LI Magazine 69th Edition by Landlord Investor Magazine

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LANDLORD | PROPERTY | INVESTMENT

69TH EDITION | 2022

SEASON’S GREETINGS

2023 SHOWS LOADING (S E E S H OW U P DAT E )

Inflation: is it really that bad? | How did the property industry fair in 2022? | Beyond the Distractions: Legislation is the Threat | Overcoming obstacles & preparing for change | Supporting landlords in the face of legislation changes | Is software now the most important tool for landlords?

A warm welcome to the 69 Edition of Landlord Investor Magazine. TH

Well, Where did that go? I've looked up from my laptop and it's suddenly December. That was quite a year, what with 6 major shows and the much anticipated return of the LIS Awards in November - you can read a full review of our 2022 activities in Show Update. There's been further challenges for those with a stake in the UK property market too. Increased regulation, rising interest rates and the rocketing cost of utilities has certainly prompted many to ponder thier position. However, the seemingly irrepressible

rental market has continued to thrive despite the pincer movement of costs and legislation. I hope you managed to navigate your way through it, helping our audience find the right partners to work with is exactly why we exist, whether it be the shows, this magazine or the myriad other channels we use to share content. With that in mind we have another bumper issue of LI Mag here for your perusal. Wishing you the warmest greetings of the season, and the very best for 2023. TH

IN THIS ISSUE

Show Update Flying the flag in 2022

Investment Inflation; is it really that bad?

Investment How did the property industry fair in 2022?

Investment Beyond the Distractions: Legislation is the Threat

LIS Awards Celebrating the shining stars of our sector

Legal Overcoming obstacles & preparing for change

Proptech Is software now the most important tool for landlords?

Insight Hope for the best

LANDLORD INVESTOR MAGAZINE

Editor Tracey Hanbury Design Marc Riley Photography Aneesa Dawoojee Printing IOP Marketing

Insight Supporting landlords in the face of legislation changes

Finance Landlords: Here’s what you need to know about living with higher rates in a recession

Finance Serviced accommodation

Market Outlook The UK property market isn’t ‘one single identical market’

Market Outlook 28% of landlords plan to serve Section 21 in next 12-18 months

Local Authorities Maidstone Borough Council offering cash incentives for properties

Developer Spotlight Host & Stay

Interiors Styled

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PLEASE NOTE: Statements and opinions expressed in articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors and not the editors and publishers of LI Magazine. The content of this publication does not under any circumstances constitute investment or legal advice. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. LIS Media, Tenants History Limited and our contributors will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through the promoted links. Published by LIS Media, 27 Stafford Road, Croydon CR0 4NG. www.landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk | info@landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk

Meet the team TRACEY HANBURY CO-FOUNDER / DIRECTOR

Team: Donegal GAA Song: Galway Girl, Steve Earle Film: Dirty Dancing Food: Indian Likes: A busy show - can’t beat it Dislikes: Rudeness Fave thing about LIS: Building client relationships

KIERAN MCCORMACK SALES DIRECTOR

Team: Manchester United Song: Bonkers, Dizze Rascal Film: American Gangster Food: Indian Likes: Family time, Man Utd, golf (not necessarily in that order) Dislikes: Tinned sweetcorn Fave thing about LIS: No day is the same (hence the song choice)

CHARLOTTE DYE HEAD OF CLIENT RELATIONS & OPERATIONS Team: Spurs Song: The view from the afternoon, Arctic Monkeys Film: E.T Food: Chinese Likes: Anything four legged and furry Dislikes: Clowns and Spiders Fave thing about LIS: Office cuddles with Ollie

STEVE HANBURY CO-FOUNDER / DIRECTOR

Team: Crystal Palace Song: Plastic Dreams, Jaydee (Original) Film: Goodfellas Food: Indian Likes: Team meetings in the pub Dislikes: Bad manners Fave thing about LIS: Show day (as anything can happen)

SUBSCRIBE FREE TO LANDLORD INVESTOR MAGA Z I N E

MARC RILEY CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Team: Letterkenny Gaels Song: What’s going on, Marvin Gaye Film: Anything by the Coen Brothers Food: Sea Likes: Clean typography Dislikes: Paywalls and clickbait Fave thing about LIS: The website

BEN PAYNE SALES EXECUTIVE

Team: Manchester United Song: Brown eyed girl, Van Morrison Film: Meet the Parents Food: Italian Likes: Hitting a nice drive on the fairway (not!) Dislikes: Salad Fave thing about LIS: Meeting new clients and building rapport

LANDLORD | PROPERTY | INVESTMENT

Team: Barcelona FC Song: Hotel California, The Eagles Film: Shawshank Redemption Food: Anything Spanish (I'm very biased lol) Likes: Cooking great food Dislikes: Liars. Oh, and liver (can't stand it) Fave thing about LIS: Socialising with the whole team

LUKE BRENNAN SALES EXECUTIVE

Team: Chelsea Song: Murder on the dance floor Film: Stepbrothers Food: Italian Likes: Chinese restaurants Dislikes: Dishonesty Fave thing about LIS: The Team

JACOB HANBURY SALES EXECUTIVE

THE

OLLIE HANBURY ENTERTAINMENT & SECURITY MANAGER Team: Crystal Palace Song: Who let the dogs out Film: 101 Dalmatians Food: Roast Dinners Likes: Walkies Dislikes: Poo in bags left on branches Fave thing about LIS: Getting all the attention

LANDLORD | PROPERTY | INVESTMENT

55TH EDITION | 2020

[ D I G I TA L] B R E A C H BUT ARE LIVE EVENTS NOW BACK ON THE HORIZON? SEE PAGE 6

Team: Crystal Palace Song: Everything's gonna be alright - Bob Marley Film: The Shawshank Redemption Food: Italian Likes: Socialising with friends Dislikes: Traffic Jams Fave thing about LIS: Show day

LANDLORD INVESTOR

WRITTEN BY INDUSTRY EXPERTS COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF BUY-TO-LET

63 ND EDITION | 2021

ONCE MORE UNTO

ALICIA CELA HEAD OF ACCOUNTS

LANDLORD SURVIVAL GUIDE IV

LANDLORD INVESTOR

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LANDLORD SURVIVAL GUIDE III

IN THIS ISSUE...

IN THIS ISSUE... Two sides of the same coin

Opportunity Knocks

Once more unto the (digital) breach

Why landlords should let to families on benefits

Buy-to-let vs Build-

Locked Down, But Not Quite Closed Down

Let technology take the strain

Covid-19 triggered opportunity

Advice for landlords during the pandemic

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? FIND OUT MORE

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

What do I do if I'm a student landlord?

