Tag Archives: Lettings

Dawsons SA1 property
Dawsons, Lettings, Sales

Dawsons’ impressive housing stock within Wales’ most desirable postcodes

Swansea boasts some of the most desirable postcodes in Wales to live. In fact, three of those postcodes appear in a new list of the top 10 postcodes in Wales.

Dawsons is proud to be offering some very desirable properties from within those three postcodes – SA1, which ranks as the third top postcode in Wales; SA5, which is ranked as the fourth top postcode in Wales, and SA6, which is ranked as the 10th.

The survey, carried out by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) on behalf of Royal Mail, found that those three postcodes scored well on such factors as quality of schools, access to green spaces, good employment prospects, working hours, affordable housing and average commuting times.

In particular, Dawsons has some much sought after sales and letting properties within the SA1 postcode, which comes third in the survey behind the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff Central.

“We have an impressive portfolio of both sales and rental property across the city but we do have some fine examples within those top-rated postcodes and specifically within SA1,” said Chris Hope, Senior Partner at Dawsons.

For example, Dawsons have a particularly impressive apartment in the Meridian Tower which is up for let at £1,500 per month and another apartment in St Christopher’s Court, for sale at £259,950.

Meridian Tower, Trawler Road, Swansea, SA1 1JW

(Under Offer £1,500 PCM)

This is a luxury two-bedroom apartment situated on the 17th floor with stunning views over Swansea Bay.

The apartment (pictured at the top) comprises of open plan lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, en-suite to master bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and family bathroom. It benefits from underground parking, lift access and being set close to the city centre.

St Christopher’s Court, Swansea, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA1 1UA

(For Sale £259,950)

This is a two-bedroom property on the first floor offering views of Swansea Bay.

The apartment consists of a master bedroom with en-suite and Juliet balcony, an open plan living/dining room with a sit pout balcony. It also has a fitted kitchen with integrated appliances. It includes a family bathroom and allocated parking.

Here are the Top 10 postcodes in Wales:

  1. CF63, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan.
  2. CF24, Cardiff Central.
  3. SA1, Swansea.
  4. SA5, Swansea.
  5. SA72, Pembroke Dock.
  6. CF3, Cardiff South.
  7. CF62, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan
  8. CF5, Cardiff West.
  9. CF11, Cardiff Central.
  10. SA6, Morriston, Swansea.

 

Ian Bateman, Commercial Insurance Director at Eastside Insurance Services, with Ricky Purdy, Director of Dawsons residential lettings
Dawsons, Landlords, Lettings

Dawsons collaborating with Eastside Insurance to benefit landlords

Dawsons and Eastside Insurance Services have launched a collaboration that will make the lives of private landlords a lot simpler.

Whether landlords own one property or portfolio of rental properties, it is vital their assets remain protected with property owners’ insurance, for the building and its contents should a property be let on a furnished basis.

Dawsons, who manage and secure tenants for many landlords, decided to join forces with the local and growing insurance company Eastside Insurance.

Ricky Purdy, Director of Dawsons residential lettings, said the partnership with Eastside would be mutually beneficial.

“We are very much looking forward to working alongside Eastside, who we know are a well-established and respected local company,” he said.

“We know Eastside offer market leading services, so it’s great that we can provide this reassurance to our clients having built a relationship as two local brands, recently celebrating milestones of service to our community and further afield.

“Being able to provide these further services to our landlords, be those with one property or several, gives continuity, reassurance and always a local point of contact. These are key for Dawsons, and reflect the services we already offer our clients.

“We are both confident that this new relationship will flourish, and we are collectively looking forward to working as one and providing another service to meet our clients understandably high expectations.”

Lynda Fisher, Account Handler at Eastside, said: “We are really excited to be working alongside Dawsons, and are confident it will be a great success from the outset.

“Dawsons and ourselves have been working closely over recent months in preparation for the launch of this service. The relationship is blossoming and we know that our mutual services are tried and tested so we can provide the best possible service to landlords.”

