Sevenoaks renters busier than ever

By SevenoaksHol | Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 16:30

It's been a busy year for the lettings market in Sevenoaks according to Leaders' Sevenoaks branch manager, Jill Hatch, who anticipates more of the same in 2012:

Leaders in London Road Sevenoaks has seen a big increase in buy to let business this year.

"Over the last year we have seen more people than ever turning to rented accommodation, either because they can't buy at the moment, because they want to wait for more stable economic conditions, or simply because they prefer the flexibility of renting.

This has meant demand has outstripped supply for most property types this year. Demand is still strongest for good quality two bedroom houses and flats and small terraced houses within walking distance of Sevenoaks station.

Also popular with renters are good-sized family homes with four bedrooms and two bathrooms in central Sevenoaks. These types of properties, if presented well, are letting extremely quickly.

"In the run up to Christmas we tend to see an increase in enquiries from prospective tenants and this year is no exception. Some urgently want to find and move into their rented home by Christmas and some are looking to find somewhere for the New Year. The good news for renters is that we currently have an increase in available properties, giving them a wider choice across all property types.

"There's also positive news for investors looking to add to their portfolios or considering buying a property to let for the first time: there have been significant improvements in the buy-to-let mortgage market in recent months, with new lenders entering the market and others expanding their buy-to-let product range.

"In fact, the number of products available via Leaders Mortgages has increased by almost 25 percent since the beginning of April and there has been a fall in the pricing of variable and fixed rates.

"Looking ahead, I anticipate an eventful January this is the time when many people start new jobs and relocate for work, or begin planning a move later in the year. January is always a busy month for us and, with demand as consistently high as it has been over the last year, I expect it will be busier than ever."