Lexingtons Estate and Letting Agents London Property for sale and rental
Lexingtons Estate and Letting Agents Lexingtons Estate and Rental agents
The following websites all link to http://www.lexingtons.com/
http://www.flatinbelsizepark.com/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.flatinhampstead.com/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.flatinswisscottage.com/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.flatinprimrosehill.com/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.flatinnw3.com/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.houseinbelsizepark.com/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.houseinhampstead.com/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.houseinswisscottage.com/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.flatinbelsizepark.co.uk/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.flatinhampstead.co.uk/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.flatinswisscottage.co.uk/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.flatinspector.com/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.flatinnw3.co.uk/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.houseinnw3.co.uk/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.homeinnw3.com/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.houseinbelsizepark.co.uk/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.houseinnw3.com/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.houseinswisscottage.co.uk/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.flatinspector.co.uk/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.flatinwesthampstead.co.uk/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.flatinwesthampstead.com/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.homeinprimrosehill.co.uk/ This is for anyone looking to buy, purchase, let, rent, sale, acquire, sell, probate, register, short let, company let, seller, buyer, purchaser, tenant, landlord, advice, guidance, free registration, management, acquisition, vendor, client, residential property required, block management, property investment, investor, buy to let investor, or manage a flat, house, property, home, garden flat, conversion, block, in Belsize Park, London, NW3 and surrounding areas of Hampstead, Chalk Farm, Primrose Hill, St. Johns Wood, Bayswater, Maida Vale, west Hampstead, South Hampstead, Camden, Finchley Road, Kentish Town and Highgate. Postcodes: NW6, NW8, NW1, N6, W9, W2 and NW5.
http://www.lexingtons.com/
ABOUT LEXINGTONS
Lexingtons is a strong independent estate agency established in 1992 that employs professional, friendly and knowledgeable staff who are committed to delivering you an enjoyable property experience from our offices in Belsize Park.Specialising in property sales, rental, property management and block management across a diverse client base, we have a thorough understanding of the local market and we focus wholly on Belsize Park, Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, Primrose Hill, South Hampstead, West Hampstead, Golders Green, St Johns Wood and surrounding areas.Close Director involvement plays a pivotal role at Lexingtons and all our clients can be assured of a courteous service with great attention to detail which we believe is missing from the average estate agency.
Lexingtons believes great communication from an estate agent is critical if you are to enjoy your move. Our policy is to employ good communicators who are on your side throughout the moving process.
Lexingtons offers an innovative service and a fresh approach, works in partnership with you to achieve the best results, uses the latest technology and software to promote your property, our employees are professionally trained by the UK's leading estate agency and property marketing experts. Lexingtons also provides a free detailed 'hometrack'market analysis of your property and the surrounding area.
SELLERS WHY CHOOSE LEXINGTONS AS YOUR AGENT
You have a tremendous choice of agencies on the surface and most appear to do more or less the same thing. However, there is far more to simply finding a buyer and it is critical that when the time comes, you chose the right agent for you, your property and your situation.
A good starting point is to find an agent who understands, clearly the stresses involved in moving and who accepts that you are likely to want to sell your home with minimum stress and for the most attractive figure that the current market will pay within a convenient time scale.Many agents make unrealistic claims and rash promises. In order to choose the right agent to sell your home, we have listed some guidelines.
1. Local expertise
Buyers overwhelmingly, prefer to work with local experts whom they regard as in the know, so choose a well established local agent.
2. Valuation
Beware it is well known that some agents deliberately over value in order to impress you to secure your instruction so don’t fall into the trap of simply choosing the agent with the highest valuation. An inflated price attracts the wrong buyers to your property and the right buyers never get to see it. This results with the property going stale in the market. This often leads to the property falling below its true market value. The issue of the correct valuation is paramount. It is critical that you appoint an agent who not only has a track record of successful sales in the area but also has a thorough working knowledge of current buyer activity and who can interpret prevailing market trends to your advantage.
3. Commission
Many sellers are unaware of the considerable differences between agencies and have no alternative than to decide who to appoint on the level of commission charged. This is often a huge mistake and is a bit like buying a car purely on price consideration. All cars go from A to B but the vast price differential is related to issues of quality, security, reliability and performance as well as the whole driving experience. The same is true of estate agents. Some agents simply cannot afford to provide a level of service that is either effective or makes the selling experience hassle free. For example they are often the last firms to provide adequate staff training or post-offer support resulting in missed offers, slower sales and lower prices. Cut price estate agents usually require a higher turnover of stock in order to survive and they are therefore less likely to be concerned about securing the best price for their clients. The net amount in your pocket is surely more important than the percentage fee charged!
4. Communication
Too many agents only communicate good news! That’s easy! Good agents are in frequent contact with their clients and have guts to advise you if anything needs to be done to improve your chances of an impressive sale.
5. Enthusiasm
If an agent is not enthusiastic about your property, don’t instruct them. A positive approach to selling your home is essential if buyers are to be inspired into buying your home.
6. The Directors
Choose an agent that is owned and run by property professionals who are interested in your sale rather than by people who are simply employed to build an empire. Could you get hold of a director if you needed to? Lexingtons is personally run by its directors.
7. Viewings
Does the agent accompany all viewing? What about evenings and weekends? It is incredible that so few estate agents provide accompanied viewings. Apart from the obvious security issues, only when agents accompany buyers around a property can they probe, listen and understand what the buyer really wants. Agents who develop a picture of the buyers' preferences, in addition to those few key ones that were registered, tend to have much higher viewing/sales ratio and do not frustrate their clients with unsuitable viewers.
8. Lettings
When you are choosing a selling agent, do make sure you choose one who also does lettings. Letting agents have long term buy-to-let property investors permanently on their books who buy regularly. They know the agent, and they make quick decisions and reliable offers. They prefer to buy through an agency that does lettings because it is easy for them to let out their new investment. Many tenants also register to buy. Good letting agents build strong relationships with their tenants and are in good position to help them buy one of their own selling clients' properties.
9. Internet
The internet is a valuable tool in estate agency but don’t be impressed by any hit claims. All web enabled agents are exposed to many buyers, but how well do they qualify those buyers, when it comes to discussing your home. It is very easy for a buyer to register a passing interest. It takes a well trained agent to identify those buyers who have a serious and pressing need to move. Find out how easy it is for the buyer to use the agent's property search facility by visiting their website yourself. Is it impressive, state-of-the-art, and does it provide useful buying and selling advice.Unlike other agents Lexingtons owns a number of domain names which are designed to attract more web traffic to our website.