Coronavirus & Taxation Landlords Voice

In 2023 we have major shows in Birmingham, Manchester and London. If you'd like to become part of our story we'd love to hear from you. Find out more and drop us a line at www.landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk/ why-exhibit

S H O W U P D AT E

T R AC E Y H A N B U R Y E D I TO R & S H O W F O U N D E R

FLYING THE FLAG IN 2022 04

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

S H O W U P D AT E

That was a challenging year for many a reason, but as 2022 comes to a close I'd like to reflect and take stock of where we are.

s alluded to in my welcome note (see P1), it’s obviously been a turbulent year for the UK economy, the biggest interest rate increase in over 30 years has had a huge impact on all areas of the property market and will continue to do so. With first time buyers hitting pause and lenders pulling mortgage products a market slowdown was inevitable, but the pessimistic predictions of a market crash remain unfounded. In fact as the year comes to a close the UK property market has again proved its resilience. Fluctuations are to be expected in any long-term investment and the key to survival is adaptation. Managing property isn't for the feint-hearted, it's a job like any other. It has many skill sets which have to be learned, refined and constantly revised to stay on top of the game. Reform and legislation has made for a highly professional market, with no room for hobbyists or those looking for short-term gains. That may make for a more challenging task, but challenging times really is where the National Landlord Investment Show comes into its own. The show was conceived for exactly these reasons, and were delighted to see all six of our 2022 shows bustling with people looking for much needed information, advice and professional help. Overleaf you can see pics of the 2022 season finale at Old Billingsgate in London. There was some great input on all the above subjects in the panel discussions at this year’s shows. The morning panel session at our November 2nd show, was particularly interesting: 'Rising rates and a possible recession looming - what’s your next move?' says it all really. Chaired by veteran broadcaster and Landlord Investment Show regular Andrew Neil, the panel really dug into the subject and asked some thorny questions. If you missed this or any of

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

this year's debates I’d strongly urge you to visit the videos section of our website. A subject close to my own heart was the mid-morning panel session on November 2nd - 'Women in Property & Finance'. Chaired by Elizabeth Warburton this panel featured the very best of the property and finance industry discussing what it's like operating in our market and being female: what changes they've seen over the years, what they'd like to see happen in the future, and offering advice to anyone just starting out in these industries. Again, I’d strongly urge you to watch via the videos section of our website. The third November panel session 'Hammer Time: UK's Largest Auction Debate' dealt with key points and avoiding the pitfalls when buying a property at auction. This debate covered researching legal and buyer information packs, understanding reserve/guide prices, finance, getting carried away and more.

7 of Landlord investor Hour streams at 7pm on January 11th, so we'll be diving straight into 2023. Our sister brand Property Notify has more episodes of Talk Property with Ian Collins lined up as well, so keep an eye out for notifications. You can register for media updates at www. landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk/mediasubscriptions. As always it's all free to access, all you have to do is register. I'd like to finish by thanking everyone who has supported us this year. Starting with our sponsors, speakers, exhibitors and staff. Exhibitions of this scale don't organise themselves and these are the people who work tirelessly to make it happen. Our biggest thank you goes to our audience and attendees. Your thirst for knowledge is our lifeblood, thank you. Wishing you health, wealth and prosperity for 2023. Tracey Hanbury

Watch all three panel debates, plus Property Elevator LIVE! at www. landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk/paneldebates. We continue to fly the flag with a full calendar of UK shows in 2023. We kickoff on March 14, at Old Billingsgate for the first of three London Shows. Next up is Birmingham on May 17, followed by our summer show back at Old Billingsgate on July 4, On September 27 we've added a new venue to the roster, with a show at Elstree Double Tree Hotel focusing specifically on the North London / Hertfordshire market. On October 10th we head North to Manchester, before returning south for our last show of the year on November 1st back in London. We'll also be back with the LIS Awards in November - see page 24 for a review of this year’s Awards. Episode

Fluctuations are to be expected in any long-term investment and the key to survival is adaptation. 05

S H O W U P D AT E

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

S H O W U P D AT E

November London Show, Old Billingsgate.

Andrew Neil retuned to chair the morning panel debate and the Grand Hall was bustling with exhibitors and eager guests – as were the 3 panel debates and Property Elevator LIVE!

All images by Aneesa Dawoojee

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

S H O W U P D AT E

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

S H O W U P D AT E

November London Show, Old Billingsgate.

Standing room only during many of the panel debates / seminars, and a busy day for our exhibitors.

All images by Aneesa Dawoojee

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

I N V E S T M E N T | N O VA

PA U L M A H O N E Y N OVA F I N A N C I A L G R O U P

INFL ATION; IS I T RE A L LY THAT BAD?

'Just ignore him'. 10

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

I N V E S T M E N T | N O VA

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Inflation. It’s something that has been in the media a lot lately and recent data has put current inflation at over 10%.

o firstly, what is inflation? Well effectively, it’s the increase in price of a certain basket of goods or the consumer price index (CPI). That basket of goods can differ across different measures. So, the CPI this year effectively means that a certain basket of goods has increased by 10% in cost, and a lot of people are starting to feel that at the grocery store, the petrol pump and those types of necessities. There’s been some startling information put out recently by Citibank which says they expect inflation to rise as high as 18% next year or the year after. Whether they are right or wrong, it doesn’t really matter. We need to understand what it really means and how it’s going to affect us. As a property investor and somebody with debt, as long as you can afford to live, inflation is not necessarily a bad thing because it reduces the value of your debt. For example, if inflation over this entire year is 10% and therefore the value on £1 has effectively reduced by 10%, the £100k you owe on a property has also effectively reduced by 10%. So, for somebody with debt, inflation is actually quite a good

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

thing as it reduces the cost of your debt. Also, for somebody with appreciating assets, (property being an appreciating asset. That is, a finite asset with strong demand and finite supply) generally you will find in that high inflationary environment that property prices will grow in value also. It tends to be what is referred to as quite a good hedge against inflation as it keeps up with the value of inflation or outperforms inflation even. Whereas, if you have your cash in the bank, essentially you are losing 10% or 18% or whatever inflation might be at that point in time on the value of your cash. Therefore, investing in property is a really good way of protecting the value of your resources, whether that be cash invested in property or equity from other properties. Thus, helping you to improve your wealth or at the very least, keep up with the cost of living. If you would like any advice or guidance on how to invest successfully in property, in any market, contact Nova Financial Group on 0203 8000 600, info@ nova.financial or www.nova.financial

As a property investor and somebody with debt, as long as you can afford to live, inflation is not necessarily a bad thing because it reduces the value of your debt. 11

Advice & Guidance

INVESTMENT | HJ COLLECTION

REECE MENNIE CEO, HJ COLLEC TION

HO W DID T HE PR OPE R T Y INDU S T R Y FA IR IN 2 0 2 2?

