Paul Ruocco, Managing Director of Home Minders takes a closer look at local Sales and Rental markets:

We start 2024 having seen encouraging signs that Sales activity is starting to pick up, albeit against a backdrop of weak economic growth. Cost of living pressures and higher interest rates are likely to result in house prices remaining broadly flat or dipping slightly in the year ahead.

Did you Know?

• An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells you how energy efficient a property is. Factors such as carbon dioxide emissions and heating costs are assessed to give the property an EPC rating.

Karen joined Home Minders four years ago as part of her ‘mid-life’ crisis and looking for a new direction, as she explains:

“Over the years I’d done a bit of everything, working in marketing, publishing, helping to run a small company and more recently for a plumber’s merchant, aka the flogging bogs industry! But whatever I was involved in, the aspect of the job I always enjoyed  most was the financials. What I liked was the fact that with spreadsheets and reconciliations, there is an absolute, factual answer, whereas in marketing you just think maybe I could have done that better or differently.

Marylebone and Fitzrovia – two central London areas that have seen tangible benefits from the opening of the Elizabeth Line last year.

Marylebone is a chic residential area just west of Fitzrovia with a strong community feel. A complete contrast to neighbouring Fitzrovia with its hustle and bustle.

Legislation is changing

Paul Ruocco, Managing Director of Home Minders takes a closer look:

There’s no doubt that the proposed and long-anticipated Renters Reform Bill will significantly change the relationship between landlords and tenants. There has been a great deal of speculation that removing a key tool for landlords to obtain vacant possession and the scrapping of fixed term tenancies will put pressure on landlords, but with a year in hand before the bill is likely to become law and with its overall aim of improving standards across the private rental market, there is no need for alarm according to Paul Ruocco, Managing Director of the Home Minders Group.

Indeed as he explains “all the proposals are up for discussion before they become law and we have a team of experts who will ensure that you remain compliant with the legislation as it changes and give you the support you need"...

Finchley - a great residential area

• Popular with young professional buyers and renters who find West Hampstead and East Finchley a stretch on their budgets, while families love Finchley's community feel and superb schools. It’s a vibrant community.
• Whether you’re interested in renting or buying, property hunters in Finchley can expect plenty of variety and choice. Period terraces and semi-detached homes are popular with families and couples looking for room to grow, while young professionals target Finchley's modern flats and apartments, as well as period conversions. These account for 80% of all lettings...

If you haven’t already done so now is the time to check out Alan Goldin’s new website full of fresh content reflecting the personality and heart of the business which has been letting and selling properties in and around the Temple Fortune area for over 30 years.

You’ll find it faster and more responsive for your mobile devices with a range of new features including no obligation expert valuations, the latest property news as well as all the latest properties that have come onto the market...

Even if your tenant defaults on their rental payments you can claim for lost rent and in some cases for legal costs towards eviction cases.

• Even the most reliable tenants can experience financial difficulties, which can result in arrears. It can take over six months to evict a tenant and a great deal of rent can be lost during that time. With the cost-of-living crisis along with the energy price hikes, it’s never been more important for landlords to protect their income.

David Cooper has worked in the residential property sector for over 30 years and is currently heading up the lettings team at Alan Goldin. He says the benefits of using a well-established agent with good local knowledge and connections, combined with effective technology and sophisticated marketing, cannot be overestimated...

What’s next for London’s prime market?

While the prime London market is set to continue flourish, it is the lower to middle end of the rental market that is likely to see the most changes in the coming months and years. The increasing burden of legislation and regulation has made the property market less appealing for would-be investors and existing property owners.

Kensington – a borough for people who want everything the capital offers at their fingertips.

Kensington is home to the Victoria & Albert Museum, Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the Design Museum, along with many art galleries and theatrical and concert venues so there’s always something fascinating to do or see.

Forget the ‘race for space’ or room for an extension, it’s the green features of a property that are really coming into play.

Research by Admiral Money has found that buyers may be willing to pay up to a quarter more for a property with a decent energy performance certificate rating.

Behind the scenes in the office with Joan:

Joan Kyriakides joined Home Minders in an administrative role in 2015 and was delighted when she was promoted to Office Manager three years later, in recognition of the contribution she made (and makes) to the business. She is responsible for the smooth running of the office and that covers every aspect of what everyone needs to do their job. “I manage the processes, procedures and documentation that support the team and help them perform their duties efficiently. It’s a mixture of being well organised, problem solving and building strong relationships with everyone.”

Market conditions are changing

Paul Ruocco, Managing Director of Home Minders takes a close look. “The prime central London lettings market is a great deal more positive than it was a year ago when we found ourselves in another lockdown. 2020 was dominated by rental discounts whilst 2021 began to see rental income rising so we can look forward to a more positive year ahead..." 

Highgate – a great community at one of the highest points in London. With its fabulous views across London, Highgate has long been a destination for those who are creative and artistic and it has a real community vibe, with book clubs, festivals and other local events.