10. Property Portals
Over 80% of buyers use the internet when looking for a property. So you need to be sure that your property is found and promoted-quickly and easily. An agent might have a great website, and that’s fine, but do they subscribe to the most effective property portholes because this is how buyers are directed to your property when they search using the search engines such as Google, Ask Jeeves, Exite, or Yahoo. Two of the best in the UK are Findaproperty.com and Primelocation.com. If your agent does not feature your home on findaproperty.com or Primelocation.com then you are at a considerable disadvantage, so that is worth checking.
11. Advertising
Advertising in traditional newspapers is being gradually eroded by the modern use of the internet and by estate agencies having and promoting their own Web Sites. Indeed if someone is presently looking to buy a property in this area, they are very likely to get online and search for properties via an agent's web-site or through one or more of the property portholes mentioned above. At Lexingtons we have noticed a diminishing return from our traditional newspaper based advertising and now we reserve paper based advertising to specific properties that may be of special interest or where the vendor has specifically requested it.
12. Window displays
Many agents use traditional window cards as part of their window display that promotes specific properties. Some agents also use eye-catching LCD or Plasma screens which attracts attention and creates interest from passers by. Lexingtons approach is a combination of both window card display coupled with an interactive touch screen window monitor. Properties from this monitor are persuasively marketed to the full in a non aggressive way 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Prospective buyers have the option to search a relevant property from our database as well as the ability to register their details simply by touching a keyboard on the window monitor. This effective technique is used by the retail sector but very rarely in property and has accounted for a significant rise in the number of local buyers registered with us.Ultimately you are best served by choosing an agent who holds values that are similar to your own. One who has time to listen, one who understands your needs and concerns, one who can offer real straight talking advice, one who takes pride in his integrity, combined with a passion for results.
Needless to say Lexingtons not only fulfils but also goes beyond many of the recommendations outlined here. You owe it to yourself to make the right choice so when the time comes to sell or rent your property, choose wisely, choose Lexingtons.
ABOUT HIPS
Home Information PacksLexingtons is offering a basic Home Information Pack (HIP) as part of its service to clients. The information contained in a basic HIP will assist our clients in the sale process, meaning that potential buyers will have access to relevant information at an earlier stage in the transaction process. We take a positive view and consider the extra work on our part should not be a major issue. Our clients can rest easy in the knowledge that we will arrange for their Pack to be put together and they need not be concerned about undue delays in the marketing process. Set out below is a guide which gives detailed information on the various elements of the Pack.
What is in a HIP?
A HIP contains important information that buyers and sellers need to know. When anyone markets a residential property for sale, they will be required to have a HIP for that property. Whilst initially, packs were required for properties with four or more bedrooms, from 14th December 2007 all properties with one bedrooms or more have been phased into the scheme.
Do you need a pack?
You do not need a Home Information Pack for: Properties where there is no marketing (eg a sale to member of your family); Non-residential properties; Seasonal and holiday accommodation; mixed sales (eg shop with flat); right to buy and similar sales; sales of portfolios of properties; properties not being sold with completely vacant possession; or unsafe properties and properties to be demolished.
What will a HIP contain?
The following are compulsory documents in the Home Information Pack - otherwise known as 'required' documents, as opposed to the optional 'authorised' documents: Energy Performance Certificate; sale statement; searches; evidence of title; leasehold and commonhold documents; and Home Information Pack index.
Energy Performance Certificates
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G.The most efficient homes should, in theory, have the lowest fuel bills and are in band A. The EPC also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home has on the environment. Better rated homes should have less impact through Carbon dioxide (C02) emissions.The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings.The EPC also includes recommendations on ways to improve a property's energy efficiency. Sellers of newly built homes will have to provide a predicted assessment of the energy efficiency of the property, but a full EPC should be provided to the buyer when the home is completed.
Sale statement
The sale statement should provide some basic information about the property, including: The address of the property being sold; Whether the property is freehold, leasehold or Commonhold; Whether the property is registered or unregistered; and whether or not the property is being sold with vacant possession.
Searches
The HIP must include: The local land charges register relating to the property being sold.If the search is carried out by the local authority, an official search certificate will be provided from the local authority or from a personal search company.Other records held by the local authority on matters of interest to buyers, such as planning decisions, road building proposals and the provision of drainage and water services to the property.These are referred to as local enquiries in the Home Information Pack. Again a personal search company can provide this information.
Evidence of title
These documents prove that the seller owns the property and therefore has the right to sell it. Where the property being sold is registered, certain documents that are available on request from the Land Registry must be included in the Pack.These provide an up-to-date official record of who owns the land, and consist of:Official copies of the individual register (made up of a property register, proprietorship register and, typically, a charges register; An official copy of the title plan; and for sales of unregistered land
The Pack must include copies of a certificate of an official search of the index map (obtained from the Land Registry), and those documents that the seller intends to rely on to provide evidence of title to the property, and thus the right to sell it.
Leasehold and Commonhold documents
Most of the documents that must be included in a HIP are applicable to all transactions, but some are needed only for leasehold and Commonhold sales. The required leasehold documents are: a copy of the lease; any regulations or rules that apply to the property that are not mentioned in the lease and any proposed amendments to same; statements or summaries of service charges covering the previous 36 months; where appropriate, the most recent requests for payment of service charges, ground rent, insurance against damage for the building in which the property is situated, and insurance in respect of personal injury caused by or within the building during the 12-month period before marketing began; The name and address of the current or proposed lessor, and details of any managing agent that has been appointed or proposed by the lessor to manage the property; and A summary of any works being undertaken or proposed that will affect the property or the building in which it's situated.
HIP index
The compulsory documents include a HIP index, listing all of the documents contained in the Pack. The index provides a checklist for sellers, buyers, agents and enforcement authorities.
Where a document that must be included in the Pack is unavailable, the index must say so, give the reason it is missing, and indicate what steps are being taken to obtain it. Where documents are added to or removed from the Pack at a later stage, the index should be revised accordingly.
Optional items
The optional parts of a Home Information Pack (known as 'authorised' documents) include the following: Home Condition ReportsLegal summaryHome use/contents formsOther documentsNote: only required and authorised documents may be included in the Pack.
Home Condition Reports
A Home Condition Report contains information about the physical condition of a property, although its limitations are such that most purchasers of older properties are likely to commission a more detailed structural survey to ensure the right perspective is given in describing the condition of such property.
