I will be looking for rented accommodation in 6 months time. When should I start looking at properties and register my details?
It is worth doing your research on an area to find out what type of accommodation is available, what the typical rental value is for what you are looking for and seeing how often new accommodation comes available. It is always advisable to decide what you need before you actively start looking. Do your homework - what area would you like to be in? What is the maximum rent you can afford? Do you need parking or transport links?
Now is a good time to introduce yourself to local agents - they are an invaluable source of information and will be able to give advice on the availability of the type of property you will be looking for. Look out for local newspapers to give you contact names and numbers. Having contacted local agents, listen to their advice. If there is a constant supply of properties which suit your requirements, you may not have to start looking so far in advance. On the other hand, you may be advised to start looking sooner rather than later, to secure your ideal accommodation.
It is important to realise that taking up references and doing checks does take time, as does drawing up a tenancy agreement. Do not assume that you will be able to move into the property in a matter of days, even though it may be vacant.

I'm moving abroad and want to rent my property. How do I do this?
We have many clients who rent their property whilst they are living abroad. Our service can be adapted to suit your needs. We can find you a tenant, check references, arrange contracts, collect rents, carry out periodic inspections and oversee maintenance of your property whilst you are abroad. Our flexible service can be tailored to suit your requirements.

Landlords of Rented accommodation often ask if the applicant is a smoker/non smoker. I do smoke but I always go outside, I never smoke inside. Should I classify myself as a smoker or non smoker?
If in doubt - please ask us. Some of our clients may be comfortable with you smoking outside, others may prefer non smokers.

Why do so many landlords not allow pets or children?
For many landlords, renting their property out is a huge decision. Property is often a person's single largest asset, and the landlord may prefer not to take on board the possibility of greater maintenance or repair costs associated with pets or children.

Buying a home seems rather complicated. What can I do in advance to make my purchase easier?
It is important to do your homework before you actively start looking for a new home to buy. You can do several things to help your search run smoothly.

Location
Work out what you need from your location. Do you need to be near a school for your children or close to work? Do you need public transport links such as buses and trains? If you are commuting to work, how close do you need to be to main roads and motorway connections?

What do you need?
What you want from a new home may not be what you need. Think to yourself whether you really need three bedrooms if the only people living there will be yourself and your partner. You may be thinking you would need two additional bedrooms - one bedroom for guests and one for a study. You may find a property with a box room suitable for a study, or maybe a large landing which could accommodate a desk. There might even be another reception room downstairs you could change into a study. The key is to be realistic and flexible.

Timescales
Work out when you want to move. Do you have a fixed date, for example, are you relocating for a new job, or do you want to move in time for the start of the new school year in September?

How do I arrange a viewing?
Simply phone or drop into the office and we will arrange a viewing for a time convenient to you. Some owners who are still living in their property may prefer to conduct the viewing themselves. This often gives you the opportunity to ask questions first hand. Alternately, a member of the sales team may accompany prospective buyers on a viewing. We will always accompany a viewing to an empty property.