CAPTION: L-R Ian Bateman, Commercial Insurance Director at Eastside Insurance Services, with Ricky Purdy, Director of Dawsons residential lettings

Sketty School pupil Angelina Chugh
Awards, Dawsons, Lettings

Budding Sketty School artist celebrates Dawsons’ competition win

Proud Sketty Primary School pupil Angelina Chugh is celebrating after having her winning drawing emblazoned on a Dawsons Property van.

The 10-year-old, who is in year six at Sketty Primary School, took top prize in the competition organised by Dawsons Estate Agents involving over 60 pupils from the school.

Angelina was delighted to see her drawings on all angles of the van which is seen daily in and around Swansea.

The theme of the competition was to draw a picture depicting family, houses and Swansea.

“I was really delighted to learn I was the winner because I have never won anything before,” said Angelina.

“It will be exciting to see the van driving around Swansea with my drawings and my name on the side.”

Naomi Webborn from Dawsons letting department said: “We were delighted with all the colourful entries received and Angelina’s winning pictures look perfect on the van.  We have already received several positive comments from those who have seen the van pass them this week.”

“We wanted to brighten up the van so decided it was a good idea to involve the school children from Sketty whom we have involved in some of Dawsons projects previously.

“Due to the enthusiastic response received we shall be looking to host competitions of a similar nature during the coming year, throughout our local communities.”

For winning the competition, which was judged by Swansea graphic design firm Hansign, Angelina was also presented with a family ticket for four to use at the Winter Wonderland whilst she waited for her van drawings to become a reality.

Headteacher at Sketty School Peter Evans said: “Well done to Angelina, I was delighted with the standard of the children’s work and to be asked to enter such a fun competition.”

CAPTION: Sketty Primary School pupil Angelina Chugh standing by the Dawsons van

 

win - 079_Wales GOLD Dawsons (00000002)
Awards, Lettings

Leading estate agent Dawsons receives coveted award at The Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2016

Photo Caption: L-R Sir Clive Woodward, Director of Residential lettings Ricky Purdy & Mumbles Letting Manager Tom Hope & Nick Huntley of ZPG

Dawsons was awarded the title of Wales Lettings Agency of the Year at The Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2016 in association with The Sunday Times and The Times, and sponsored by ZPG.

On Friday 10th June, hundreds of leading letting agents from across the UK attended a glittering ceremony at The Lancaster London Hotel where the winners of the most highly regarded awards in the lettings industry were revealed. The winners were presented with their awards by rugby and Olympic leadership legend Sir Clive Woodward, with renowned journalist, author and newsreader Penny Smith acting as compere.

Award winners were selected following a rigorous and thorough judging process overseen by a panel of 20 industry experts who assessed initial entry submissions before conducting an extensive review of the entrants, including over 150 hours of telephone interviews and independent mystery shopping exercises.

Dawsons, winners of the Wales Lettings Agency of the Year, was delighted to receive the award.

“Winning this year is a fantastic achievement, and something that we have worked towards for the past 12 months. Receiving gold in 2015 represented many, many months of effort and continued progression, but to retain such an accolade for a second year really is a special achievement,” said Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawsons.

The judging process was managed by Property Ombudsman Katrine Sporle, whilst Mark Hayward of the NAEA acted as Arbiter. The winners were competing for property management and overall awards by business size and/or region, and accolades were also awarded across a number of specialist categories, from marketing to relocation.

Now in their seventh year as a dedicated competition for the lettings industry, these awards have become widely recognised as the most prestigious and difficult to win. With more entrants than ever before, thousands of British lettings and property management offices were represented this year, but only the very best of the best were crowned winners.

Ricky added, “This award represents every staff member and all departments working as a whole, with our landlords and tenants being at the forefront and our key motivation. We have a great mix of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm, which I know will carry on the momentum of such achievements long into the future.”

The regional awards were sponsored by ZPG whilst the specialist categories were sponsored and supported by some of the industry’s leading suppliers including Boomerang, Brief Your Market and Samsung.

