Local property news and featured homes

The property market continues to break records - first time buyers at record highs, property transactions at record highs, new home starts at record highs - to name a few - all of which are great news, whether you are a seller, buyer, landlord or tenant. Here at GL & Co, we are also setting a few of our own records:

Over 97% of our sold properties have achieved asking price
Buyers registering with us in the 1^st quarter of this year are up 287% year on year
Out of 100 Help Hound reviews, our customer's overall opinion of our company, our staff and our service, is 5Stars. Just one recent example from a delighted Landlord - “I would like to say that the three times we have used your company we have had excellent service. Thanks very much for all your help."

If you are considering your property move in 2021, call us or click here for a valuation of your property and let our team work alongside you, right through to completion.

A Year On...

Covid19 has changed many things in our lives. It has altered our outlook, our expectations and our ambitions, and it has changed the way we live or want to live. Over the past year we have experienced this in an evolving list of property buyers’ aspirations. Oh, the usual essentials are still there – right price, enough room and attractive location – but now a secondary list of important requirements has appeared as buyers seek to change their lifestyles in the light of the pandemic. read more here

Click here to read A Year On....

Guide Price £750,000 Freehold

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2 Rec

A three/four bedroom detached bungalow in generous south facing gardens beautifully positioned in the popular lanes area of Storrington and offered for sale with no forward chain.

Click here to read Guide Price £750,000 Freehold.

Surge in holiday let enquiries due to stamp duty holiday

Properties bought for the purpose of holiday lets have grown in popularity since the introduction of the stamp duty holiday, with the extension giving investors until June to see savings for homes worth £500,000 and until September for those worth £250,000 and under.

Holiday property provider – cottages.com – has seen a 35% increase in enquiries, with year-on-year enquiries rising by 70%.

The “staycation” boom isn’t going anywhere for the time being, as coronavirus restrictions ease and the country gets one step closer to being able to resume planning social events and trips.

The pandemic has reshaped how people holiday, with many more of us choosing to stay closer to home and taking fewer risks with our travel plans.

If you have been considering buying a second property to let short-term in the UK, you could see significant returns in time for summer.

Out of all the new listings on cottages.com, 70% have been listed from first-time holiday letters; showing a unique opportunity for investors.

To find your next buy-to-let investment, browse our latest properties.

What you need to know when investing in a buy-to-let property

Investing in a buy-to-let property is a dream that many of us will have at one point or another.

Property has always been a dependable investment option, with successful landlords able to set up their rentals to run like clockwork whilst benefitting from an additional source of income.

Before considering your first step, there are some key considerations to be aware of.

It won’t happen overnight

As much as we would like to say otherwise, having a buy-to-let property doesn’t just happen overnight.

Just like starting a new business venture, there are rules and regulations you need to comply with to protect yourself and your property.

Whilst some of these components can take time to understand and navigate, lettings agents like ourselves are fully equipped to guide you through all of the requirements.

Know the area you’re planning to invest in

It’s important to do your research on the area before signing on the dotted line, such as speaking to local agents about seasonal trends and rental yield opportunities.

Is it a hotspot for rental demand? Are there any attractive amenities, universities or transport links nearby that would appeal to tenants?

Ensure you can afford a buy-to-let deposit

Whilst a standard home can be secured with as little as 5% of the price of the property, a buy-to-let investment is usually much higher.

The average deposit is 25% for a buy-to-let mortgage.

It's also likely that your income will be evaluated, as you need to be earning at least £25,000 a year for most lenders.

Think about your target tenant

It’s important to put yourself in the shoes of a tenant and consider what they would want from a property.

Being a flexible landlord is key to ensure that tenants stay for longer, which is always great news for a landlord as you can minimise on void periods and secure your rental income.

When you have your buy-to-let property ready to market, it is a good idea to position your home based on the type of tenant you’re targeting, such as using the right communication methods to reach them.

For guidance on how to start your buy-to-let journey, get in touch with our experienced team.

Let just agreed!

This fantastic detached equestrian property situated in an idyllic rural location, has just been let but we have many tenants still looking for properties like this. If you are considering renting your property, whether it be a 2 bedroom town house or a detached rural home, contact one of our Lettings team.

Click here to read Let just agreed!.

Guide Price £825,000 Freehold

5 Bed | 3 Bath | 3 Rec

A stunning five bedroom, three bathroom detached home beautifully positioned on the fringes of Ashington village backing onto open countryside with far reaching views.

Click here to read Guide Price £825,000 Freehold.