Category Archives: Dawsons

Clyne Muddy Challenge
Charitable Events, Dawsons

Leading estate agent gets down and dirty for charity after taking on the Clyne Valley mud assault challenge

Photo Caption: The Dawsons Team and representatives from the Wallich at Clyne Valley Assault Course

Known for being the ‘muddiest assault challenge in the world’, 16 staff members from Swansea-based estate agency Dawsons were ready and willing to take on the extreme trail at Clyne Valley to raise money for a great cause that is close to all their hearts.

To support their chosen charity The Wallich – an organisation that aims to make life better for homeless people providing the accommodation and support to help them live safely, happily and more independently – the Dawsons mud challenge team, which included company directors Ricky Purdy and Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, attempted the challenge with hilarious results!

“It was a great day, one that brought many staff members together outside the everyday working environment. We were thrilled by the level of commitment shown by staff who participated, especially those who lost shoes, lost their way and lost their dignity, that being all of us! The mud challenge enabled us to support our chosen charity and help homeless individuals throughout Swansea and the rest of South West Wales,” said Ricky, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawsons.

“Jo and I have really enjoyed the events and fundraising activities so far, and just knowing that the money raised to date has already made a difference and will continue to do so gives us all a great sense of achievement. We look forward to continuing our relationship with The Wallich through the remainder of 2016 and beyond.”

The fundraising event, which took place on Sunday 15th May, saw the team undertake 121 challenges, including a sniper crawl through deep mud. Dawsons has raised funds totalling just over £700 to date from a number of fundraising events, including an Easter bonnet competition, a ‘guess the number of Easter eggs’ raffle, a general collection at all of their offices, and the aforementioned mud assault course challenge.

After recently meeting with representatives from The Wallich, they have also set an agenda for fundraising during the summer months. The Dawsons team is currently busy organising a Wimbledon tennis competition, a Euro 2016 sweepstake and a fundraising evening, which will take place in September and include great raffle prizes, an auction, charity speakers and much, much more. Further information regarding all fundraising events, and more importantly how to get hold of tickets for each will be released during the weeks ahead.

Joanne, Director of Residential Sales, added, “The mud assault challenge is one of the many events we have lined up this year to help raise money for The Wallich. Helping to prevent homelessness and provide accommodation to support and help the homeless live safely and independently, The Wallich delivers a wide range of services to the most vulnerable in our communities. Dawsons, being in the business of providing homes albeit from very different corners, wants to give something back and work with a charity that does have a similar focus.”

“It’s great that Dawsons has been able to raise over £700 already, and their enthusiasm and involvement really will make a difference. We are looking forward to working with Dawsons over the summer months, and are sure they’ll continue to promote the charity and our great work,” concluded a representative from The Wallich.

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Dawsons, Lettings

The Salisbury, Swansea, re-invented

Churchill Buildings is set to join the cast of one of Swansea’s most desirable apartment developments by replacing the Ballroom in Walter Road’s ‘The Salisbury’ with a high specification kitchen & substantial sized lounge.

You could be entertaining guests where ladies and gentlemen of the 1920’s danced to the Charleston! The new and exciting development enjoys a prestigious location just a stone’s throw from the heart of the City of Swansea, with all major transport links being within walking distance.

There is a selection of executive apartments boasting contemporary kitchens, oversized bathrooms – some with roll top baths. Original features such as bare brick walls and fireplaces produce a spectacular look, with each flat benefitting from its own quirky style.

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With some of its apartments enjoying 1000+ square footage, these really do need to be seen! Prices start from £695pcm. For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Dawson’s on 01792 301000.

Ricky and Russell Swansea Bid 2
Dawsons, Heart of Swansea Loyalty Card, New Investment

Leading estate agent teams up with Swansea BID to unlock savings in the heart of the city

Photo Caption: L to R Russell Greenslade CEO BIDS and Ricky Purdy Director of Residential Lettings, Dawsons

To extend their ethos for delivering independent solutions, Dawsons has collaborated with the Swansea Business Improvement District (BID) team to promote the city’s loyalty card scheme.

The independently owned estate agent, who is celebrating 25 years of trading this year, will be working with Swansea BID to ensure individuals across South Wales have access to the latest and greatest money saving offers. The new city centre loyalty card, courtesy of the Big Heart of Swansea, delivers savings in shopping, health and beauty, food and drink, home, and leisure. Current offers include free hot pod yoga sessions and discounts on everything from beauty treatments to butchered meat and shoe repairs.

“We are delighted to have one of Swansea’s best known estate agents supporting the city centre and the loyalty card concept, which is an important sales promotion for all BID members and rewards the general public for shopping in the city centre,” said Russell Greenslade, CEO of Swansea BID.

