Rob WelsteadHello and a warm welcome to our first newsletter of 2012.

I trust that you had an enjoyable Christmas break and would like to take this opportunity of wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Whilst this Winter’s weather has been mild to date, as always there can be some additional issues for landlords and tenants. The number of emergency call outs that our property managers handle is understandably higher at this time of year and later in this newsletter we reiterate advice to both landlords and tenants in respect of minimising and mitigating risk through some simple preventative actions.

As we enter 2012 the weather may still present some challenges ahead but I know that the team at Lenwell is well equipped and motivated to ensure that our clients and customers continue to receive first class service and assistance at all times.

In this edition we look at some views on the rental market and Lucinda Newell is also back refreshed from her Christmas break and takes a look at the year ahead.

Happy Reading!



Rob Wellstead
Managing Director

Mixed outlook for PRS, but challenging conditions may spark improvement in standards - According to 2012 Predictions from ARLA

  • Further imbalance in supply and demand likely
  • Rise in arrears and repossessions likely
  • BUT improvement in the standards of consumer care likely

This year has been challenging for the housing market, but things may be set to get worse before they improve in the Private Rented Sector (PRS).
Click here to read the full article




Report says a third of people struggling to afford rent.

One in three private sector renters is struggling to afford their rent every month, new research claims.

The British Social Attitudes study on housing produced for NatCen Social Research revealed problems are more pronounced in the private sector with 35% struggling to cope with paying their rent compared to 29% of tenants in social housing.
Click here to read the full article



Government housing plans will boost Buy To Let.

The Government’s housing strategy will boost the buy-to-let sector and should provoke further debate on tenant rights and the need for a landlord register.

Bob Young, managing director of CHL Mortgages, explains his views on what’s in store for UK housing:

Click here to read full article



The Lucinda Newell Column

To be seen pottering along the highways and byways of Luton in her Mini Clubman, her trusted Scottie Malcolm at her side, our super sleuthing property rental expert Ms Lucinda Newell is on the case on your behalf!

My New Year resolution for 2012 is a simple one as usual. Look for the positive in everything and everyone and try and create as much of a “feel good” factor in those around me that I can. I therefore wish you all the very best for a happy, healthy and successful 2012.Click here to read full article

 
 
And finally..

Winter conditions affect everyone and so we felt it might be useful to repeat some of the simple actions that homeowners and tenants should undertake in order to avoid potential problems.
Click here to read the full article.

Should you have any comments or questions, as always, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Sincerely

The Editor
editor@lenwell.com