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

INVESTMENT | HJ COLLECTION

And what can investors expect in 2023?

2022 has undoubtedly been a year to remember. However, despite the current hardship many are experiencing, many positives remain from the last 12 months, particularly within the property development and investment sector. For example, rental demand has increased significantly during the year, with Propertymark reporting a 188% increase in tenants looking for rental properties compared to December 2021.

While developers may not necessarily find themselves competing for tenants as demand outstrips supply, the conscious investor and/or tenant are more likely to opt for developments that have put energy performance and efficiency at the top of the agenda, not only in the wake of climbing utility bills but also amidst the growing pressures of climate change.

As such, commercial to residential developments have grown over the last 12 months – enabling unused office buildings to be repurposed while offering a solution to the growing housing shortage in sought-after town and city centre locations.

HJ Collection is a nationwide developer with a proven track record in developing sustainable, efficient, and affordable accommodation for all while providing dependable investment opportunities for high-net-worth individuals.

This combination of vacant commercial properties with extensive regeneration plans in multiple regions across the UK provides an ideal opportunity for property investment and development. It enables developers, like HJ Collection, to leverage permitted development rights to transform commercial into residential developments.

Their vision is to help the UK overcome its housing crisis by developing residential homes in up-and-coming regions across the country with high demand and low supply of affordable homes, and since its inception, has acquired 15 sites. In successfully leveraging recent changes to planning legislation and permitted development rights, the team has converted unused or dormant commercial units into residential property developments totalling 650+ units while diversifying risk for investors and delivering aboveaverage returns of 10 - 12%.

The property industry will hold its nerve. Despite future economic challenges, professionals throughout the property industry are of a similar opinion – yes, the next 12 months may be difficult. However, the property industry will bounce back and is unlikely to dip to the levels seen in the 2008/09 recession.

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

How can HJ Collection help?

To find out more about HJ Collection and how we help high-net-worth investors achieve above-average returns through structured investments, contact us today at: info@hjcollection.co.uk

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I NVE STM E NT | M O RTGAG E S FO R B U S I N E S S

J E N I B R O W N E , S A L E S D I R E C TO R M O R TG AG E S F O R B U S I N E S S

BE YOND THE DISTRACTIONS: LEGISL ATION IS THE THRE AT 18

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

I NVE STM E NT | M O RTGAG E S FO R B U S I N E S S

Amidst months of political and economic turmoil, rising mortgage interest rates have hit the headlines. But while the increasing cost of borrowing money and the significant impact on mortgage affordability are causes for concern, they are not the most acute pain points landlords face.

peaking to many of you at events and over the phone, and as a landlord myself, it’s abundantly clear that legislation, particularly the abolishment of Section 21, is a considerable concern for many of you. The current system does not make it easy to manage portfolios efficiently, making Section 21 a last but essential resort. Intended to protect tenants, the short-sighted consequence of this abolishment will make it even more challenging for tenants in the most need. Not only are many suggesting they will sell property, but remaining landlords will have to vigorously vet prospective tenants, strongly favouring those with robust incomes, steady employment and perfect credit records to mitigate risk. This leaves individuals and families on lower incomes, with less traditional employment contracts and black credit marks struggling to secure affordable housing and more likely to face homelessness. Let’s not forget, the private rental sector (PRS) fills the affordable housing void that multiple governments have failed to redress. Let me be clear: on the whole, I firmly believe the Renters’ Reform Bill can be

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

a force for good. Professionalising our extensive industry will weed out the minority of rogue landlords who give it a bad name. The Bill is not yet finalised, and many details must be ironed out before anyone should panic and make significant investment decisions. There’s also the not-so-small matter of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Somewhat eclipsed by market volatility, as far as anyone’s aware the intended deadlines for increasing required EPCs for buy to let property from E to C remain 2025 and 2028. Not only is time quickly running out to complete works, but also to secure funding to do so. Paragon Bank’s research suggests it could cost an average of £10,560 per property to move from EPC E to C, and although 60% intend to use savings to cover green improvement costs, many will need property finance options too. Do not lose hope; recent research suggests tenant demand is at record highs. Let’s keep our cool and continue lobbying for legislation that serves tenants and landlords in order to protect an essential infrastructure providing safe, affordable housing for some 4.4 million households.

On the whole, I firmly believe the Renters’ Reform Bill can be a force for good. Professionalising our extensive industry will weed out the minority of rogue landlords who give it a bad name. 19

Are you in the Best Possib

lesstaxforlandlords.co.uk 0203 735 2940

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ble Position to Save Tax? Income Tax Are you paying higher rate tax on property profits when you could be paying 50% less?

Capital Gains Tax Could a business restructure slash your CGT bill by re-basing your purchase costs?

Corporation Tax Could you be allocating profits to lower rate taxpayers to save on the corporation tax increase?

Dividend Tax Could you be withdrawing your hard earned capital tax-free, rather than getting caught in the double tax trap?

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T R AC E Y H A N B U R Y E D I TO R & S H O W F O U N D E R

CELEBRATING THE SHINING STARS OF OUR SECTOR 24

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

L I S AWA R D S

The return of the National LIS Awards on November 17th was a spectacular evening of awards and cabaret.

s the leader paragraph suggests, the return of the National LIS Awards on November 17th at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London was nothing short of stunning. We’d not had an awards show since 2019 for obvious reasons, but with the challenges we all faced throughout lockdown and beyond felt the time was right to return with the awards show, and a (very) well deserved party.

to the party atmosphere. The hall was packed with people from all corners of the property and investment sector celebrating our industry, some great work and most importantly the people.

To mark the occasion we decided to push the boundaries with a magic show and cabaret, which really added

The magic and cabaret gave the evening a fabulous twist, again proving that award shows don’t have to be

Our host for the evening, Mr Patrick Kielty, had the room in rapturous laughter and proved, that when letting our hair down that we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Brilliant Mr Kielty, and thanks for making all of our winners feel so special.

stuffy affairs, and that as a sector we really know how to enjoy ourselves. A huge thank you to Veronica Blacklace and performers for adding such a flourish and memorable colour to the night. I could go on, but the pictures overleaf really do say it all. Finally, and most importantly, we’d like to thank all of our winners, nominees, sponsors, entertainers, guests and staff for a truly spectacular evening. You can see a full list of our 2022 winners below and we’ll be back in 2023, so watch this space. Once again, thank you.