Swansea BID is one of only five BIDs in Wales and aims to make the city centre a bustling hub where people can shop, visit, stay and socialise.

Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings, and Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, Director of Residential Sales, added, “We feel this is a great opportunity to engage with local businesses and the community we live in by spreading the word about the Big Heart of Swansea Loyalty Card. Dawsons’ Sales and Rentals branches will be distributing the loyalty card to all their clients to ensure that they don’t miss out on some great savings, whether it be a saving on a night out, something new for the home or a well-deserved pamper day. Our offices have also been selected by Swansea BID as registration and card collection points for the public not just our current or possible clients.”

To find out more about the city centre loyalty card, please visit www.bigheartofswansea.co.uk/loyalty-card-and-offers.

 

Rent Smart Meeting
Dawsons, Lettings

Leading estate agent’s Rent Smart Wales open evening proves to be a sell-out success amongst local landlords

Landlords across the region were given the support and advice they needed thanks to Swansea-based estate agent Dawsons’ recent ‘Rent Smart Wales’ open evening.

 

Taking place at their Walter Road branch, the event provided essential information regarding landlord registration and licensing, as well as the approaching registration deadline, areas that have been hot topics among landlords in Swansea and the rest of Wales since the introduction of new legislation back in November 2015.

 

“We hoped that the evening would be well received and informative for landlords across Swansea and Llanelli, and this proved to be the case. We had a fantastic turnout, and our team has already received some great feedback from those who attended. Thanks to the information and additional support provided, I’m certain that many landlords are now fully reassured and fully updated in regards to their licensing and registration obligations with Rent Smart Wales,” said Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawsons.

 

Dawsons’ lettings department greeted almost 20 landlords over their original allocation when they opened their doors on Tuesday 12th April 2016. The team is already planning additional events to ensure landlords everywhere can stay up-to-date whatever changes the latest legislation may bring.

 

“All in attendance will be updated regularly as part of our service following the event, and will be guided through requirements should they ever need a helping hand. Those landlords who attended the event now know we are only a phone call away,” concluded Ricky.

To discover more about Dawsons’ next landlord open evening, additional upcoming events or their comprehensive range of landlord services, please call 01792 301000 or email rsw@dawsonsproperty.co.uk. Further information about Rent Smart Wales and associated landlord accreditation, registration and licensing can also be found at www.rentsmart.gov.wales.

 

DAVIDANDHELEN
Dawsons, Relocation

Relocation specialist joins Dawsons

Helen Whitter-Jones from Dawsons in Killay is celebrating after becoming an accredited Relocation Agent Specialist.

The accreditation was awarded by Relocation Agent Network and is achieved by completing a comprehensive online training programme, The Importance of Service.

A national network of independent estate agents (of which Dawsons is a member), Relocation Agent Network introduced the training programme to ensure each of their members provides the very highest customer service to those relocating around the UK.

To be successfully accredited, participants must complete three phases of learning, which begins with four training sessions on the importance of customer service. This is followed by three online seminars covering the Relocation Agent Network Referral Process and how best to help customers who are relocating around the UK. Finally, participants must convert their theoretical learning into a practical skill set by delivering assistance to three relocating customers.

By working with fellow members across England, Scotland and Wales, Relocation Agent Network members provide an exclusive relocation referral service to customers. For those relocating to the Killay, Gower and surrounding areas,  Dawsons guides their customers through the daunting task of moving to an unfamiliar location. This includes local area information on schools and amenities, popular neighbourhoods and (of course) finding the right property for them. The introduction of a Relocation Agent Specialist to the Dawsons team, ensures that this process is made even smoother.

Dawson’s, partner Mr Chris Hope said, “We take staff development very seriously and Helen’s Relocation Agent Network accreditation is a great example of what can be achieved when staff are supported properly to improve their skill set. Of course, having a Relocation Agent Specialist in the team is also great for our relocating customers.”

Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director, Richard Tucker said, “Selected by us as the best independent estate agent to represent the Network in , Dawsons have proved themselves as the area’s Local Expert. So with the addition of an in-house Relocation Agent Specialist, they have gone one step further to provide relocating buyers and sellers with the very best customer service.”

Chris Marina Office14
Dawsons

Tidal lagoon: Is the project already a missed opportunity for Swansea?

Back when the £1 billion plans were first thrust into the pipeline in 2010, tidal lagoon was one project that was set to equate to a number of opportunities for the people and city of Swansea. Set to be the world’s first man-made, energy generating lagoon, once completed the project would harness the indigenous, low carbon electricity produced naturally by the Severn Estuary, which has the second highest tidal range in the world.

