16 September 2009 - Rental market buoyant
THE SUMMER of 2009 has been busy for Holiday Lettings expert Lets Unlimited, which has seen an increased demand for holiday cottages in the Beds, Bucks and Herts area.
Angie Leach, proprietor of Lets Unlimited, says: "We have noticed an interesting trend - an increase in corporate bookings for our serviced apartments, especially in Hemel Hempstead. The idea of a 'home from home' is becoming ever more popular from both a comfort and budget perspective, and we have enlarged our portfolio of companies who come to us for their accommodation requirements.
"In these times they appreciate the money saved on hotel bills and the quality of a serviced let - all the benefits of inclusive bills, internet, satellite television, linen, towels and welcome packs.
"We have noticed a growing number of landlords who have relocated abroad and look for good quality properties which they can let out through Lets Unlimited as a holiday let, but then use these properties themselves as a comfortable base when they visit the UK. They benefit from the security of having a UK base whilst maintaining a steady return on their investment. " At the end of the summer holidays, as children return to school, Lets Unlimited has also noticed an increase in the number of people asking for short lets - the property market is improving, but people are unwilling to let chains collapse for the sake of staying a few weeks in a rented property.
For those who prefer to stay in their own homes and improve them, we have seen a steady momentum of clients who need a home from home while builders undertake improvements to their own home.
"It is encouraging to see that people are looking to improve their homes, getting them ready to market, or redecorating and updating a newly bought home" says Mrs Leach.
With the busy summer almost over, are demands for Short Lets going to quieten down in the coming winter months? "We get lots of business from insurance loss adjusters - renting properties for clients who have had to move out of their houses due to major insurance work on their homes.
"We have had a steady stream of insurance lets over the last few months, but the busiest time is over the winter, with frozen pipes (especially while people are on holiday), fires, or flooding to homes." For information on how to let your property out as a short let, or if you are looking for a flexible short term rental, call Lets Unlimited on 01296 668 455."