Congratulations to our 2022 winners Best Accounting and Tax Services for Landlords Ibiss & Co Limited

Best Property Education Provider Sponsored by Roma Your Freedom Empire

Best Online Product for Landlords LondonProperty.co.uk

Proptech Company of the Year Yardi Breeze Premier

Best Landlord Legal Services Provider Woodstock Legal Services

Property Developer of the Year Sponsored by TP Legal HJ Collection

Best HMO Services Provider Rockstar Property Partners

Best Property Management Provider Host & Stay

Best Product for Landlords LOFT

Best Online Agency Sponsored by Project Home & HMO Premier Mr Investa

Best Short Term Letting Agent Workstays

Best Landlord Insurance Provider Alan Boswell Group

Best Lettings Agency Leaders Roman Group

Best Buy-to-Let Mortgage Broker Sponsored by HJ Collection John Charcol

Specialist Finance Provider of the Year Nova Financial Group

Outstanding Contribution to the Private Rented Sector NRLA

Best Show Speaker of 2022 Paul Shamplina

Best Property Investment Provider CrowdProperty

Best Buy-to-Let and Commercial Lender SBI UK

Best Alternative Property Investment Provider Hunter Jones Group

Landlord of the Year Sponsored by TDS Alvarine Coulton

View the full awards review at www.national-lis-awards.co.uk/2022-awards-review

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

L I S AWA R D S

WE'D LIKE TO THANK OUR AWA R D C AT E G O R Y S P O N S O R S

A N D AWA R D S S H OW S P O N S O R

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

L I S AWA R D S

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

L I S AWA R D S

LANDLORD INVESTOR 66TH EDITION

L I S AWA R D S

LANDLORD INVESTOR 66TH EDITION

LEGAL | WO O DS TO C K

C A R LY J E R M Y N W O O D S TO C K

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES & PREPARING FOR CHANGE

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

LEGAL | WO O DS TO C K

From “cuckooing” to the abolition of section 21, Solicitor & CEO of Woodstock Legal Services Carly Jermyn shares her experiences of managing property and what's ahead for Landlords.

s a landlord myself, I know only too well the challenges faced when investing in property. I bought my first rental property 14 years ago. The last couple of years presented the biggest challenge yet, when I discovered the property had been “cuckooed”. I had a vulnerable long-term tenant and country lines drug dealers had moved themselves into the property and were running it as a drug den. Fortunately, with years of experience under my belt, I was able to work with the police and our local landlord liaison officer to support the move of our tenant to somewhere safe and bring the tenancy to an end by way of mutual surrender. I firmly believe that there are options outside of the court to manage problematic tenancies. This guides the solutions-based approach taken by the whole team at Woodstock. Of course, court is often the only option and it’s imperative that landlords ensure their tenancies are compliant, and the correct legal process is followed to gain possession and recover monies owed quickly and efficiently. What key hurdles do you see for landlords with reforms looming? There are several hurdles, but successfully obtaining possession is one that stands out, becoming a more complex task with the abolition of section 21 “no fault” evictions.

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

Whilst the proposed new grounds deal with most motivators for obtaining possession, getting notices right and successfully litigating when required will become more complex and far less of the tick-box exercise it has been. It will be more important than ever that landlords get advice and obtain a well-considered and properly drafted section 8 notice supported by sufficient evidence. Possession claims will require hearings and therefore more court time, potentially clogging up an already overburdened system. This makes getting proper advice in a timely manner critical. How can Landlords and agents prepare for change? The reforms are a clear drive to improve professionalism across the sector and the standard and security of homes for tenants. Whilst we have a good idea of what’s coming, the devil will be in the detail. Those looking for success in the private rental sector need to be armed with a strong support team; lawyers, agents and contractors. If landlords are looking to self-manage, then knowledge is king as are great systems and processes to ensure tenancies are compliant. I encourage all landlords to review their portfolios now so they can adapt and respond confidently once the reforms come in.

The last couple of years presented the biggest challenge yet, when I discovered the property had been “cuckooed”. I had a vulnerable long-term tenant and country lines drug dealers had moved themselves into the property and were running it as a drug den. 31

P R O P T E C H | YA R D I

M AT T B R A D L E Y YA R D I

IS SOF T WARE NOW T HE MO S T IMPOR TAN T T OOL FOR L ANDL ORD S?

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

P R O P T E C H | YA R D I

It’s hard to ignore that everything is becoming more expensive - we’re heading to a point where margins will be tighter and expectations will increase as rents rise.

he question is – how do landlords manage this and what’s the answer? Utilising digital tools can fulfil the needs of landlords and helps save money whilst future-proofing your business. Whilst digitisation seems daunting, whether it’s finding a software tool for your needs, onboarding and making sure it works for you, or keeping that tool up-to-date with your most recent information – chances are you’re actually closer to being digitalised than you realise! You probably already use tools such as Excel to track income and expenditure, ILS sites to list vacant properties and email to track maintenance requests. These are all digital tools that fill the gaps in your needs – making calculations, connections and maintenance simpler than they were before. The problem with these tools is that they can make processes longer and often more complicated as you can’t find the data you need. When we talk about ILS systems, it’s great to get your properties listed, but if you’re snowed under with emails and texts requesting to visit the property, how are you managing that? With a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool, you can easily manage those requests in one place, keep track of those leads, nurture them and start the tenant onboarding process.

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

More often than not, maintenance requests end up being managed through WhatsApp groups where tenants quickly message to report an issue, or maybe a phone call when it’s an emergency. But then an issue that was reported in the evening is often forgotten about by the morning. A simple digitalisation of your reactive maintenance with a Tenant App allows you to streamline those requests into a dashboard, helping your maintenance team work proactively. Most importantly though is keeping track of your money, making sure you stay profitable and that your accounts are kept in check for the treasury, as well as your peace of mind. If you’re using Excel or something similar for your accounting software, it’s going to make it harder for you to package your accounts correctly for MTD. By digitising your processes with a solution that’s designed for property accounting, such as Yardi Breeze Premier, you gain a solution that’s fit for purpose, out of the box and ready to go when you need it most. If you’d like to see how Yardi Breeze Premier could help you, book a free demo today at www.yardibreeze.co.uk Matt Bradley, Manager

A simple digitalisation of your reactive maintenance with a Tenant App allows you to streamline those requests into a dashboard, helping your maintenance team work proactively. 33

INSIGHT | MASHROOM

A DA M M A L E CRO, MASH ROOM

H O P E F O R T H E B E S T

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

INSIGHT | MASHROOM

Mashroom CRO, Adam Male, shares his tips for taking the chance out of surviving the winter months.

t is always wise to prepare for winter, as this is the time that your property is most at risk from the wear and tear of cold, wind, rain and possibly even snow.

homes are suitable for government funding to help with new insulation, so the UK can hit its climate change goals, so be sure to take advantage of that support!

