House Prices in Walsall

Walsall’s ‘Lockdown’ Landlord

Head of Juicing @Ashmore Lettings & Sales Ltd Walsall Property Market , , , , , , , ,
Walsall’s ‘Lockdown’ Landlord

“So where is the Walsall property market heading?”. “How will a recession affect the market?”. Just a couple of common questions I’ve been fielding recently. As usual, for the benefit of my Blog reading friends, here are my thoughts…

There are plenty of investors who think nothing of legally committing to buying a property ‘off plan’ before it’s built – yet over the last few weeks, it has become the norm in the resale (second-hand) Walsall property market and they have now stolen a march and bagged some property bargains.

Normally, the physical viewing is the first step of the resale house buying process … yet now it’s becoming the ‘new normal’ that some Walsall agents are carrying out semi-professional video viewings or video tours. Even homeowners are getting in on the act and managing a Facetime or Zoom video viewing by walking around their house with their mobile phone.

On the 13th May 2020 the Government announced that the Estate & Letting Agency industry could reopen meaning people could view houses, visit agents and move home be they tenants, buyers, landlords or home sellers. This is all subject to general and specific social distancing rules, specific hygiene regulations and suitable PPE being used.

So what has been happening in the last few weeks in the Walsall property market?

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Two BTL Deals Of The Week in Walsall – Potential Yields Between 6.0% to 7.6%

Head of Juicing @Ashmore Lettings & Sales Ltd Walsall Buy to Let Property Deals, Walsall Property Market , , , , , , ,
2 Bed Semi, Yorkshire Grove, Walsall, WS2

When it comes to buy-to-let (BTL) deals in Walsall, there hasn’t been much to sing and dance about in recent times.  But if you look underneath the covers…there are always hidden gems to be found.  Some of my Blog reading friends may know that I have been quietly plugging away in the background looking at deals and helping clients connect the dots to help make those all important life changing decisions.  Like people come in all shapes and sizes so does their area of knowledge/ expertise.  In recent times I have had my Walsall Property Sourcing Clients ask me a similar question which, I thought I would answer here by providing an insight into some of the reasons why I view Walsall BTL investments the way I do…

…so without further ado…!!  Above pictures are of two seemingly investable properties for a Walsall Landlord to consider. However, when you delve a little deeper and past the numbers, what do you actually see…?

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Walsall Landlords, Which Party Will You Vote For In The 2019 General Election?

Head of Juicing @Ashmore Lettings & Sales Ltd Walsall Property Market , , , , ,
Walsall Landlords, Which Party Will You Vote For In The 2019 General Election?
Walsall Landlords, Which Party Will You Vote For In The 2019 General Election?

I got stopped in the street the other day…not for a stop and search but by a local landlord who recognised me!  As the story goes, we started to talk about the local property market.  He was uncertain which way to vote and wanted my opinion.  There is so much talk with a nauseas amount of noise from all corners that it’s almost impossible to weigh up the pros and cons for Walsall landlords and Walsall property owners.  I mean if I could have it my way, I would love to take some manifesto ideas I like from one party and attached it to the manifesto of another to create my own…wishful thinking…

…so, as Thursday 12th December draws closer, I’m keen to find out which parties Walsall landlords are backing in the General Election.  If you’re unsure on who to vote for, I have put together a summary of each party’s housing and rental plans to help you find out everything you need to know before polling day.

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The Best Type of Walsall Property For Buy To Let is…

Head of Juicing @Ashmore Lettings & Sales Ltd Walsall Property Market , , , , , , ,
The Best Type of Walsall Property For Buy To Let is…
The Best Type of Walsall Property For Buy To Let is…

In today’s Walsall property market, the Walsall homeowners and Walsall landlords I talk to are always asking me which attributes and features are likely to make their property comparatively more attractive and which ones may detract from the price. Over time buyers’ and tenants’ wants and needs have changed.

The conformist way of categorising property in Britain is to look at the number of bedrooms rather than its size in square metres (square feet for those of you over 50!). My intuition tells me that homeowners and tenants are happy to pay for more space. It’s a little obvious, the more bedrooms a house or apartment has, the bigger the property is likely to be. Also, it’s not only the physical additional bedrooms, but those properties with additional bedrooms tend to have larger (and more) reception (living) rooms. However, if you think about it, this isn’t so surprising given that properties with more bedrooms would typically accommodate more people and therefore require larger reception rooms.