As a well-respected businessman and commentator based in Swansea, Chris Hope, Partner at Dawsons Estate Agents, is no stranger to the tidal lagoon project. Whilst the plans, and the continued debate regarding whether the venture will or will not go ahead, are old news, the procrastination, missed opportunity and faltering political will experienced so far is worth commenting on.

Why the big delay?

The tidal lagoon build has been hit by delay after delay, with the level of UK government funding available the latest issue that has cast doubt on whether the project will go ahead. Despite receiving backing from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), Tidal Lagoon Power (TLP) has decided to delay construction by a year due to ongoing negotiations regarding how much electricity subsidy will be paid once the build is complete.

Further delays, pushing the 2016 start date to 2017, have been created due to the extended wait for TLP’s marine licence and lease. With recent news of a rival green energy pioneer – Ecotricity – looking to steal the thunder behind the project’s status as the first tidal lagoon development, after all those years of planning could TLP ultimately be beaten to the punch?

What now?

Whilst there is still a possibility that the tidal lagoon project will go ahead, the big question on every Swansea resident and business owner’s lips is – should we move on or as a city should we continue to lobby? The building of the lagoon and its status as the first of six on the British coast will benefit the economy, the city’s wider profile, and the businesses and residents based within the area.

For the people of Swansea, the lagoon will provide a clean, renewable and reliable source of power for some 155,000 homes for upwards of 120 years, whilst the development itself will bring significant employment, community and tourism opportunities. For the planet, the project will see a huge carbon emissions reduction, with the lagoon able to contribute to the meeting of national targets thanks to a saving of more than 236,000 tonnes of CO2 each and every year. The coastal flood protection advantages that go hand-in-hand with the development will also unlock increased reliability and peace of mind for the residents and businesses that call Swansea their home.

An independent government review has been delayed until autumn 2016, but in the meantime are the aforementioned benefits enough to keep you talking about it and positively pushing the project in the right direction? Only time will tell.

Dawsons00001
Dawsons, Lettings

Leading south Wales estate agents continues to help landlords on new regulations

Dawsons is at the forefront of helping to make landlords fully aware of updated regulations brought in under Rent Smart Wales.

Those regulations require all landlords to be registered and licensed, or if landlords are using an agent that they ensure their agent is licensed.

The regulations came into force on November 23rd last year, requiring landlords and agents to comply with the new legislation, licensing those who deal with letting and management activities of properties within the private rented sector.

It is intended that the legislation will result in improved standards of letting, provide more information on landlords for tenant verification, raise awareness by landlords and agents of their respective rights and responsibilities and raise awareness by tenants of their respective rights and responsibilities.

But if your property is managed by Dawsons, you need not worry assured the estate agent’s Lettings Director Ricky Purdy.

“As a market leading letting agent, Dawsons began to prepare for this change in January of 2015,” explained Ricky.

“We have ensured our already knowledgeable and experienced staff have attended the courses required by Rent Smart Wales, and have passed all follow up validation tests successfully.

“This requirement along with several others such as client money protection, and affiliation to a recognised redress scheme, mean that Dawsons will be among the very first licensed agents in Wales.

“As a result of our forward thinking and interaction, our managed landlords can rest assured their requirements, their tenants and of course property remains in safe hands.”

Ricky also assured landlords who manage their own property that Dawsons can help.

 Many self-managing landlords once aware of the requirements by Rent Smart Wales, will decide it the ideal time to approach a local and trusted letting agent for additional information.

“Taking this into account, we at Dawsons have prepared for this very eventuality, to either provide free supporting information and support, or begin the process of property management on their behalf, thus dealing with all of the licensing requirements,” added Ricky.

After the system comes into force the scheme will be policed by local authorities who are responsible for any necessary enforcement action against non-compliance.

These powers will be given to the authorities a year after the system comes into force to give time to those who must comply without fear of prosecution.

Any landlord who has a rental property in Wales which is rented on an assured, assured short hold or regulated tenancy is required to register.

Depending on how a property is owned will determine who needs to register it.  All registrations are done through Rent Smart Wales (rentsmartwales.gov.wales).

Landlords who do undertake letting and management tasks at their rental properties in Wales are required to apply for a licence.  Such landlords are often described as ‘self-managing’, once again license requirements the granting of a license are do through Rent Smart Wales.

For advice, and to discover the many benefits and services of being a Dawsons landlord, please contact one of their five dedicated offices.

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Dawsons, Stamp Duty

Implications for house buyers of new stamp duty rates

The new stamp duty rates for second homes are due to come into force in April 2016.