The weather could leave you facing:

If you want to learn more, check out The Mashroom Show: Legislation Changes: How much will it cost landlords? We interviewed an energy saving expert to get the best insight possible about improving the energy efficiency of your property.

• • • •

Burst pipes Flooding Roof damage Structural damage

All of which will have you reaching for the phone to call your insurance provider - and possibly driving your premiums up! So it’s important to do all you can to prepare, so you can avoid any issues, if possible. This year it is especially important, due to the cost-of-living crisis which has left us all with much less disposable income than in previous years. There’s just no knowing what else might be coming our way, so prepare for the worst and hope for the best! Save on your heating There is plenty you can do to ensure your home and your properties are efficiently heated – while also doing your bit for the planet. Ensuring your properties don’t leak heat is not only good for your tenants’ wallets, it’s good for you too, as you know there are no issues that will come back to bite you later! Also, as the government plans to push the minimum EPC rating up to C in 2025, you would be wise to get ahead on this. If your insulation is earning its keep, your lagging isn’t lagging and your boilers and windows are all up-todate, you shouldn’t be stung for any large outgoings this winter. 90% of

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

Check with your tenants We had a record breaking summer in 2022, but this does mean that issues in your property might have been easily overlooked and only become noticeable in the wetter and colder months. It’s likely that if there are any leaks or drafts, your tenants have already let you know about them. One of the best things about selfmanagement is that you can have an open dialogue with your tenants. We recommend checking in with them regularly, letting them know you’re looking to make sure the property is fit for the winter and if they have spotted anything. It could be that there is a minor issue they haven’t felt necessary to mention – but it’s best to fix little things while they’re little (and therefore cheaper!) to fix. So if they do mention something, no matter how small, jump on getting that fixed ASAP! If your tenants report things like drafts from windows, it may be a little while until you can organise replacing them. In which case, pop to your local DIY shop to pick up some draft excluders, which should do the trick until you are able to fit new windows.

Internal checks There are a few things you can do inside the house to ensure everything is ready for a cosy winter. You can request that your tenants do this, or you can do them yourself within an hour. Bleeding your radiators is very simple and should be down once a year, even if you haven’t noticed any issues with them. This releases trapped air, which stops the water circulating around your radiator. Please make sure you have the right tools! If you don’t have a bleed key, pick one up from your local DIY shop. Also, be sure to put down towels and have a bowl handy so that no carpets are harmed in the process! You can also request your tenants check the boiler to make sure it’s at the right pressure for the property’s needs. Prepare for the worst All that being said, there is only so much preparation you can do. You can have brand new windows, toasty insulation, a new boiler, perfectly bled radiators… and still run afoul of the Great British Winter. With ever worsening weather conditions, the prospect of flooding is a very real one. Storms can also play havoc with your roof. So while we recommend doing all you can to physically ensure your property is fit for winter purpose, we highly recommend Mashroom’s Home Emergency Insurance, to make sure you have all bases covered! It’s also a good time to check your Building’s Insurance policy to make sure you’re happy with all that it covers - if you’re not, give Mashroom’s expert Building Insurance team a call. They’re eager to beat your broker!

INSIGHT | HAMMOCK

M A N O J VA R S A N I M B E FOU N DER & CEO, HAM MOCK

SUPPORTING L ANDLORDS IN THE FACE OF LEGISL ATION CHANGES

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

INSIGHT | HAMMOCK

With the current economic downturn, impending recession and the upcoming legislation changes for tax submissions and energy efficiency ratings, it’s a challenging time for landlords.

xternal factors are the driving force behind the additional pressures being put onto landlords but during this challenging time, there are ways that landlords can gain better visibility, and thus establish better control, on their property finances. Gaining visibility Hammock’s recent research found that 30% of landlords don’t have real-time visibility of their tax bills, a strong indication that there is a lack of control when it comes to cashflow monitoring and financial management. The first step to addressing this is to gain visibility of your incomings and outgoings. Our research also found that a third (33%) of landlords are still using spreadsheets to manage their finances with a further 12% using paper and physical files. As property portfolios diversify and grow, using comprehensive, built for purpose digital solutions over legacy processes will reduce the risk of miscalculations or late payments. Ask yourself if you can confidently say where all your financial transfers are? The added pressure of legislation changes A new challenge is being introduced in the form of Making Tax Digital (MTD for ITSA), which will affect landlords with an annual income of

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

over £10,000. As of April 2024, these landlords will be required to submit quarterly tax assessments, plus a final yearly submission, for a total of five submissions a year, adding extra work to landlords’ already busy schedules. To add further complications, EPC regulations are being introduced as a heightened focus is placed on improving energy consumption and efficiency. New standards mean that all rental properties will need an EPC rating of C or better. The changes required to meet these new standards will see a significant percentage of landlords having to improve the condition of their properties at considerable cost. These changes should be seen as a seminal moment that encourages landlords to upgrade to digital tools that save time, reducing inaccuracies, and improve how property portfolios are managed in the process. Regaining control Especially during times of downturn, it is vital to take control of the factors that can be directly influenced. What landlords can do is ensure they have visibility over their finances. By establishing an understanding of all income and outgoings, landlords can make more accurate, data-driven decisions. As a platform that was built by landlords for landlords, Hammock is here to help.

New standards mean that all rental properties will need an EPC rating of C or better. The changes required to meet these new standards will see a significant percentage of landlords having to improve the condition of their properties at considerable cost. 37

FINANCE | PROPP

PA U L E L L I OT T PROPP

L ANDL ORD S: HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED T O K NOW ABOU T L IVING WI T H HIGHER R AT E S IN A RE CE S SION

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

FINANCE | PROPP

The environment has become increasingly challenging for property investors. With higher interest rates, a hostile regulatory environment, the recent political instability and an energy crisis that is biting all corners of society - it is understandable some landlords are perhaps looking to exit the market.

s we adjust to a higher rate environment and face down the barrel of a recession, what can you do to not only stay afloat, but sail through the storm and come out the other side better off? Yield is key

not already buying at auction, this is an excellent way to pick up below market value investment properties. It’s no longer a remit reserved only for cash-buyers. Bridging finance is a versatile tool that is well suited to converting auction properties.

To counteract the squeeze on your margins, pivot to areas where properties generate a higher yield. The Northeast and Scotland currently hold all top 10 spots for rental yield, as the Southeast and London continue to drag.

Re-leverage your portfolio

Stress testing is the big challenge landlords have been facing in terms of refinancing, and the main way to counteract this is with a greater yield. There are a few ways to increase your yield; buy cheaper property or raise your rents.

Your broker should be asking you these questions and getting an overview of your portfolio. If they’re not, are you dealing with the right broker?