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My BTL Deal Of The Day, A 2 Bed Terraced “Fixer Upper”, Walsall, WS3. With Minimum Yields of 7.20%.

Head of Juicing @Ashmore Lettings & Sales Ltd Walsall Buy to Let Property Deals , , , , , , , , ,

Well, it’s been a while since I highlighted a property like this. So, for all of you out there in investor land, who want a complete blank canvas to work with, here is my latest offering.

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More BTL Goodness In Shropshire Close, Walsall, WS2, Yielding 5.33%.

Head of Juicing @Ashmore Lettings & Sales Ltd Walsall Buy to Let Property Deals , , , , , , , , , ,

Rather than duplicate the same information again, I will just give some basic info as the properties presented are pretty much the same. Where there are more obvious differences I will highlight these.

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My BTL Deal Of The Day Is A Two Bed End Terrace House North Walsall, WS3 Yielding 5.73%.

Head of Juicing @Ashmore Lettings & Sales Ltd Walsall Buy to Let Property Deals , , , , , , , ,

A traditional two bedroom end terraced house on Wenlock Gardens in the Coalpool area of Walsall. The spec is pretty decent and not a lot, if any, requiring attention. However, I would recommend changing the blue and green painted walls and go for something more neutral and in keeping with the rest of the property.

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Today’s Buy To Let Deal, 3 Bed Semi Detached House, Chestnut Road, Walsall, WS3. With Yields Of 5.03%.

Head of Juicing @Ashmore Lettings & Sales Ltd Walsall Buy to Let Property Deals , , , , , , , ,

A very nice 3 bed semi detached house in Harden, Walsall, WS3. Currently marketed by House Network (01245 409116). It has a very nice spec with gas central heating and double glazing.

It is certainly a family home with spacious gardens and being fairly low maintenance. Parking is off-road. The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room and there is a separate dining room.

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Today’s Buy To Let Deal 3 Bed Terraced, Walsall, WS2. Yields 6.30%.

Head of Juicing @Ashmore Lettings & Sales Ltd Walsall Buy to Let Property Deals , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A good looking traditional terraced house on the Darlaston Road, Walsall, WS2. It has a decent sized and low maintenance rear garden. Overall it looks like it doesn’t need anything major doing to it. Obviously a closer inspection would be the final arbiter. So, it possibly could be lout out as is. There are two double bedrooms and a single, though the size of the single means you could get a double bed in there, but that wouldn’t leave much room for anything else. Sadly, no photos are on the listing.

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Smokin’! What’s The Deal With Smoke Alarms?

Head of Juicing @Ashmore Lettings & Sales Ltd Walsall Property Market , , , , , , , ,

Back in 2015 The Smoke Alarm Regulations came into being. Now, apparently approx 30% of UK residents have never tested their smoke alarms so, what does all of this mean for landlords and tenants?

Let’s talk about landlords first:

  • Landlords must install a smoke alarm on every floor of their rental property.
  • Landlords must install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel burning appliance (E.g. Coal fire, wood burning stove). Though not a requirement, it is advisable to also install one near a gas appliance.
  • Licensed HMOs are exempt from this regulation as they must comply with separate fire safety regulations.
  • Social housing landlords are exempt.
  • Live-in landlords are exempt.

Whether exempt or not, it would behove all landlords to ensure the safety of their tenants.

  • All alarms should be in working order at the start date of a new tenancy as per the tenancy start date stated in the tenancy agreement. This does not include tenancy renewals.
  • It is advisable to obtain the tenant’s signature for them to confirm that the alarms were tested and working in their presence. This could be included in a document that also confirms they have received all documentation as per the “How To Rent Guide“.
  • Or, it could be included in an inventory and schedule of condition.

There are no requirements for a specific type of alarm or on the location of the alarm installation. It is recommended to follow manufacturer’s instructions and that they are installed on a ceiling in a circulation space i.e. hall or landing. Carbon Monoxide detectors should be placed at head height and approx one to three metres from the solid fuel/ gas appliance. If in doubt on the installation of alarms you can also contact you local fire service for advice.

The failure to comply with these regulations is a fine of up to £5000 if the 28 day remedial notice has not been adhered to.

 

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