Category Archives: Lettings

Dawsons ValPal digital property valuation service

New house valuation tool proving hit with homeowners

A new digital property valuation service rolled out by Dawsons Estate Agent is proving a big hit with homeowners across the Swansea area.

The ValPal service on Dawsons’ website has only been live for the past couple of months but already it has had a 50 per cent conversion rate with regards new instructions.

The digital tool gives homeowners a free instant online valuation which is based on postcode and area. You can also get a lettings valuation to see what rental you can achieve for your rental property.

“We are delighted at the success so far, and how well received this service has been,” said Ricky Purdy, Dawsons Director of Residential Lettings.

“We knew it was something many people could benefit from and on average we are having a free valuation enquiry every three hours, with many, many market appraisals as a result. What has been fantastic to see is the number of properties now on the market that simply wouldn’t have been without this new service.”

Added Ricky: “We have had a number of clients underestimate the potential value of their home, so with this service providing an above expectation indication, and our physical valuation sporting this their free to make the dream move previously thought out of reach.”

A client who has used the service said: “What a great service it is, so easy and user-friendly. Having a free online valuation encouraged us to book a valuation and there’s been no looking back.”

L-R Donna Howell, Vivienne Jones, Kelly Israel, Tracy Hernandez and Rebekah Young

Leading estate agent announces five new appointments

Leading estate agent Dawsons is delighted to announce a raft of new appointments in its sales and lettings departments.

Five new staff have joined the Marina, Morriston and property management teams.

Both Vivienne Jones and Kelly Israel have joined the Marina branch.

Viv, the new office manager, comes with a wealth of knowledge in the property industry spanning 20 years. Previously she has worked in the new build industry, having managed numerous new developments for major ‘new homes’ builders and latterly in the second-hand market.

“Viv’s combined experience complements our busy Marina Branch in the second-hand market and our Land and New Homes Department,” said Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, Dawsons Director of Residential Sales.

Kelly joins Dawsons after an interesting career that has seen her work on the Jeremy Kyle and Jerry Springer shows.

“Kelly’s customer service skills and friendly, bubbly approach have made her the success she is today, having previously worked in hospitality. We wish both Viv and Kelly every success in their ventures,” added Joanne.

Tracy Hernandez joins the Marina team as a Saturday negotiator, using her engagement, enthusiasm and her personal experiences within the property market to great effect.

“Tracy’s customer service skills are already proving a great success with our Marina clients on both the rental and sales side of the business,” said Ricky Purdy, Dawsons’ Director of Residential Lettings.

Rebekah Young returns to the lettings industry after a short break away. She joins the Morriston branch to support the team at a very busy period in an area she is able to recall previously gained knowledge and experience.

Donna Howell joins the property management department as a property inspector.

“Donna has an eye for detail, and great customer service experience as a result of many years working with the public. Both of these skills to be utilised on a daily basis, along with her outgoing and very personable character which our clients find very important during this period of the rental cycle,” added Ricky.

As well as new staff Dawsons has taken delivery of some new fleet vehicles.

“Dawsons fleet is seen in and around Swansea every day we wanted an eye-catching design.  The array of colourful Fiat 500s that are seen out and about have now been joined by three new cars,” Naomi Webborn Residential Lettings Department Coordinator.

CAPTION: L-R Donna Howell, Vivienne Jones, Kelly Israel, Tracy Hernandez and Rebekah Young.

Dawsons SA1 property

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 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

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

 

Leon Atolagbe, Dawsons Senior Negotiator, and Viv Jones, Office Manager at Dawsons Marina Branch

Chinese New Year celebrated by Dawsons

Leading Estate Agents Dawsons has helped celebrate the Chinese New Year – the year of the rooster – by hosting a Chinese banquet at the firm’s Marina Branch.

Customers and clients were invited in to sample spread of food supplied by the Wild Swan Chinese restaurant in Orchard Street.

“We wanted to help celebrate Chinese New Year because we have been very involved in helping to develop the growing Chinese student community in Swansea,” said Viv Jones, Office Manager at Dawsons Marina Branch.

