At Manse and Garret Property Search we search for our clients’ perfect home, whether they are looking to buy or to rent. Most clients are aware that if you have a pet it can be difficult to rent a property, as most landlords will specify on the tenancy agreement that animals, including birds, are not allowed to be kept at the property. 

Of course there are always landlords who will consider tenants with pets, and it is worth checking the tenancy agreement to see whether consent will not be unreasonably be withheld and to contact the landlord to see if they will consider it. It is always worth making the best case for your animal: landlords are much more likely to consider a cat or a small dog, over a Great Dane!

 We managed to secure a beautiful house in Chelsea for a couple who had a much adored (and pampered) dog who was very much a part of the family. In this case, when briefing the search to all the relevant agents we always specified at the beginning that they had a small dog, and that the landlord would need to be ok with this. The landlords of the property that they loved were dog-lovers themselves which meant that they were quite flexible on the issue once we had vouched for the dog’s good behaviour! However what also helped our clients is that they were renting a freehold house, so the only potential obstacle was the owner.

 When renting a leasehold property, as the majority of flats in London and Brighton are, it is not simply the landlord’s discretion which matters – this is because there is an overall freeholder for the building and many of the head leases for properties in London and Brighton specify that there are to be no animals kept in the flats which make up the building.

 This is therefore also an issue for people looking to buy their own flat. You could be forgiven for assuming that if you are the owner of a property, your cat, dog, or parrot can live there with you but this is often not the case; if you own a leasehold property this may be forbidden on the lease. It may be worth contacting the freeholder to see if they will make an exception, however this can be a lengthy process and more often than not the freeholder will say no, as they have to consider the other owners of the building.

 That doesn’t mean that you should give up hope. Last year we found our clients a wonderful pied a terre in Shad Thames in a well-known block. Their dog was not to be a permanent resident, which no doubt helped their case. The management company granted permission for the dog   Having written consent we advised the Porters, who man the reception 24hrs a day, to let them know that the dog was not to be refused entry and that we had the appropriate permission, and the dog happily visits on weekends, so all may not be lost for your property search.

 If you are looking to rent or buy in London or Brighton and have a pet that needs to be taken into consideration, please call the UK’s Best Property Finder on 020 7923 7564.

Technorati Tags: buying, freehold, leasehold, pets, property search, renting

Tags: buying, freehold, leasehold, pets, property search, renting

All Sunday Times readers will be aware that the property market in Brighton is not stagnant and forecasters, pundits and Property Search Agents like us are confident that it will remain in demand. The reason for this lies much deeper than the beach, vibrant night life and proximity to London. Brighton has some wonderful property: traditional Victorian and Edwardian terraces, bold examples of modern architecture and quaint mews as well as niche areas near the town centre which are affordable, have a real sense of community and offer charming small family homes. But as any good property search agent will tell you, it is much more than that. Modern lifestyle demands great flexibility and many people are reluctant to invest in property in times of shifting employment.

No longer are loans there for the asking and if employment ceases then having to service a mortgage is yet another hurdle to ‘getting on with life’. One solution is to have the flexibility to own a pad that can also be an investment. This is even more attractive if there are facilities to hand to entertain clients, to relax, have a refreshing spa treatment, or a swim and have within reach full hotel services. If business takes you abroad, or to a different part of the country, your investment will be secure as it will be an attractive short or long-term rental property offering the very amenities that attracted you, to prospective tenants. Brighton is a conference centre, a holiday destination, boasts two universities and has a thriving media industry. Add to this the annual Brighton Festival in May, now second only to the world renowned Edinburgh Festival, and it is easy to see why its attractions offer something for everyone.

What are you doing this weekend? Why not come down to Brighton and sample the festival, the sea breezes and round it off with a meal in one of the unique eating houses in the Lanes – yes two very different Lanes, Dukes Lanes of Edwardian times or the North Lanes representing Brighton’s modern lifestyle. Take a bus tour and see for yourself the variety and splendour of Brighton and its property! And of course if we’ve tempted you to find your perfect family home, rental investment or pied a terre, contact the best Property Search Agents in Brighton, Manse and Garret Property Search on 0845 459 1703.

Technorati Tags: Brighton Buyers Agents, Brighton house prices, Brighton Property Agents, Brighton Property Finder, Brighton Property Search Agents, Brighton Relocation Agents, Sussex Propert Finders, Sussex Property Aquistion Agents, Sussex Property Finders

Tags: Brighton Buyers Agents, Brighton house prices, Brighton Property Agents, Brighton Property Finder, Brighton Property Search Agents, Brighton Relocation Agents, Sussex Propert Finders, Sussex Property Aquistion Agents, Sussex Property Finders

Musings of a Brighton Property Finder

Undoubtedly there are still fluctuations in the housing market and it is likely that these fluctuations will continue early into 2010.  The British Bankers Association spokesman, Derek Dooks,  reported a net lending increase in April although not as vigorous as in March.  He believes that  mortgage lending  has stabilised slightly.  Howard Archer from IHS Global Insight holds a similar view that €˜housing market activity has very likely passed its worst point€™ but predicts a €˜gradual€™ and €˜fitful€™ pick-up due to the €˜very poor economic fundamentals and still tight credit conditions.€™

So where does that leave us?  We, Property Finders, believe that there are good opportunities for all groups of buyers.  Most estate agents are advising their clients that, if they really want to sell their house, they may well need to accept offers.  This is borne out by comparing prices achieved with asking prices.  Our expertise and knowledge of the London market is a good starting point for buyers, as our interest is in achieving the most realistic price for our clients.  We also pride ourselves on our negotiating skills, agreeing deals based on up-to-date knowledge of the market.  One advantage of tighter mortgage lending controls is that, if a buyer has confirmed his/her mortgage or other borrowing arrangements before they actively start their search for a property, then they will be in a very strong position indeed.   Our experience with vendors confirms our belief that they will accept a prudent offer more easily, if it is accompanied by a proposed exchange and completion date and the buyer can demonstrate willingness to proceed e.g by getting the survey done PDQ and of course the magic words €˜cash buyer€™ spark real interest.

Our firm advice is that it is a good time to buy €“ so whether you€™re looking for a new home or simply a buy-to-let investment with a good yield €“ you know the Brighton Property Finders in the know!

Technorati Tags: Brighton Property, Brighton Property Finders

Tags: Brighton Property, Brighton Property Finders