secured a prospective tenant, a holding deposit may be taken in order to establish a level of commitment. We then engage an independent credit reference agency to take references on the prospective tenant. These cover employment, computerised credit checks, bank reference and any previous landlord or character references.

Insurance

You will need to make sure that both the property and its contents are fully insured. This is normally provided for in the Tenancy Agreement. You must inform your insurance company that the property is to be let, check that the conditions of the policy are complied with and that there are no restrictions on letting.

Inventory

iProperty Finders can arrange to have the Inventory checked and signed by the Tenant and to hand over keys are at the commencement of the Tenancy.

Management

iProperty Finders offers a professional lettings/property management service, designed to take care of any day-to-day problems. We can help you with:    

• The new rules and safety regulations governing residential lettings
• Arranging all types of repairs, at very short notice if necessary
• Rent collection
• Access to a range of competitively priced and reliable tradespeople
• Liaising with tenants and carrying out inspections
  

Accounting for Tax

Current legislation governing the collection of tax on rent income for non-resident Landlords came into effect from April 1996 under the 1995 Finance Act. The main changes affecting non-resident Landlords are as follows:

• The act will not affect the landlord's actual tax liability but it will affect the way in which monies are collected by the Inland Revenue.
• A non-resident landlord will be able to apply directly or through his UK accountant to the Inland Revenue self-assessment on the tax from the rental income. If granted and confirmed by the Inland Revenue, this will enable the agent to release the rent gross without making a tax retention thereby easing the landlord's tax flow. Joint owners must each apply to the Inland Revenue.
• If the landlord is not granted self-assessment, the agent will have to pay to the Inland Revenue on a quarterly basis the appropriate income tax percentage of the net rentals. The calculation of tax paid by the agent will not include mortgage interest, depreciation or other Tax-deductible items. Any overpayment of tax will then need to be reclaimed at the end of each year by the Landlord submitting a statement of accounts to the Inland Revenue.

When considering applications of self-assessment, the Inland Revenue will normally look favourably on landlords who have their own tax affairs in order up to April 1995.

Iproperty Finders have arranged for a Tax Advisor to give advice on all aspects relating to property accounting and tax liabilities. Go to contact us and request a call back!