This curve ball for property investors means anyone buying a second home or buy-to-let will be hit with a higher rate of stamp duty. The tax grab is designed to help ease the housing shortage, with anyone who buys extra residential property liable to pay an additional 3% in stamp duty after 1st April, 2016.

The new charge applies above the current stamp duty land tax rates, meaning there will be 3% tax to pay on homes worth up to £125,000, 5% tax on homes that cost between £125,001 and £250,000, and 8% on homes worth between £250,001 and £925,000.

Homes worth up to £1.5 million will be subject to 13% stamp duty and those priced above this amount will incur a 15% charge.

It is not all bad news, however. Firstly, for second-home buyers who exchanged contracts before the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on 25th November, the higher tax rate won’t apply, even if completion is after the 1 April deadline.

The other positive aspect is that as the rules currently stand, investors can offset the additional stamp duty, along with other purchase costs, against capital gains on the property in the future. That could change in future tax amendments though, so be wary.

But for parents wishing to help their children onto the property ladder, the changes do not spell good news. You can still be a guarantor for a loan, but a joint mortgage that requires a parent’s name on the title deed will be hit by the tax, as will couples who want to buy a property each.

Married couples and civil partners will be treated as a single unit that lives together. Any additional property purchased by either person will attract the higher rates.

If you buy a second property you will always have to pay the higher rate of stamp duty, even if you plan to live in it and rent out your old one. If you keep your old home at the time of completion you will need to pay the extra stamp duty charges, even if you move into a new main residence.

The only leeway is that you can get a refund of the stamp duty if you sell your old property within 18 months. This aims to help those who may hit delays in the selling process.  You will need to apply for the refund through HMRC.

What can you do if you want to invest in a buy-to-let or second home without incurring the new taxes? Buy now and complete by 1 April. The danger here is that there may be a rush and the short-term increase in demand could temporarily push up prices, before the increase hits. Keep an eye on the market to make sure that any temporary price increase doesn’t exceed the 3% saving made by buying quickly.

Also be aware that there are other potential tax changes on the way, with the wear-and-tear allowance for landlords of furnished properties being revamped and coming into effect in April, and an earlier deadline for paying capital gains tax on property sales.

For first-time home buyers, it’s hoped that by making buy-to-let less appealing, not to mention lucrative, demand for investment properties will fall, leaving the rungs of the property ladder accessible.

The policy will be outlined at the 2016 Budget on March 16.

Dawsons Marina11032014_19
Dawsons, Lettings

New Private Residential Law For Landlords & Agents

Landlords and agents are now required by law to be registered
or licenced. A new law has been introduced in Wales which applies to all landlords and agents of private residential property. If you own, rent out, manage and/or live in a rented property then this law WILL impact you.

Landlord Registration

Any landlord who has a rental property in Wales which is rented on an assured, assured short-hold or regulated tenancy is required to register. Depending on how a property is owned will determine who needs to register it. All registrations are done with Rent Smart Wales.

Landlord Licensing

Landlords who are not involved in setting up tenancies and
managing their rental properties do not need a licence; however they must use a licensed agent and register as a landlord declaring their agent on the registration. Landlords who do undertake letting and management tasks at their rental properties in Wales are
required to apply for a licence. Such landlords are often described as ‘self-managing’.

If your property is managed by Dawsons, you need NOT worry

As a market leading and engaged letting agent, we as Dawsons
began to prepare for this change in January of 2015. We have
ensured our already knowledgeable and experienced staff have
attended the additional courses required by Rent Smart Wales, and have passed all validation tests successfully. This requirement along with several others such as client money protection, and affiliation to a recognised redress scheme, mean that Dawsons will be amongst the very first licenced agents in Wales.

As a result of our forward thinking and interaction, our managed landlords can rest assured their requirements, their tenants and of course property remains in safe hands. Continued support, means we have also prepared a process to assist our landlords in the only part of this new law we as an agent are unable to do on their behalf.

This requirement of LANDLORD REGISTRATION, can be
completed on line or with the help of our staff at any of our offices. For further information on this, please visit or contact one of our rental offices when a member of staff will delighted to help.
Alternatively, visit rentsmartwales.gov.wales or request a paper
form to completed by calling 03000 133344.

Do you manage your own tenant? Don’t worry, Dawsons can help.

Many self managing landlords once aware of the requirements by Rent Smart Wales, will decide it the ideal time to approach a local and trusted letting agent for additional information. Taking this into account, we at Dawsons have prepared for this very eventuality, to either provide free supporting information and support, or begin the process of property management on their behalf, thus dealing with all of the licensing requirements.

For this advice, and to discover the many benefits and services of being a Dawsons landlord, please visit or call one of our 5 dedicated offices.