Legal summary
HIPs will contain some complex documents that can be difficult to understand. The optional summary of the legal content of the pack could therefore be very helpful to buyers, although it will not remove the need for buyers to take their own legal advice as well.
Home Use/Home Contents Forms
Home Use and Home Contents Forms let sellers give buyers information on a range of matters relating to the property, including information on boundaries, notices, services, sharing with neighbours, planning permissions and other matters of interest to potential buyers.
It is usual for sellers to declare which fixtures and fittings and other contents of the property are included in the sale, which are excluded from the sale, or are subject to negotiation.
Other documentsSellers could speed up the sale if they include non standard searches in their HIP, where appropriate. For example, it is standard practice to obtain a mining search in areas where coal mining has taken place. Sellers in these areas will save time if they provide this search in the Pack. Other searches cover rights of way, ground stability and actual or potential environmental hazards such as flooding and contaminated land. Sellers will also want to include guarantees and warranties for work already carried out on their homes.
OUR PROFILE
Lexingtons is centrally located and strategically positioned between Hampstead, Belsize Park and Swiss Cottage all within a short walk. This is an area known as Belsize Village. This location gives Lexingtons a large catchment area that also includes West Hampstead, South Hampstead, St. Johns Wood, Primrose Hill, Chalk Farm, Camden, Regents Park, Golders Green, Kentish Town, Highgate and Gospel Oak.Established in 1992 Lexingtons has been renting, selling and managing properties in these areas for a varied clientele base who are both from the surrounding area and internationally.Lexingtons has advised many prospective Buyers and Landlords about buying the right property that meets their needs be it for investment or for owner occupation. Likewise Lexingtons has acted for numerous Landlords in finding suitable tenants as well as advising them on how to get the maximum return from their property. Lexingtons works in partnership with its clients to reach a mutual goal that is collectively rewarding to both parties.
With a balanced and committed approach Lexingtons has a team of highly trained, enthusiastic and motivated personnel that are committed to caring for your property needs.With the fluctuations and recent changes in the property market, not only in price, but also statutorily, Lexingtons is prepared to meet the future challenges by keeping abreast of market trends and legislation.Lexingtons is also geared up to meet the technology drive that has permanently changed the property marketplace and is constantly evolving. With Lexingtons internet presence as well as on our office touch-screen display where prospective buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants can collectively search for their ideal property as well as register their property and contact details. Lexingtons has managed to have a competitive edge on other property professionals.Statistically, Lexingtons is the licenced Hometrack agent to cover the geographical immediate and surrounding Postcode Areas of NW3, NW6 and NW8. Working in partnership with Hometrack allows Lexingtons to provide a specific and unique eight page report for all residential sales valuations that show the client the prevailing property trends in the area as well as comparable evidence of other similar properties that have sold in the immediate and surrounding vicinity.
REQUEST A FREE VALUATION AND HOME TRACK REPORT
We highly recommend that you read a Hometrack Report when you are thinking of selling your property. This report is just one of many ways that differentiate us from our other local Estate Agents. We feel a Hometrack Report is so important as it offers you independent proof of the current market conditions and gives you an exact number of properties that have actually sold or been re-mortgaged in your area. You are selling one of your biggest assets and being mislead or accepting poor advice could ultimately cost a great deal of time and money.
BUYERS
First of all you need to register your details and property specifications which can be done in a number of ways i.e. by email, phone, in person or by completing our registration form. This will give us an insight into your personal requirements, thereby enabling us to send you the property particulars that match your requirements.
Viewings:
Our friendly team is available to arrange those all important viewings of your selected properties. Our offices are open 6 days a week from 9.30 a.m. – 6.30 p.m. and 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. We are also available for late evening viewings beyond our normal opening hours upon request. Please contact us to arrange a mutually convenient time to view on 0207 435 7775.
Mortgage:
In order to speed up your house buying process, it is advisable wherever possible; to get a mortgage agreed in principle before any final decision on your new property is made. This has the advantage of providing you with a clear indication of what is affordable and the fact that you have a mortgage agreed in principle is also attractive to sellers. For independent advice an appointment can be made with a mortgage specialist.
Making Your Offer:
Once you have found your ideal property any offer that you make will be submitted by us, to the vendor for their consideration. This is done both verbally and in writing.Please note that all offers are “subject to contract” and therefore neither party is legally bound until the contract is actually signed.
Accepted Offer/Instructing Solicitors:
As soon as your offer has been accepted by the vendor, you should instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf. Your solicitor will handle all legal requirements of your purchase (property conveyancing).At this point, you also need to formally proceed with your mortgage application and instruct your mortgage consultant/broker accordingly.
Survey:
The next step is to obtain the Mortgage Valuation, if required. This will be conducted by Chartered Surveyor acting for you or your Lender. The report is to provide a Valuation i.e. determine whether the amount to be loaned is secure and also deals with the basic condition of the property. Since you as the buyer are also provided with a copy, it allows both parties to evaluate the findings prior to entering into a commitment to purchase.However, we would not recommend that a buyer relies solely on the Mortgage Valuation survey as the inspection is limited. Although it may cost a little more to obtain, a more detailed report, this could save you from making a costly mistake in the long run.There are two other types of surveys available instead of a Mortgage Valuation:
1. Homebuyer Survey/Valuation – this is the mid-range option as it is more expensive than the Mortgage Valuation but less than the Building Survey (see below). This type of survey is more appropriate to properties in apparently good condition and conventionally constructed. The survey’s purpose is to highlight any pressing or significant defects and problems which are likely to have an overall impact on the value of the property.
The objective of the Homebuyer Survey is to provide a more in-depth report which will assist the buyer in making an informed decision whether to proceed with the purchase and also whether the agreed price reflects the surveyor’s suggested valuation of the property. Moreover, the professional opinion of the surveyor as contained in his report will also set out particular features of the property which may possibly have an affect on the present value and potential future marketability.
2. Full Structural Survey – Unlike the Homebuyer Survey, this is suitable for all types of property whether conventional or unconventional. The term “unconventional” encompasses properties that have an unusual construction, are historic or Listed Buildings, have been extensively altered or where major work is planned.
The Full Structural Survey is comprehensive and lists full technical details of the construction, materials and condition. It highlights the full spectrum of defects from the more serious down to the insignificant and the terms of the survey are therefore tailored to fit the client’s specific needs.