Ricky24012014_11
Lettings

Swansea open evening is back & bigger than ever! Event welcomes landlords ahead of licensing deadline

Photo Caption: Director of Residential lettings Ricky Purdy

The rental sector across the UK property market remains a hot bed of activity; most recently the question raised is how landlords can continue to self-manage a property in Wales whilst adhering to the requirements of Rent Smart Wales. To ensure landlords throughout the region have the correct advice and support so they may continue letting from November 23rd this year, Swansea-based letting agent Dawsons is set to host another informative open evening after their April event proved to be a great success, and this one is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Taking place on Tuesday 21st June 2016 at the Marriott Hotel in Swansea, the Dawsons lettings team will share their knowledge and the most up-to-date industry insights on landlord registration and licensing.

“Since 23rd November 2015, it has become a requirement for all landlords operating in Wales to become registered. As part of this new requirement from Part 1 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, landlords were given one year to comply with this obligation, as is the case for licensing should a landlord manage a property without the use of a letting agent. The open evening will be in line with our countdown to the November 23rd 2016 deadline,” said Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawsons.

In order to register with Rent Smart Wales, a landlord must provide accurate and current information about themselves and their rental properties. However, despite Rent Smart Wales being set up and run through Cardiff Council assisted by the wider Welsh Government to help landlords across the entirety of Wales, many are still unaware of the change in legislation, how to register as a landlord and whether the new requirement of licensing even applies to them.

“We promise an informative evening designed to update self-managing landlords on this hot topic. Landlords can take full advantage of this opportunity to learn of the time frames, initial requirements and landlord costs as well as the ongoing needs that mandatory licensing puts upon private sector landlords within Wales. All landlords will be provided with informative guides and introductory packs to take away and benefit from. Our team will also be available to offer professional assistance prior to the November deadline, with greatly discounted service options available on the night for those who see the introduction of licensing as an ideal opportunity to utilise the services of a letting agency,” concluded Ricky.

If you wish to be included in this event, please call Dawsons’ city centre office on 01792 301000 or email rsw@dawsonsproperty.co.uk to confirm your place. Limited spaces available.

IMG_3327
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.

IMG_3345IMG_3346

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.

Ricky24012014_02
Lettings

Swansea open evening set to assist landlords in how to comply ahead of licensing deadline

Photo Caption: Director of Residential lettings Ricky Purdy

The rental sector across the UK property market remains a hot bed of activity; most recently the question raised is how landlords can continue to self-manage a property in Wales whilst adhering to the requirements of Rent Smart Wales. To ensure landlords throughout the region have the correct advice and support so they may continue letting from November 23rd this year, Swansea-based letting agent Dawsons is set to host an informative open evening at their Walter Road branch.

 

Taking place on Tuesday 12th April 2016 from 6pm, Dawsons’ lettings department will open its doors and its team of time served property experts will share their knowledge and the most up-to-date industry insights on landlord registration and licensing.

 

“Since 23rd November 2015, it has become a requirement for all landlords operating in Wales to become registered. As part of this new requirement from Part 1 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, landlords were given one year to comply with this obligation, as is the case for licensing should a landlord manage a property without the use of a letting agent. The open evening will be in line with our eight month countdown to the November 23rd 2016 deadline,” said Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawsons.

 

In order to register with Rent Smart Wales, a landlord must provide accurate and current information about themselves and their rental properties. However, despite Rent Smart Wales being set up and run through Cardiff Council assisted by the wider Welsh Government to help landlords across the entirety of Wales, many are still unaware of the change in legislation, how to register as a landlord and whether the new requirement of licensing even applies to them.

 

“We promise an informative evening designed to update self-managing landlords on this hot topic. Landlords can take full advantage of this opportunity to learn of the time frames, initial requirements and landlord costs as well as the ongoing needs that mandatory licensing puts upon private sector landlords within Wales. All landlords will be provided with informative guides and introductory packs to take away and benefit from, and our team will also be available to offer professional assistance prior to the November deadline,” concluded Ricky, with greatly discounted service options also available on the night for those who see the introduction of licensing as an ideal opportunity to utilise the services of a letting agency.

If you wish to be included in this event please call our city centre office 01792 301000 email rsw@dawsonsproperty.co.uk to confirm your place. Limited spaces available.

