Well, it is the 23rd of December and we’ll be shutting the office doors for Christmas, this year affording Spring-like temperatures and reopening on the 2nd of January 2016. I am sure you’re all looking forward to a well earned break with friends and family, no doubt some of you will be travelling so do have a safe journey.

The team here are looking forward to their break too. Business has remained steady but it hasn’t been a particularly easy year. Times have changed since I started in this business. The Estate Agency and Letting business has remained unregulated but there more regulations affecting landlords and letting agents these days. With Estate Agents diverting into lettings there is a lot more competition which can be a good thing for keeping you on your toes but sadly, I don’t see the loyalty these days with potential landlords appearing more concerned with Fees than ones levels of experience, ability, knowledge of such varied properties in the local and surrounding area’s and a basic understanding of the aforementioned regulations. I cannot stress highly enough ones ability, (call it gut feeling if you like) for sourcing the right tenants prior to recommending them to your landlords and ultimately the companies referencing agency.

In addition to the above, rental growth across Barnet, the immediate surrounding area, and even prime London has been severely restricted by the level of new stock being brought to the rental market, mainly due to the fact that many long-term landlords have sold off, (and are still doing so) with many tenants staying put too.

If you are looking to buy to let in the new year and want correct, professional advice please give us a call or pop in for a chat. With its cottages, 1930’s houses, diverse range of apartments / maisonettes large character houses and the mansions of Hadley Wood & Arkley, outstanding schools, shops, restaurants, mainline and Northern Line Station, Barnet is a hot spot for families looking for a quieter life in the capital with its various parks and green open spaces boardering Greenbelt Land.

All that remains for me to do now is wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year.