Searches:
These are conducted by the buyer’s solicitor who submits a local authority search to the local Borough Council. Its purpose is to ascertain if there is any planning consented previously granted on the property or if there are any other local issues which may have an impact on the purchase. In some instances, the search may also include an Environmental and Drainage search.
Draft Contracts:
The draft contract is drawn up by the seller’s solicitor and is forwarded to the buyer’s solicitor for consideration. Any additional queries or questions will be asked and answered and the contract amended accordingly, subject to final approval.
Mortgage Offer:
The Lender is now in possession of the Mortgage Valuation survey and subject to the findings of the survey, the lender will send you and your solicitor a formal ‘mortgage offer letter’. This letter states the terms of your mortgage and needs to be agreed and signed by the purchaser prior to exchange of contracts.
Exchange of Contracts:
Once the contract has been signed by both parties, a deposit (normally ten percent of the purchase price) is paid by either bank transfer or banker’s draft. At this stage, the parties agree on a date for completion.Completion: Completion usually follows a few days or weeks after exchange of contracts. The balance of the purchase price is transferred by the buyer’s solicitor to the seller’s solicitor and the keys released – Congratulations! You are now the owner of your new home!
LEXINGTONS LETTINGS SERVICE
Letting a property can appear a complex and sometimes daunting process, which Lexingtons aim to guide landlords through in a trouble free, assured manner. We regard advice like this as fundamental to our service, be it before or during the course of a tenancy. We can advise and guide you through every aspect such as rental valuations, investment buying, tenancy types, furnishings, property management, tax and legal matters.Letting service:1. In providing our Letting Service, we will do the following:
1.1 We will visit and carry out a market appraisal of your property. We will provide guidance and knowledge of the current rental market, the possible price that can be achieved and any decorations or maintenances that may be necessary to make your property the most desirable to rent in order to attain the best rent for your property.We will also discuss whether you want the property to be let out, furnished or unfurnished and advise on any change this will have on the rental income. Once you instruct Lexingtons to let the property and sign our Terms of Business, we will offer your property to prospective Applicants.
1.2 We will undertake a comprehensive marketing campaign to ensure that we will let your property out in the time indicated by you. We will use many marketing strategies such as: register the property on our internal data base, our website and advertise on popular property portals to achieve the maximum exposure and erect a ‘to let’ board (with your approval). When required we will advertise your property through our associated offices and distribute the property amongst relocation agents and our corporate contacts. When required we will advertise in one of the glossy London monthly magazines to further target your property to many corporate Applicants. Additional marketing will include advertising your property in the local paper and within our internal office LCD window displays.
1.3 Lexingtons will arrange appointments to view your property and will accompany the prospective Applicants to your property.
1.4 Lexingtons will inform you of all offers received. If the Applicant’s offer is accepted we will negotiate the main terms of the tenancy, between the landlord and the Applicant. At this stage we will take a non-refundable holding fee from the Applicant, so that the property is taken off the market.
1.5 Lexingtons will then obtain up to 3 references (such as financial references employer or trade reference and where possible previous Landlord’s reference), or use a recognised and reputable Credit Referencing Agency. Once we have all the references we will discuss the credentials of the Applicant and get your approval to proceed. As we rely on information provided by a third party and do not warrant in any way the accuracy or completeness of the information. Any company investigations or searches would be charged separately
1.6 Lexingtons will draw up a tenancy agreement. Our tenancy agreement is reviewed and updated on regular basis by our legal property advisers, however we are not solicitors and if you require more information and advice, you should consult your solicitor about your rights as a Landlord.
1.7 Lexingtons will require three copies of professional inventory outlining the condition of the premises, fixtures, fittings and contents prior to the commencement of the tenancy. For your protection we advise an independent inventory clerk to compile the inventories and carry out the inventory check in with the tenant. The fees that any inventory company charges are completely independent of the Agent. Lexingtons cannot be held responsible for any error or omission on the part of the appointed inventory clerk.
1.8 A deposit equivalent to six weeks rent (unless agreed otherwise) is paid by the tenant as the commencement of the tenancy and held by the tenancy deposit scheme in accordance with the terms outlined in the tenancy agreement. Corporate tenants may offer letter of guarantee in lieu of a financial deposit (if this is the case, we will discuss the pro’s and cons with you).
1.9 At the beginning of the tenancy we will need you to inform us details of all the utility providers for your property. The Tenant will be also asked to provide this information at the end of the tenancy. Once we have this information, we will notify the local authority and suppliers of gas, electricity and water of change of occupant/user. Please note we will only contact utility providers once we have their details. We can not accept any responsibility for any inaccuracies or delays on the part of the local authority or utility companies’ concerned. Please be advised that these companies are now requesting to deal directly with the landlord or the tenant.We can not arrange the transfer of the telephone. This is due to the telephone company wanting to deal with the tenant or landlord and not a third party.
1.10 Before or prior to the expiry the initial term of your tenancy we will contact both you and the Tenant in connection with the renewal of the tenancy agreement. We will negotiate the terms of the renewal based on your instructions and will draw up a Renewal Memorandum (unless otherwise agreed with you) documenting the terms agreed.
1.11 Unless instructed otherwise Lexingtons will arrange an independent inventory clerk to check the inventory at the termination of the tenancy and to supply the check-out report. Any damages which may have occurred during the tenancy are recorded on the report, copies of which are sent to the Landlord and the Tenant who mutually agree what amount (if any) is to be deducted from the deposit.
ADVICE FOR LANDLORDS
General Landlord’s information:
Safety requirements
As a Landlord you are obliged to make sure your property is safe for any prospective tenant before their occupation. The regulations below outline your responsibilities as a Landlord and must be complied with. If you need further advice, please contact our lettings department on 0207 435 7775 .
The Gas Safety (Installation and use) Regulations 1998:
Any person letting their property must ensure that all gas appliances and installation pipe work in that property are maintained in the safe condition to prevent risk of injury. All such appliances and pipe work must be checked annually by an approved CORGI registered contractor and a gas safety certificate obtained. The tenant must be given a copy of the certificate within 28 days of the inspection being carried out. The gas safety certificate must be kept for at least 2 years.At the start of the new tenancy, tenant must be given a copy of the gas safety certificate.If the Landlord fails to provide a tenant with the current gas safety certificate the agent has the authority to arrange a gas safety check before the start of the tenancy and every year thereafter.
If found guilty of non-compliance the Landlord will have a criminal record and will face a fine, imprisonment or both. Should a tenant die the charges would be manslaughter.