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.

dawsonsnewmanagerspic
Dawsons

Leading estate agent appoints new managers

Dawsons have made two key managerial appointments amid a reorganisation of branch managers.

Brett Hampton joins the leading estate agent as the manager of their Llanelli branch, while Kristian Davies is appointed lettings manager at Morriston.

With those significant appointments and the recent promotion to Sales director of Jo Summerfield-Talbot it has meant a change in key personnel.

Taking over Jo’s branch manager role at Gorseinon is Nicola Fulford, whose previous role as Swansea manager is being taken over by Lorraine Evans, who was previously manager at Llanelli.

“I am thrilled to see that staff are recognised for their achievements and these moves enables them to further develop and grow the business from all an already established and successful stand point,” said Jo.

“Brett Hampton is a great addition to our team and we are delighted to welcome him on board.

“It is pleasing that Brett recognises the very high standards and professionalism that Dawsons represents and being Swansea’s leading agent, he chose us over other offers of employment with our competitors.

“Brett is moving his family down from Somerset, where he has worked for leading estate agents and not only brings his passion but a wealth of experience, having worked some 15 years in the business.

“Brett will take up his new role officially on the 4th January 2016 as Manager based at our Llanelli branch, operating both sales and lettings.”

Kristian joins at a managerial level bringing with him several years experience in South Wales along with a great understanding of Dawsons’ immediate catchment and surrounding areas, together with the industry as a whole.

“Kristian strengthens even further our lettings team of more than 45, which use their vast experience and knowledge to provide an unrivalled service,” said Ricky Purdy, Dawsons Lettings Director.

“Several important additions to our lettings department across all offices which include Kristian, from our accounts team through to property management, assures that 2016 will once again be a successful year of accomplishments and achievements.”

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David Treharne
Dawsons, Lettings

How will the new EU regulations affect ‘accidental’ landlords in the UK

With many homeowners being left a property in an inheritance or forced to take out a mortgage to buy a second home because they are unable sell their original property, becoming a landlord accidentally is easily done.

Here the UK’s leading independent mortgage broker, Mortgage Advice Bureau, explores how the new EU regulations will affect ‘accidental landlords’ in the UK.

Accidental landlords have in recent years formed a significant proportion of the Private Rental Sector (PRS). Forced into the market since the 2008 recession, a higher than expected percentage now remain through choice.

Ricky Purdy, Director of Lettings at Swansea’s leading estate agent Dawsons, adds: “Financial restraints and commitments in recent years have in these cases eased, with financial benefits and returns from these properties meaning the continued letting is now the preferred option. Accidental landlords are now in many cases purposeful landlords within the PRS.”

Despite their transition from accidental to purposeful landlords, new EU regulations could reinstate pressures felt some years earlier.

“Those who find themselves inadvertently becoming landlords will have to pass new affordability tests – similar to those faced when applying for a residential mortgage. The changes are to be instigated by March 2016, and, similarly to the Mortgage Market Review (MMR), the new rules will see lenders assess both borrowers’ incomes and expenditure in much greater detail to ensure that they can afford a loan,” said David Treharne from Mortgage Advice Bureau.

As accidental landlords do not make a business decision to let their properties out and do it as a result of circumstance, the Government feels that borrowers should still be seen as consumers and need to be covered by an ‘appropriate framework’.

Out of the 1.6 million buy-to-let mortgages currently in existence, a fifth are accounted for by accidental landlords and last year 151,000 buy-to-let mortgages were taken out.

“Under current rules, buy-to-let mortgages do not follow the same regulations as residential mortgages and most are calculated in relation to the amount of rental income that is to be made from the property,” added David.

The EU laws were not originally going to affect the British mortgage market, however, the plans will now form part of the Mortgage Credit Directive (MCD) – a scheme that will be brought in at the same time as the EU regulations in March to regulate other loans that have homeowners’ properties as security.

“Under the new EU rules, affordability will be assessed and it could also mean that older homeowners may not be able to take out a buy-to-let mortgage as lenders often require borrowers to repay the whole loan back before they retire. It is important for those looking to move into the buy-to-let sector as landlords to seek advice from an independent adviser,” concluded David.