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 London Home Search Agent

The Times led this morning with the story that the government is considering introducing a £50 licencing fee for all buy-to-let landlords.  The proposal follows and independent review last year for the government, in which leader Julie Rudd, a research fellow into Housing Policy recommended a ‘light touch licencing system’.

Searching, as we are, for fabulous homes available for short lets in W11, W8 and W1 at present, this seems like yet another piece of red tape which will dissuade people from letting to us.  Since we work predominantly in the £3,000 a week plus bracket, we have top-notch Clients who expect breath-taking homes.  Frequently we are finding that the homes which really suit them are just developed properties which the developers had intended to sell but who let to our lovely tenants for a short time, to take a breather from the market.

We’ve also been known to approach Clients or contacts we know with suitable second homes in the capital, on the off-chance that they will be happy to let to named Clients.  So for us personally, this is just one more piece of red tape which will make our job on the lettings search side, more difficult.

The licence was conceived to protect tenants from unscrupulous landlords, given problems in some areas in the private sector such as over-crowding.  However well-intentioned I can’t imagine this is going to make much difference.  I’m sure I’m not the only impoverished graduate who signed up for a 3 bedroom flat with 2 mates and immediately sublet our lounge and TV room to other friends.  The kitchen was large enough to hold a ceilidh, so would have definitely made up for the lack of living space as from memory I think we would have all ended up paying about £60 a week in Pimlico, when all of us were paying £100 – £150 separately.

Unfortunately, the whole thing fell apart because the landlord suddenly realised what a goldmine he had, so renegued on the deal to refurbish and develop.

Anyway, I digress.  People with little disposable income will frequently put up with sharing with many people rather than pay more for personal space.  A friend’s Polish ex-lover springs instantly to mind.  When she met him, he shared his bedroom in a 3 bedroom house with 3 other people.  Presumably there could have been 12 housemates altogether, but he was happy as the rent split a dozen ways doesn’t add up to much.

However well-intentioned the planned licence is, it will hinder more than help.  And with the dearth of short-let supply in Holland Park, Notting Hill and St John’s Wood at the moment, it’s another thing this Home Search Agent could really do without.

Technorati Tags: Buy-to-let, buy-to-let licence, Home Search Agent, top end buy-to-let

Tags: Buy-to-let, buy-to-let licence, Home Search Agent, top end buy-to-let