It is important that you check the record when receiving it from the CORGI engineer to ensure that all gas appliances are listed on the record and they have been passed as safe.
Furniture and Furnishing (fire)(safety)Regulations 1988 as amended in 1993:
This covers soft furnishings such as mattresses, padded, headboards, bed bases, armchairs, sofas, chairs, cushions etc.All furniture and furnishings must have a label attached.Please be aware this Act can not be bypassed by selling, giving or leaving the furniture for the tenants as this is a still considered supplying.Non-compliance can mean that you will be found guilty of a criminal offence and face a fine, imprisonment or both.
Smoke detection Act 1991:
This act makes it compulsory to fit mains-powered smoke alarms in new residential buildings-one on each floor. Even though it is not compulsory in older properties, it is good idea to install smoke alarms always.
Electrical equipment (safety) Regulations 1994:
Any person supplying electrical equipment must ensure that is safe, will not cause danger and satisfies the requirements of the regulations. This require electrical equipment to be safe and constructed with good engineering practice. All electrics (wiring, plugs and sockets etc) appliances should be checked before the start of the tenancy and regularly thereafter.
Leasehold property:
If the property to be let is leasehold, it is a Landlord’s responsibility to ensure:-i). any proposed letting is allowed under the terms of the lease ii). the proposed letting is for period finishing before the expiry of your leaseiii) The written permission of your superior Landlord is obtained where required and a license to sublet is granted.
Mortgages:
If the property is subject to a mortgage or loan, it is the Landlord’s responsibility to ensure that written permission is obtained from the mortgagee and / or lender. Please be aware that if you apply for permission after a tenant has been found it could prejudice the tenancy. Some corporate companies renting for their employees may request a copy of written confirmation that permission has been granted.
Change of the address:
The tenant is legally entitled to know the Landlord’s address wherever it is in the world and an address in England and Wales where the Landlord maybe contacted. Failure to provide such information is an offence and may allow the tenant to withhold rent. The agent must be provided with details of any changing address within 14 days of such change.
Insurance:
The property and its contents should be comprehensively insured to include third party and occupier's liability risks. Failure to inform the insurer that the property is let could render the policy void. The Landlord should get detailed advice from the insurer as to the nature and extend of insurance cover required.
Tax:
All Landlords whether in the UK or Overseas Residents have a legal obligation to:-
1. declare residential rental income arising in the UK
2. notify the Inland Revenue at the commencement of every tenancy
3. notify the Inland Revenue of any changes in the personal circumstancesIf your home is outside the UK we are legally responsible for the payment of any tax liability arising on rental income through out the term of the tenancy. Landlords can apply to Inland Revenue to obtain approval to be assessed directly and to receive gross rents with no tax deduction. This form can be obtained directly from the Inland Revenue.
If the Inland Revenue has not given us an approval number and you live outside the UK, for more than six months we will be obliged to deduct tax at the basic rate and account to the inspector of taxes on a quarterly basis.If the property is jointly owned then the relevant forms will be needed to be completed by each owner.
Landlords can offset various cost and expenses against tax.
We advise you to obtain the latest and most up to date information regarding your accounts and taxation by appointing a qualified Accountant.
LEXINGTONS MANAGEMENT SERVICE
If Lexingtons is appointed to manage your property, we shall maintain the property on your behalf as per Landlords obligation set out in your tenancy agreement and subject to the provisions of The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. (as amended by the Housing Act 1988 and 1996).
Statutory obligations include keeping in repair the structure and exterior of the dwelling house including drains, gutters and external pipes and to keep in repair and proper working order the installation for the supply of water, gas, electricity and sanitation including basins, sinks, baths and sanitary conveniences and the installations for space heating and heating of water.
Repair and maintenance:
Lexingtons will ask you to let us know of any tradesmen that you prefer to use.*If the preferred contractor is unable to collect keys from our office or give a specific time of call, we will make charges for our waiting time at the property.
If you do not have a preferred tradesmen, we have a list of independent tradesmen that we can appoint on your behalf.To minimize fuss for both you and the Tenant, we will arrange for any minor jobs falling within the Landlords’ obligations and costing under £350 to be done as quickly as possible.Payment for any maintenance jobs will be made out of the rental monies we receive. This will be outlined on the monthly statement with a copy of an invoice for the works carried out.
If the repairs or maintenance works exceed £350.00 we will obtain estimates and get your approval to start the works. We will try to get your approval for the works in excess of £350.00. However in the case of a emergency when it is not reasonably practical to get hold of you, we will act to protect your interests without getting hold of you. Lexingtons will also act as agents of necessity in less important cases, when we have not been able to get hold of you, but need to carry out work which we feel needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.
Payment of outgoings :
Once we have your instructions and subject to us obtaining sufficient funds, we will pay for ground rents, service charges, water rates, final utility and local authority bills and insurance premiums from your rental income, as and when demands are received. We will query any obvious mistakes, however we are entitled to accept and pay, without question demand and accounts that we feel are in order.
Gas and electrical safety tests:
We will arrange Landlord’s gas safety certificate prior to the start of the tenancy. This will be carried out by a CORGI registered engineer. When necessary we will arrange electrical equipment safety inspection by a qualified engineer.
Management visits:
Lexingtons will carry out visits to your property to assess the general condition of your property twice a year. Unless a defect requiring our inspection has been reported to us earlier. We will advice you if any works are required at the property
TENANCY DEPOSIT
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme came into force on the 6th April 2007. If you are not protecting a tenant’s deposit you will be ordered to repay three times the amount to the tenant.
WHY PROTECT THE DEPOSITS?
tenants get all or part of their deposit back, when they are entitled to itany disputes between tenants and landlords or agents will be easier to resolvetenants are encouraged to look after the property they are rentingLetting a propertyWhen a landlord or letting agent takes a deposit from a tenant, the deposit must be protected by a government-authorised tenancy deposit scheme.This new rule applies if the tenancy is an assured shorthold tenancy.Moving InAt the beginning of a new tenancy agreement, the tenant pays their deposit to their landlord or agent as usual. The landlord or agent must then ensure it is protected.Landlords and agents have a choice of three schemes providers, offering two types of scheme to protect the deposit.
Custodial schemes
Money is held by the scheme until it is time for it to be repaid at the end of the tenancy. The custodial scheme is free to use. The landlord simply puts the deposit into the scheme at the beginning of the tenancy. There is one custodial scheme provider.