Last November the Government announced new rules, requiring that carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted in social and private rented properties with appliances such as gas boilers and fires. The rules mean alarms must be fitted when new appliances are installed, and that landlords must repair or replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms if they are told they are faulty.

Property Manager Pam Drake takes a retrospective look at her career

With more than 20 years’ experience, covering every aspect of the business, Pam is reaping her rewards with a now part-time role at Home Minders, focusing on renewals, but it wasn’t always a walk in the park as she explains:

"When Paul Ruocco took over the business in 2011, there were just three of us. Geraldine focused on the finances and Paul and I did everything else..."

If you’re looking at the rental market it’s important to understand what’s going on in the property world so you can make the right decision. Here at Home Minders we try our hardest to understand what our clients are looking for and help them with a personal service tailored to their specific needs. 

Renewed optimism in the London rental market

There are indications that the London rental market is feeling a new sense of optimism thanks to the success of the vaccination programme, the relaxation of restrictions and the opening up of the economy. Despite Brexit and the ongoing issues, prime property in London continues to be a popular choice for overseas investors happy to take advantage of the weak pound. Not only that ...

This month we focus on Temple Fortune, and Hampstead Garden Suburb.

• Temple Fortune dates back to the Middle-ages and to the Knights Templar, a medieval Christian military order. It developed into a community in the nineteenth century with the arrival of the Finchley Road...

Keeping up to date with new legislation affecting landlords can be challenging so here is a list of some of the recent changes...

Joining the family business was always Tim Ruocco’s intention but the pandemic focused his mind, as he explains: 

“Completing my MA in Surveying and Property Maintenance last October made me realise it was the perfect moment to join Home Minders...  

Our updated website is proving itself an effective way of reaching our customers and prospects. In the quarter April to June 2021, the number of new users and the number of overall sessions both increased by just under 70% compared to the same period last year...

Paul was one of the top individual fundraisers in the recent LandAid 10K run. Smashing his target earlier this month in Regents Park, Paul said:

“Thanks to everyone’s support I raised an amazing £1,410 for LandAid the charity we adopted last year...

UK’s post-Brexit property market, a haven for international investors

As we move forward through the year, I wanted to let you know what is happening in the London property market. The positive rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine across the UK, together with the end of uncertainty around a no deal Brexit, bodes well for the...

This month we focus on Hampstead, located in the North West of London, just three miles north west of the Thames and Charing Cross.

• Hampstead has come a long way since it was a small village near London, but it still retains a charming sense of community along with 50 blue memorial plaques honouring the great and good.

After several months of hard work, we’re delighted to announce the launch of our new look website, to keep you up to date and better informed. One of the most exciting improvements is that all our available properties can be viewed in detail, so existing and prospective tenants can easily see what we have on offer.  Being able to ‘walk through’ properties 24-7 from the comfort of your own home...

Landlord insurance not only provides building and contents cover but, as importantly, it can make sure you don’t lose out from non-payment of rent from your tenants. It can cover you against any potential damage or losses, giving you financial protection and peace of mind.

Not only that but it’s tax deductible, so our advice is to...

Director Paul Ruocco has signed up to take part in a 10K run in June to raise funds for property industry charity LandAid. Paul, who is currently devising his training schedule, will be joining hundreds of other property professionals in this flagship event in London’s Regents Park and says...

Good bookkeeping is the backbone of any business and at Home Minders it’s a vital component of our added value management service as Geraldine explains: “Providing our landlords with a tailor-made accounting service, which gives them the financial information they need to make informed decisions about their property portfolios, is key and it’s...

I thought it might be helpful to bring you up to date with the somewhat turbulent state of the London rental market and what we at Home Minders are doing to ensure we continue to offer you a first class property management, maintenance and letting service.

The cut in stamp duty, that runs until the end of March 2021, is designed to reignite the...

• Offering a unique range of independent retailers, restaurants and destination delicatessens, St John’s Wood still maintains a vibrant village charm
• A wonderful location boasting Lord’s Cricket Ground, the famous Abbey Road studios with London Zoo, Regent’s Park Open Air theatre and two royal parks just round the corner

New Electrical Safety Regulations which require an electrical inspection and a report on the condition of the property have come into force.  For new tenancy agreements (since 1st June 2020) these apply from 1st July. These same regulations for existing tenancy agreements come into force on 1st April 2021...

We have linked up with LandAid, the property industry charity which helps disadvantaged young people. Established over 30 years ago in the wake of Band Aid, LandAid brings the property industry together with many different charities to fund projects that change the lives of thousands of young people nationwide who might otherwise be facing homelessness...

“I love people, property and solving issues.

My role is to simplify the lives of our property owners and provide a high value service that is convenient and competitive.  The other side of the coin is to ensure that tenants are happy with their properties, that high standards are maintained and that any problems from boilers to break-ins are dealt with quickly and efficiently...