Having said that, the lending market has adapted quickly to the new normal and are finding creative ways to mitigate the affordability issues that arise, through top-slicing and other means. Buy at Auction The market is going to turn in 2023, that’s for sure – Savill's are predicting an average drop in the region of 10%. An alarming figure for sure, but less so following the rampant double-digit rises seen while the market boiled over during the pandemic. Cheaper property, despite often needing work brings the bonus of cheaper mortgage payments. If you’re

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

How are you leveraged? Landlords who are high geared on one property and low geared on another can rebalance their portfolios and get a lower LTV, and therefore a lower rate.

This cannot be emphasized enough; you need to be working with a trusted broker who has their finger on the pulse, as market conditions are changing daily. Consider a change of strategy Last year’s changes to permitted development rights make it much more convenient to buy and convert commercial to residential property. But why bother with this when you can stick to what you know? Well, commercial property is typically valued lower than residential – so a value uplift is baked into the project. Paul Elliott, Managing Director of Propp, the specialist finance

comparison site said “We’re seeing clients pick up disused commercial property on highstreets to convert the upper floors into multiple flats. This is a great way to manage cashflow and grow your portfolio quickly, as you can sell one flat to release equity for your next project, while retaining the other for rent.” What do higher buy-to-let mortgage costs mean for the rental market? You’ll be sick to death of hearing that buy-to-let mortgage rates are on the rise. And while this may mean a rise in costs for many landlords, the knock-on effects on the market do present an opportunity. Looking short-term the issue with supply and demand will become more acute, especially if landlords leave the market, which will only prove to drive rents higher. The higher rate environment also means first time buyers are squeezed out of getting on the property ladder as the majority simply can’t meet the affordability requirements. This does create an opportunity for those in a strong cash position who are able to fill the supply vacuum and secure more properties, and therefore tenancies while yields are high. The bottom line is, what better time to grow a portfolio than in a buyer’s market. Paul Elliott

FINANCE | VINCENT BURCH

VINCENT BURCH M O R TG AG E D I R E C TO R V I N C E N T B U R C H M O R TG AG E S E R V I C E S

S E R V IC E D A C C OMM OD AT ION

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

FINANCE | VINCENT BURCH

Financing the opportunities in the growing serviced accommodation sector.

erviced accommodation has become one of the fastest growing sectors in the property rental market. Somewhere between a holiday let and a hotel, serviced accommodation can generate significantly greater rental income than a standard Buy to Let, attracting investors, homeowners and developers alike. However, healthy profits are not guaranteed so it’s important to consider the big picture before taking the plunge. What is serviced accommodation? Serviced accommodation is a fully furnished property, let on a shortterm basis with amenities such as cleaning and laundry included in the rental price. It might be a house or apartment, purpose-built or otherwise but it must be fitted to a high standard with all utilities, a full kitchen, separate sleeping area, bathroom and internet included. Maximising the opportunity One of the main benefits of serviced accommodation is the potential for landlords to earn higher yields from renting out such properties of between 6.5-9% compared to 3-5% on a more conventional Buy to Let arrangement. It also attracts tourists and business travellers as well as those looking for a longer stay; generally the type of people who are prepared to pay more for better amenities.

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

Before investing in a serviced accommodation property, there are a number of issues for landlords to consider: Choosing the right serviced accommodation mortgage A standard Buy to Let mortgage will not be suitable for a serviced accommodation property as they’re designed for properties on a minimum 6 month rental with an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). Specialist lenders offer products designed for the short-term sector, typically only available through independent mortgage brokers. Although rates tend to be higher to reflect the higher risk, an experienced broker will be able to match your needs to a competitive deal. How can we help? As an independent broker with many years of experience, our team at Vincent Burch Mortgage Services will be happy to answer any questions about serviced accommodation. As a whole-of-market intermediary, we have access to lenders who specialise in the short-term rental sector and can offer bespoke mortgage products tailored to your individual circumstances. We’ll make it a simple, smooth and stress-free process from start to finish. Call 01603 851534 or email advice@ vincentburch.co.uk and together we’ll find the right serviced accommodation finance to help you succeed.

One of the main benefits of serviced accommodation is the potential for landlords to earn higher yields from renting out such properties of between 6.5-9% compared to 3-5% on a more conventional Buy to Let arrangement. 41

MAR KE T O U TLO O K | TR U STB R IC K S

R I C H A R D VA N O M M E N CEO, TRUSTB RICKS

T HE UK P R OP E R T Y MARKE T ISN’T ‘ONE S IN GL E IDE N T IC A L MARKET’ 42

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

MAR KE T O U TLO O K | TR U STB R IC K S

And it shouldn’t be treated as one when making investment decisions.

oday, the biggest impact on the property market is the increase in Bank of England rates (to a base rate of 3% the largest single jump since 1989). Understanding where to invest and why certain areas are STILL safe investments will be what sets apart landlords who will continue to build wealth, from those who will sit on their hands and hope for the best. It’s important to split the market into categories when analysing the impact of rising rates and value changes. Although easier to think otherwise, the market is made up of many smaller markets - each with its own economic drivers. High value VS. lower value Increasing rates will affect affordability for both homeowners and landlords of high value properties - more so than lower value properties. For the latter, increased rates won’t cause a huge change for actual monthly costs. Homeowners may need to respond to their living costs, but the landlord will have the difference covered by rental payments - which often rise much faster during times of financial pressure (4-7%). Unfortunately this can’t be said for high value properties where both homeowners and landlords will struggle. More properties will become available due to sales and repossessions. Less demand will push property prices down - something that is unlikely in lower value areas.

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

Follow the big players Lower value areas will be considerably less affected. Fewer repossessions and no big increases in stock will maintain supply. Big players such as Lloyds Bank, Legal & General, and Aviva have also all launched property funds to buy highyield housing. These funds will increase demand. Without an increase in stock in these low value areas, property values will increase. Purchase at 3.49% At the time of writing this article, the lowest rate for a limited company is 3.49%. This isn’t too dissimilar to the rates available over a year ago. The fear around high increases for all landlords is coming from the media. However, in reality, for those operating as a limited company, not much has changed. In summary Unlike homeowners, landlords - as long as they have built their portfolio based on low value and high yield - will have no issues. Rate increases will be more than covered by rental income and securing new mortgages as a limited company will keep rates down. Look past the media fear-mongering, focus on the facts, and you will find ample opportunity in today’s economic climate. Need some support - let’s talk. Richard van Ommen www.trustbricks.co.uk

We use proprietary technology to source residential investment opportunities within seconds. Our hassle-free investment experience allows to sit back and watch your wealth grow. 43