Insurance-based schemes
Under the insurance schemes the landlord keeps the deposit, and pays the insurance scheme to insure against the landlord failing to repay the tenant any money due to them. There is a choice of two insurance-based schemes.Protecting the depositWithin 14 days of taking the deposit, you must provide your tenant with details of how the deposit is being protected including:
the contact details of tenancy deposit scheme
the contact details of the landlord
how to apply for the release of the deposit
information explaining the purpose of the deposit
what to do if there is a dispute about the deposit
Tenants have a responsibility to return the property in the same condition they took it on.
Moving Out
At the end of tenancy the condition and contents of the property should be checked against the agreement made at the start of the tenancy. The landlord or agent then agrees with the tenant how much of the deposit will be returned to them.
Within 10 days the agreed amount of the deposit will be returned to the tenant.
Resolving disputes
If no agreement can be reached about how much of the deposit should be returned, there will be a free service to help resolve disputes offered by the scheme which is protecting the deposit.
OUR PROFILE
Lexingtons is centrally located and strategically positioned between Hampstead, Belsize Park and Swiss Cottage all within a short walk. This is an area known as Belsize Village. This location gives Lexingtons a large catchment area that also includes West Hampstead, South Hampstead, St. Johns Wood, Primrose Hill, Chalk Farm, Camden, Regents Park, Golders Green, Kentish Town, Highgate and Gospel Oak.Established in 1992 Lexingtons has been renting, selling and managing properties in these areas for a varied clientele base who are both from the surrounding area and internationally.
Lexingtons has advised many prospective Buyers and Landlords about buying the right property that meets their needs be it for investment or for owner occupation.
Likewise Lexingtons has acted for numerous Landlords in finding suitable tenants as well as advising them on how to get the maximum return from their property. Lexingtons works in partnership with its clients to reach a mutual goal that is collectively rewarding to both parties.With a balanced and committed approach Lexingtons has a team of highly trained, enthusiastic and motivated personnel that are committed to caring for your property needs.
With the fluctuations and recent changes in the property market, not only in price, but also statutorily, Lexingtons is prepared to meet the future challenges by keeping abreast of market trends and legislation.Lexingtons is also geared up to meet the technology drive that has permanently changed to property marketplace and is constantly evolving. With Lexingtons internet presence as well as on our office touch-screen display where prospective buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants can collectively search for their ideal property as well as register their property and contact details. Lexingtons has managed to have a competitive edge on other property professionals.
ADVICE FOR TENANTS
Lexingtons will endeavour to help you, every step of the way, in your search for a new home. Please read the following notes and do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail (info@lexingtons.com) or by phone ( 020 7435 7775 ) if we can be of further assistance. The following neither form part of a contract, nor constitute an offer. All negotiations are subject to approval of references and exchange of the Tenancy Agreements. A minimum of 7-10 working days are required between the selection of a property and the commencement of a Tenancy.
The Costs Involved when taking up a Tenancy (Please read carefully)
There is NO charge to register with Lexingtons Estate Agents and view properties available for rental.
Once you have seen a property that you like and decide to start a tenancy
You will be asked for an initial holding fee of one week’s rental. When the tenancy goes through, this will then be deducted from your overall six week deposit. The holding fee and acceptance of such a holding fee does not bind the Landlord in any way to proceed. If the Landlord withdraws from negotiations, the whole of the holding fee will be returned to the applicant, less any costs incurred. The holding fee is non-returnable should you then withdraw from the transaction or if the references are unsatisfactory.
Once your references are confirmed and the Landlord approves, an invoice and Tenancy Agreement will be arranged.
The invoice will include:
The first month’s rent in advance.
A deposit of 6 weeks rent is required. This will be held as security against any dilapidations, the balance of which will be refunded to you at the end of the Tenancy. We do not give interest on any deposit held.
We use professional Credit Agencies/Reference Check Companies and Inventory Companies
For administration costs including the Tenancy Agreement, you are required to pay £150 plus VAT. The cost of the reference or credit checks will depend on the type of inspection carried out. In the case of a Company let, the cost of the reference checks will depend on the type of company. Sometimes a professional credit check or reference check is not required, in this case we will request:-
a) Bank reference
b) Satisfactory proof of employment/Employment reference
c) Previous landlord/other personal referenced) Signed and valid letter of guaranteee) A letter from your accountant and your solicitor if it is a Company let Please note that once a Credit or Reference check has been made and costs have been incurred, the applicant will be liable for any costs irrespective of whether or not the tenancy goes through.
If the Landlord requires an inventory, he/she pays for the compilation of the inventory and you are required to pay an inventory check-out fee. The fee varies depending upon the size of the property and whether it is furnished or unfurnished.
NOTE.
All of the above (if relevant) will appear on your initial invoice and must be made by cash or banker’s draft i.e. cleared funds, before occupation. A detailed invoice will be supplied.
7. In a shared tenancy, all signatories are jointly and severally liable for payment of rent and all other matters relating to the tenancy. In such cases tenants are requested to open an account and arrange for ONE standing order to be made, as outlined in the lease, for rental payments. In a sharing situation, if one of the sharers leaves the property, the remaining tenants are responsible for the payment of the rent in full.
NOTE: another person can not take the place of someone who has left, without a new Tenancy Agreement being made and references being taken.
8. No pets or smokers will be permitted without the Landlord’s prior consent and other restrictions may apply.
9. All Tenancy Agreements are subject to satisfactory references being received and approved by the Landlord.
TENANCY DEPOSIT SCHEME
Tenancy deposit law was introduced on 6th April 2007 and provides protection for tenants by preventing landlords and letting agents from unfairly withholding a deposit. The scheme protects all Assured Shorthold Tenancies in England and Wales (Covering most tenancies since 1997).
What is it?
Tenancy Deposit Protection is designed to ensure:you get all or part of your deposit back, when you are entitled to itany disputes between you and your landlord or agent will be easier to resolvelandlords and letting agents who do not protect tenancy deposits will have to pay their tenant back three times the deposit
How does it work?
At the beginning of a new tenancy agreement, pay your deposit to your landlord or agent as usual.Within 14 days, the landlord or agent is required to give you details about how your deposit is protected including:the contact details of the tenancy deposit schemethe contact details of the landlord or agenthow to apply for the release of the depositinformation explaining the purpose of the depositwhat to do if there is a dispute about the deposit
If you don’t get this information, ask your landlord or agent the simple question – ‘how is my deposit protected?’You have a responsibility to return the property in the same condition that it was let to you, allowing for fair wear and tear.
What if your landlord is not protecting your deposit?