“We are very involved with the ICWS (International College Wales Swansea) housing overseas students.”

CAPTION: Leon Atolagbe, Dawsons Senior Negotiator, and Viv Jones, Office Manager at Dawsons Marina Branch.

Windsor Cafe

Dawsons’ commercial deals give boost to city centre business

A leader of Swansea’s business community claims there is ‘robust growth’ within the city centre’s commercial property sector sparking optimism about the future.

Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), made his confident assessment after Dawsons Property revealed that eight vacant city centre units have all been snapped up by businesses in the past few weeks.

“Swansea city centre’s commercial activity is showing robust growth which is a positive sign,” said Mr Greenslade.

“Investors are looking to the city centre for opportunities as a result of the very real regeneration plans we have in place and committed to starting in 2017.

“These are exciting times for the city centre which is very much open for business so I truly encourage investors and businesses to continue looking at Swansea city centre as an area of growth and opportunity.”’

The commercial units which have been let include the former Windsor Café in Craddock Street (sale agreed) and two units in Union Street.

There is also one in Picton Arcade as well as two in Oxford Street and another two in Nelson Street.

The Dawsons deals are a big boost to the city according to the leading Swansea estate agents.

“The recent lettings we have secured in the city centre is a sure sign that local businesses feel that the city is developing in the right direction,” said Andrew Cox, Surveyor in Dawsons Commercial Department.

“With the draft bill for an alteration in business rates in place for 2017, this reaffirms that the local authority is doing their best to help keep the city a vibrant and diverse place for consumers to shop, and I’m hopeful that 2017 will be another strong year for local business.

“2016 has seen further development for student accommodation in the city centre, and with the redevelopment of the Oceana Nightclub, this will only attract more local business to the area.”

Dawsons’ recent commercial deals:

28 Union Street: recently let to a fully trained chef planning to offer hearty homemade food.

30 Union Street: ChurroShake – similar to the chocolate kebab house in Morriston. Offering sweet treats for children and adults alike.

Union Street
Union Street

2 Picton Arcade: Deluxe Vapours – Offering upper market vape fluids for evape pens.

Picton Arcade
Picton Arcade

First & Second Floor 225 Oxford Street: different tenants on each floor. First floor Tenant offers hair styling solutions. The second floor tenant offers bespoke makeup services.

Oxford Street
Oxford Street

Windsor Café, Craddock Street: expected to be turned into a restaurant.

Windsor Cafe
Windsor Cafe

6a Nelson Street: First Floor evape shop called Flavour Vapour.

8 Nelson Street: recently Let to Skin n Ink who are moving premises from Mansel Street.

Nelson Street
Nelson Street
Staff 12th July

New promotions, appointments and staff moves as leading estate agent just keeps on growing

After winning the title of Wales Lettings Agency of the Year at The Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2016, independent estate agent Dawsons has gone from strength to strength.

In recent months the firm, which has eight sales branches throughout Swansea and south west Wales offering a wide range of property services, has made a number of new appointments. Dawsons is pleased to announce two new additions, Robyn Lewis and Dafydd Spear.

“Robyn joins our highly successful auction department bringing a wealth of experience, boundless energy and enthusiasm, three factors that mean Robyn can easily and confidently handle any residential or commercial property queries. With a very broad knowledge of the housing market and experience spanning a number of years in the industry we also welcome Dafydd to complement our very busy Morriston team,” said Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, Director of Residential Sales at Dawsons.

It’s not just new team members that Dawsons is celebrating, there has also been a variety of promotions and moves affecting current staff. Emma Bolton has transferred from the firm’s successful Marina branch, where she worked in sales and lettings, to their Mumbles branch to take on the role of Branch Manager. Emma’s drive, determination, energy, and vast knowledge and experience in the housing market makes her the perfect staff member for the job.

Joanne added, “Due to the continued growth of our business we have made a number of internal moves throughout our sales department for existing key staff to provide additional support with their vast knowledge and experience, and for some of our newer members these moves will help with their progression and advancement within Dawsons. We wish all of them the best of luck in their new roles.”

win - 079_Wales GOLD Dawsons (00000002)

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

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.