MAR KE T O U TLO O K | L AN D LO R D AC TIO N

PA U L S H A M P L I N A L A N D LO R D AC T I O N

28% OF L ANDLORDS PLAN TO SERVE SECTION 21 IN NE X T 12-18 MONTHS 44

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

MAR KE T O U TLO O K | L AN D LO R D AC TIO N

A survey carried out by Landlord Action, housing law specialist and part of the Hamilton Fraser Group, has found that 28 per cent of landlords plan to serve a Section 21 eviction notice to their tenants in the next 12-18 months, before the Renters Reform Bill comes into force preventing landlords from using it.

hen asked if they plan to serve a Section 21 in the next 12 – 18 months, a further 28 per cent of landlords said they were not yet sure, and 44 per cent said no, they did not intend to serve notice on their tenants. The vast majority (42 per cent) said the reason is because of concerns that they will not be able to gain possession easily in the future, and 24 per cent said there is too much legislation so they plan to sell up. Just 10 per cent of landlords said that it was because their tenants are already in rent arrears, 6 per cent are experiencing anti-social behaviour, and only 2 per cent of landlords said they wish to move back into the property. Commenting on these results, Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action and Chief Commercial Officer for the Hamilton Fraser Group, said: “The response to our latest survey paints a very clear picture of the unintended consequences of abolishing Section

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

21. More than a quarter of tenants will receive a Section 21 notice, not because they have done anything wrong, but because landlords fear they will be unable to gain possession of their properties as easily in the future if their circumstances change. Whilst I understand that tenants need greater security, pushing private landlords out of the sector at a time when competition for rental properties is at an all-time high is going to be disastrous for tenants. We continue to provide important feedback to the government which we hope will help shape the changes to Section 8 and give landlords the security they need to remain in the private rented Sector.” The survey also asked landlords if they had served a Section 21 notice in the last 12 months, to which 34 per cent responded yes. The most common reasons for this were rent arrears (31 per cent), landlords selling their property (26 per cent) and anti-social behaviour (22 per cent).

The response to our latest survey paints a very clear picture of the unintended consequences of abolishing Section 21. 45

AASC Properties

Calling All Landlords Calling All Landlords

We are looking for Landlords and Property Investors in the North West, Midlands and East of England

______________________________

Serco provides asylum accommodation and support Serco provides asylum services in the North West accommodation and support of England Midlands servicesand in the North West and of East of England. Our England and Midlands purpose is the of and East of provision England. Our purpose is the provision of accommodation, accommodation, transportation and transportation and for subsistence payments subsistence payments for asylum seekers whilst their asylum seekers whilst their claims are being processed. claims are being processed.

Our Our operating model is is operating model based on leasing properties based on leasing properties fromfrom a wide network of of a wide network landlords, investors and landlords, investors and agents Serco acting agents withwith Serco acting asas the Tenant. the Tenant.

A Competitive opportunity

______________________________

We are confident that our lease A Competitive opportunity provision, offers an attractive and We are confident that ourwithin lease the competitive proposition provision, offers an attractive and industry: competitive proposition within the industry:

• •• ••

Long term lease (7 years)

• • •• •• •• •• ••

No letting or management cost

•

••

Long term lease (7 years) No void No void Full repair and maintenance Full repair and maintenance lease (excluding latent and lease (excluding latent structural defects) and structural defects)

No letting or management cost

No rental arrears No rental arrears

Full HMOmanagement management Full HMO

Monthly PropertyInspections Inspections Monthly Property In housemaintenance maintenance In house Rent paid on on Rent paidininfull fullbybyBAC’s, BAC’s, time every month time every month

Council Tax and utilities paid by Council Tax and utilities paid by Serco Serco

_____________________________

Prospective Landlords—get in touch

______________________________ Prospective Landlords—get If you have property in touch

and would like more

If you have of property details the and scheme, would likeplease more get details of the in touch. scheme, please get in touch. AASC.properties@serco.com

AASC.properties@serco.com

LO C AL AU TH O RTITI E S | MAI DS TO N E B O RO U G H CO U N C I L

CLLR SIMON WEBB L E A D M E M B E R F O R H O U S I N G A N D H E A LT H M A I D S TO N E B O R O U G H C O U N C I L

MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL OFFERING CASH INCENTIVES FOR PROPERTIES 48

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

LO C AL AU TH O RTITI E S | MAI DS TO N E B O RO U G H CO U N C I L

Are you a landlord or agent with a property to rent? If so, we can help you find a suitable tenant for your property whilst at the same time offering you attractive incentives through our Homefinder scheme.

aidstone Borough Council is able to offer a generous one off payment to encourage anyone out there who might have a suitable property to work with our amazing Homefinder team. They will do all they can to support landlords get the best out of their properties. We really do urgently need landlords to help us if they have any available properties, particularly those with three and four bedrooms. The Council is offering cash incentives of up to £3,000 to any landlords of properties where the Council can place tenants immediately. The landlord is able to set the rent of the property and as long as it is affordable, we will be able to pay a cash incentive. The urgent call for landlords is to help provide housing to residents in the most need, people facing homelessness and those on the housing register in the borough. Our dedicated Homefinder Team works closely with all landlords and residents to match the most suitable prospective tenant to the property and support them throughout the length of the tenancy. Other incentives for landlords to work with the Council also include free extensive comprehensive

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

landlord insurance, a bond in lieu of a deposit, a free specialist third-party inventory service, six monthly tenancy sustainment visits, reduced financial impact of ‘void periods’, free advertising and free tenant check-in and check-out. Each individual property must meet a set of MBC criteria in order to receive incentives. Since the Homefinder Scheme was introduced in 2013 hundreds of landlords have taken part. The following cash incentives are available: • • •

Studio/one bedroom - £750 Two Bedroom – £1,000 Three bedroom upwards - £2,000

We want to continue to work with private landlords who have property in and around the Maidstone area so please contact our Homefinder Team if you can help. Ideally, we need to reduce the burden on temporary accommodation and provide families with good quality, long-term sustainable housing. Due to this reason our incentives are negotiable to meet with market rents. For further information visit: maidstone.gov.uk/home/primaryservices/housing/tier-2-primary-areas/ homefinder-scheme. Contact the Maidstone Borough Council Housing Team on: 01622 602252, or email: homefinders@maidstone.gov.uk.

Our dedicated Homefinder Team works closely with all landlords and residents to match the most suitable prospective tenant to the property and support them throughout the length of the tenancy. 49

D E V E L O P E R S P O T L I G H T | H O S T & S TAY

DEVELOPER SPOTLIGHT

HO S T & S TAY E X PA ND S T O T HE NOR T H W E S T A ND E A S T MIDL A ND S 50

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

D E V E L O P E R S P O T L I G H T | H O S T & S TAY

Holiday home management provider, Host & Stay, have expanded to two new regions in the United Kingdom. The company is excited to bring its unbeatable service to more guests and owners across the country, most recently being Manchester and Leicestershire.