You can apply to your local county court. The court can order the landlord or agent to either repay the deposit to you or protect it in a scheme. If your landlord or agent has not protected your deposit, they will be ordered to repay three times the amount of the deposit to you.
Moving Out
At the end of the tenancy, check whether you are leaving the property and its contents in the condition in which it was let to you - allowing for fair wear and tear, and check that you have paid your rent and any other expenses. Then agree with your landlord or agent how much of the deposit should be returned to you.Within 10 days – you should have received the agreed amount of the deposit.
History of Belsize Park
Belsize Park is a suburb of North London in the London Borough of Camden, located 3.4 miles (5.5 km) north-west of Charring Cross. It stretches roughly from Lyndhurst Road in the north to England’s Lane and Eton Avenue in the south and from Haverstock Hill in the east to Finchley Road in the west.
The name comes from the original 16th century manor house and parkland which once stood on the site and is derived from the French, Bel Assis, which actually means “beautifully situated”.
In the early part of its existence, until the more affluent late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, it was the only house in Belsize and Hampstead of aristocratic class and size.
The house stood at a point somewhere between the present day St Peters church and the junction of Belsize Park and Belsize Park Gardens. Belsize Avenue was the carriage way leading to it from the Great Road to Hampstead (Haverstock Hill). Belsize Park Gardens lies close to one of the boundaries of the park, and parts of the old park wall can be traced in some of the back gardens. The irregular pentagon of the park can be recognized on various old maps. Present day ‘Belsize village’ marks the rear entrance to the grounds of the house, giving access from the ancient Belsize Lane, where the buildings of Belsize Farm stood.
Over the seventeenth, eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries a number of large houses were built on the Belsize lands nearest to Haverstock Hill, for wealthy lawyers and merchants wishing to escape from the increasingly polluted city to the nearby countryside, but large areas of farmland still remained, notably at Chalcotts Farm and further up the hill towards Hampstead.
The first proper streets of Belsize were laid out in the 1850s and most of the main thoroughfares were quickly established within less than two decades. By 1870 Belsize had become Belsize Park, thanks mainly to the efforts of one Daniel Tidey, a builder and property developer. Tidey is responsible for the Belsize Tavern (where he would die after falling on hard times) and the Washington Hotel, which was named after his home town in Sussex.From 1870 to 1900, the surviving stretches of greenery were systematically eroded and by the turn of the century, Belsize Park had become pretty much the place we see today – a magical selection of streets, reflecting the transient architectural and social trends of the 19th century.
SWISS COTTAGE
Swiss Cottage is a landmark of North-West London in the London Borough of Camden. The area is commonly referred to after a Swiss Cottage which in the mid-20th Century was a restaurant called the Cottage Grill. It was originally the dairy of a farmhouse when the area was countryside but was demolished in mid-1960s. Today the name is associated with a Public House built between 1803 and 1804. This opened as "The Swiss Tavern" and is now called "Ye Olde Swiss Cottage" (a pub). However, the pub may have been named after a contemporary opera. The building was reconstructed in 1965 in the style of a Swiss chalet or cottage. The road to Finchley in Barnet is north of here and the area is usually referred to as Finchley Road and has also given that name to the nearby tube station, about a mile north of 'Swiss Cottage'.
Local amenities include an Odeon Cinema, Swiss Cottage Central Library, The Hampstead Theatre and assorted shops the length of the Finchley Road. The large Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre reopened in early 2006; after complete redevelopment; and now houses two swimming pools, a gym and a climbing wall.As far as properties in the vicinity are concerned, Swiss Cottage would be deemed incorrect as an address: it is more a road junction. Properties would be addressed mostly either Hampstead, or St. John's Wood. It is common for properties west of the Finchley Road to be addressed West Hampstead and those east of the Finchley Road, but west of Merton Rise, and south of Eton Avenue as St. John's Wood. Properties between Haverstock Hill, Eton Avenue and Prince Albert Road are technically in Primrose Hill (which again is not an area that is proper when writing an address, as far as postal addresses are concerned, this is Belsize Park).
St. John's Wood, Belsize Park, South Hampstead, West Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead Village, Hampstead Garden Suburb, Child's Hill, Highgate West, and Fortune Green are all considered as Greater Hampstead.
HAMPSTEAD
Hampstead is a very attractive area. The village ranges from broad, verdant avenues with impressive detached mansions to characteristically pictorial, lanes, squares and cul-de-sacs full of charming assortment of architectural styles dating back 300 years with famous past historical connections. Fashionable shops and creative cafes line the High Street while still maintaining its charm. Hampstead Heath, with its mountainous mixture of woodlands, and grounds, giving a sanctuary from fast moving nearby city life.
The Hampstead has an extended and illustrious history. Hampstead was first mentioned in a charter of King Edgar in the 10th Century.Through the Great Plague, the Courts of Law were transferred to Hampstead and this can be seen in the names of more well-known groves like 'Judge's Walk' and 'King's Bench Avenue'. During this time, judiciary persons were forced to live under canvasses as housing was in short supply.
The Great Fire of 1666 destroyed a fair amount of the old city of London. Whilst the wealthy were able to put their belongings into wagons or barges and retreat into the countryside, the not so wealthy were forced to leave their belongings and go to Hampstead Heath. This is where the authorities set up a relief centre and made makeshift tents and camps the best they could do in the circumstances...In 1698 when its springs were found, the Heath became a spa, and a chic area of London. The springs were said to have particular medicinal qualities, Hampstead has always been a desired meeting place for writers, poets, and artists.
The Heath was involved in an extensive, long-lasting dispute between local residents and Sir Thomas Marion Wilson, the Lord of the Manor who introduced 15 parliamentary bills, trying to build over it. The lawful dispute resulted in a decision that the Heath should belong to the public. It is still a popular place and has thousands of visitors each year.
PRIMROSE HILL
Ideally located between St John's Wood, Regent's Park, Camden Town and Chalk Farm is a small public park with towering hilltop views over London. On its slopes is a scenic and thriving commune known as Primrose Hill, whose residents - many of whom are writers, photographers, actors and musicians - take great pride in the area.Primrose Hill’s centre is known as Primrose Village and this is the most coveted part of the neighbourhood, being mainly of wide, tree-lined streets and elegant stucco-fronted houses. It features a charming shopping street with a varied selection of smart shops. The green space, which gives Primrose Hill, its name, spans 112 acres, with the Hill itself, standing at a height of 206 feet. As one of the highest points in London, on a clear day it provides panoramic views of Canary Wharf, The Millennium Dome and the Post Office Tower.
Along with Regents Park, it created a hunting forest in the period of Henry VIII reign. In 1842 the land was purchased by the Crown from the Eton Estate and made into a park by an Act of Parliament.Today, Primrose Hill is a highly civilized neighbourhood with refreshingly unstained pavements. Over the years it has evolved into a highly desirable locality that is popular with both families and professional couples. The 'village' is considered to link the roads located between Chalk Farm station and the Hill itself - the main road spans between the two being Regent's Park Road.Primrose Hill has been notorious for attracting the artistically inclined. Numerous blue plaques within Primrose Hills neighbouring roads are testament to the fame of the notable residents, including the poet Sylvia Plath, Sir Henry Wood and WB Yeats.
Today’s London Zoo, was previously referred to as “The Zoo,” and first opened in 1827. Gradually, more sections of the park followed, commencing with the formal Italian style gardens which were inspired by the grandeur of today's Avenue Gardens. By 1841, most of Primrose Hill was open to the public. Conservationists and the planning authority placed tight controls on new building in the area and the public were also determined that the broad open landscape should be retained.Primrose Hill is an inclined field that is scattered with plain cast-iron lamp posts. In 1841 it was bought from Eton College and opened to the public to calm the ordinary folk, who were then deprived of the right to use parts of Regent's Park. It has been a favourite leisure spot ever since.
Primrose Hill is made up varying buildings ranging from four and five-storey white stucco Victorian houses, mansion blocks of flats, and redbrick Victorian terraces.
ST. JOHNS WOOD
St. John's Wood and the surrounding areas are very well recognized inhabited areas, with many shopping and leisure amenities. The gently sloping parks of both Regents Park and Primrose Hill, provide the area with breathtaking open-air pleasurable facilities. There are various styles of property within the area, largely being Victorian, Georgian, Edwardian, Art Deco and Regency. The area is favourably served by public transport to both the City and the West End.One time held by William the Conqueror, St. John's Wood was in time bestowed on the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, thus its current name. During Restructuring, the land changed hands frequently and was split into two main estates, a long thin strip of land along the Edgware Road and the Eyre Estate, which still remains in place today.
During the Middle Ages, St. John's Wood was mainly woodland. This area had been the hiding place for Anthony Babington, following the unearthing of his plan to place Mary Queen of Scots on the throne and murder Queen Elizabeth. However, the woodland was cut down and market gardens spread out over the land.St. John's Wood continued to flourish through the 17th and 18th centuries and later on the Regent's Canal moved through the area. Still, it retained an atmosphere of country serenity, which attracted numerous professionals including artists, authors, philosophers and scientists.In 1849, the Great Central Railway was introduced through St Johns Wood and its serenity disappeared. During World War II many of the outstanding houses that once inhabited the streets were destroyed. In 1950s and 1960s St Johns Wood proved to be an era of regeneration. Many of the older buildings of Carlton and Clifton Hills were refurbished and smart townhouses evolved from the rubble of the villas.
St. John's Wood keeps its pleasant styles from many different eras. There are classical Regency style houses – much desired- with bow windows and elegant entrances; the stucco fronted houses; delightful Victorian houses, such as those to be found on Loudoun Road, and more recently built townhouses.
MAIDA VALE
Maida Vale is an area that was mainly undamaged by World War II and most of the outstanding mansions and terraces date back to the 1840s and 1850s.Maida Vale and Little Venice form an entirely residential neighbourhood, and are wholly popular. Vivid houseboats glide through the canal in the triangular, leafy haven of Little Venice. The distinctive, stucco houses with pillars and elevated striking windows provide excellent views of the canal. Little Venice is a fashionable area sought after by writers and artists. Bloomfield Road and Maida Avenue inhabitants have their dwelling made exquisite and expensive by being by the water. The canal runs between the two, extending to the Warwick Road Bridge.
The Battle of Maida in southern Italy where a British defeated the French in 1806 is where the name Maida Vale originates from.Regent's Canal and its tree lined roads running through Little Venice make it a very sought after residential area. Many famous writers and scholars have likened it to the Italian city for which it is named, even though the name did not come into practice until after World War II. Little Venice is home to the Rembrandt Gardens, named so in 1975 to mark Amsterdam and Westminster's link to the Dutch capital.
CAMDEN
Camden Town is a home to a number of international communities. It has to be one of the most vibrant, animated and the most astonishing place to live. You will see the most outlandish fashions, hairstyles and party atmosphere in this town, which makes it stand out.
Due to this and its wide array of public houses, colourful shops, gastro diners it is a magnet for locals and tourists to visit the district. It is estimated that 10 million people visit this place every year.
The Camden town was very rural until the nineteenth century, when the Regents Canal was created, the area started to thrive with small industries, traders and coal wharves.
By Victorian times, Camden Town had become tarnished and inhabited by the very poor or socially disadvantaged. However a group of English Post impressionist artists including Walter Sickert who lived in the district founded the Camden Town Group which attracted artists to the area.In recent years the area has seen more professionals move into the area, with its new buildings, however it still has that feeling of vibrancy and party like atmosphere.
HIGHGATE
Highgate is a high-class community packed between huge parks in the borough of Haringey. Its tall altitude gives panoramic views over Hampstead Heath and London. The area attracts affluent residents, who prefer this leafy part of London that still has elements of its original village atmosphere that is fully equipped as a true London home.
Highgates' name originates from the tollgate at the top of the hill. Highgate was part of the Bishops of London's Hornsey Estate and was used predominantly as hunting grounds. During 13th century a small village had developed, and by the 14th century, the first road over Highgate Hill was constructed, along with the tollgate. Highgate School was set up in 1565 by Sir Roger Cholmley.In 1832, St Michael's Church, London's highest church, was built on Highgate Hill to accommodate the community's growing population. Later Highgate Cemetery was laid. This was Highgate’s most famous landmark, and was a popular burial site for the wealthy residents of the Victorian era and was the resting place of Karl Marx. In the middle of the twentieth century, the finances were low and the gates were locked, this resulted in the cemetery becoming vandalised and destroyed. A group was formed in the 1970’s who called themselves the friends of the Highgate Cemetery, who rescued the cemetery and have restored it to its former glory.The area has enjoyed growing popularity with wealthy and influential figures since the 16th Century as a healthy retreat from the pressures of city life and worsening smog. Today it is still as ever popular.
Labels: London Property for sale and rental
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
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