2022 has been an exceptional year for Host and Stay, winning Best Property Management Provider at the National Landlord Investment Show Awards and Best Leisure Property Management Company at the Shortyz Awards. Their success has inspired Rachel Sherwood (Leicestershire) and Joel Higgins (Manchester) to become franchisees of the Host & Stay brand.

Manchester and Leicestershire. After just over three successful years of growing the brand in the North East of England and growing to 700 units under management, we’re excited to be able to support our new Franchise Partners in growing Host & Stay in the west of the country and continuing to help more owners generate more income from their property.”

He adds: “Host & Stay have gone from strength to strength, with rapid growth in such a short period of time, during the growth they have never compromised on the quality of their properties, the care guests receive or support the owners get. I look forward to growing Host & Stay Manchester with the same ethos, I can’t wait to see where we are next year!”

Rachel Sherwood’s enthusiasm jumps off the page as she explains why she and her partner took the leap to become franchisees: “We are excited to announce the launch of Host & Stay Leicestershire. My partner and I are pleased to be rolling Host & Stay out into the Midlands area. Being property developers and investors ourselves, owning a mixed portfolio of properties, including our own short stay properties, we felt that working alongside the Host & Stay brand was a natural calling for us.”

Owners that come on board with the Host & Stay receive an exceptional service that includes; maximum listing exposure across 60+ global channels, editorial photography, revenue optimisation, cleaning and laundry services, end to end guest relations, property maintenance and 360 account management.

Host & Stay have enjoyed continuous and sustained growth since its very beginning in 2018, where it had 9 properties in its portfolio. Today that portfolio stands at over 700 properties, operating across four regions; North Yorkshire, Northumberland, Manchester and Leicestershire.

She continues: “We have always believed in the merit of providing high quality housing so adopting the Host & Stay ethos of premium high-end properties is a good fit. What we really loved about the Host & Stay brand is the end-to-end service they provide for property owners and guests alike. We feel very excited about the coming year and have big plans to grow the business in our area by reaching out to property owners interested in maximising the return from their properties. These are exciting times for Host & Stay Leicestershire!” Dale Smith, CEO and Director of Host & Stay, echoes the same enthusiasm adding: “It’s fantastic to see our Host & Stay brand open the doors in

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

What really makes Host & Stay stand out above the rest is their monthly rolling contract and 10% commission for owners, which is significantly less than their competitors. Owners can also enjoy unlimited use of their property with no restrictions. When becoming a Host & Stay franchisee, you have access to a complete business blueprint that will help you build your own portfolio of premium self-catering properties. Franchisees of Host & Stay receive full support from the main brand and internal team, with; marketing, operations, back office, banking, accounting, guest and owner relations. This is just one of the reasons why Joel Higgins decided to take on the Manchester Host & Stay franchise, he says: “Knowing I had the full support of an established company to guide me throughout gave me great confidence.”

Born from a love and passion for property and a desire to lead the change in an age old industry; Host & Stay have revolutionised holiday home management. Holiday homeowners benefit from a completely hands-free, hassle-free property management service, allowing them to unlock their properties' full earning potential. It’s just not just about the holiday homeowners however, Host & Stay guests enjoy the best of serviced accommodation, stunning locations, beautiful properties and round the clock guest communication. Host & Stay are part of The SDDE Smith Group. They are committed to pushing boundaries to create better places to live, work and stay. Want to become a franchisee of Host & Stay? Visit hostandstay.co.uk/ partners/become-a-franchisee/ to find out more.

I N T E R I O R S | S T Y L E D®

JASMINE BISHOP INTERIOR DESIGNER STYLED

STYLED. 52

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

I N T E R I O R S | S T Y L E D®

Toffee Crackle House, located in the seaside town of Staithes, is Styled Interior Designs most recent residential project.

full refurbishment on the property meant that lead designer, Jasmine Bishop, was able to specify almost every detail, from kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and paint colours to electrical plans, joinery, and hardware. This is extremely beneficial to the design process as when it came to considering the furnishing in the property, everything was then cohesive. The team were fortunate enough to work with a client who had an open brief, their only requests was for the property to be quirky and unique with subtle traditional nods. Being in the beautiful seaside town, the team felt it was important that the property had a relaxed coastal feeling, with a highquality finish. Working with their sister business, WOODSmith Construction, Styled put together construction specifications and floor plans, whilst ensuring throughout the project that Styled and WOODSmith maintained excellent communication and worked collaboratively throughout the process ensuring the project was completed on time and within budget. A few changes had to be made along the way to account for some supply chain issues, as well as some changes

LANDLORD INVESTOR 69TH EDITION

to overhead lighting throughout the property due to the low ceilings in the quaint cottage. However, this didn’t halt the process or deter from the outcome being anything short of perfect. Overhead lighting and low ceilings challenged the team in the living room, due to the lack of gap between the ceiling and floor of the story above. As a result, Styled chose to use light, bright colours on the walls, with wall lights and strategically chosen lamps to add ambient lighting for darker evenings. Before Styled got their hands on Toffee Crackle House it was dark and damp, with a very cold and unwelcoming feeling. The property externally was beautiful, but overtime became forgotten, Styled was able to bring a new lease of life to Toffee Crackle House. The cottage now fashions a bright coastal design making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a well-deserved break. The finish on this project was outstanding, the property is now going to be listed on their sister luxury holiday home management site, Host & Stay. We predict that Toffee Crackle House will become one of the most popular holiday homes in Staithes, offering a high quality, comfortable, homely and modern retreat for holidaymakers.

Before Styled got their hands on Toffee Crackle House it was dark and damp, with a very cold and unwelcoming feeling. The property externally was beautiful, but overtime became forgotten, Styled was able to bring a new lease of life to Toffee Crackle House. 53

Right Property

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LEEDS

GREATER MA

Letting Complete started from humble beginnings in 2013 as a family business in Wakefield, the company soon gained traction throughout the Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and London area. Establishing ourselves as market leaders in the Letting industry, we soon diversified into the Construction, Interior Design and Sourcing sectors. Being Landlords ourselves, we understand the complexities and challanges faced with finding the right tenants; as such we take away the stress of the investment process from sourcing to managament providing a full turn-key approach.

High THE

OPS

01924 669163

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ANCHESTER

SHEFFIELD

WAKEFIELD

Experienced in offering sourcing, development and management of various projects: • HMOs • Commerical to Residential • BTLs • Flips • New Builds • Strong corporate Letting customer base • Bespoke interior design

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gcomplete

@lettingcomplete

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