Our ever popular Magical Mystery Tour (MMT) for Rental Investors took place once again on Saturday morning, setting off from the Lettings Office at 103a High Street, Rickmansworth at 10.30am after a quick coffee and croissant.
Susie Griffiths (property manager & designated driver) took to the helm of the bus and seamlessly transferred us from property to property with Ben Smith (lettings valuer) and myself, Rochelle Latham (Fellow of ARLA and current holder of The Times & Sunday Times Lettings Negotiator of the Year award – no less) as tour guides.
Our first port of call was Ridge House in Springwell Lane, Rickmansworth, a lovely two bedroom, ground floor apartment which would rent in a flash and be a great investment with a positive gross yield of 5.6% in the current market. Having had quite a few of these properties rented out for several years, we know that we can achieve a consistently good prices to any prospective landlord.
Susie then whisked us off heading a couple of junctions along the M25 motorway to Abbots Langley where we all had fun looking at the show homes of Abbotswood Park, a new development that is selling fast. I don’t think any of us missed the opportunity to take a picture of a part of one of the houses, that we didn’t want for our own homes. The furnishings were truly inspirational and we all wanted to have a go at interior design after viewing these! Although only a few of the larger houses are currently still available, the development is massive and there are plans to build more 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, which would make great rental investments. Watch this space for more information on these!
Next stop was another great two bedroom property in the new Barrett Homes development in Cow Lane in North Watford. Priced well and in a good location for motorway links, this again is potentially a good investment with a good yield at 5.4%.
Our final stop was in the new Cassio Quarter development situated the other side of the Croxley Green roundabout in Watford. Just across the road from Cassiobury Park and what will be a short walk to the new train link heading straight into London Euston, this development is selling fast with only three, two bedroom properties available. We are renting several of these out for investment buyers already and some have purchased another one after seeing the positive benefits from their initial purchase.
Susie once again took to the wheel for a final trip to the Fox & Hounds pub in Rickmansworth High Street, where the Little Fox market was taking place. After a drink and some food, we discussed the properties seen and how Sewell & Gardner can help with lettings, providing our knowledge and love for the industry to our guests.
All in all, a successful and fun morning out.
Rental Investor Tour 5th October 2013 FEEDBACK
Mrs P commented “The Cassio Quarter development is interesting because of the new rail link. My main criteria when looking for an investment property is the closeness to public transport and eventual resale value. The Sewell & Gardner tour was great because it was very informative and the staff were qualified to answer lots of my questions, I gained some really good advice.”
Mrs M said “My main reason for becoming a rental investor is to gain some additional income so I am looking for good value for money and an easy to maintain property. The informative staff at Sewell & Gardner helped me to see what is currently available and this tour was perfect for seeing everything in one morning.”
Mr L mentioned that he was looking to receive a lump sum payment in the near future and wanted a good investment, he felt that the Investor tour was a perfect way to see the best properties on the market and to have qualified and expert staff on hand to answer all his questions.
Thank you for reading, if you are interested in coming along on the next tour, please let me know:
Rochell Latham, Renewals Manager FARLA
t. 01923 721900 e. rochelle@sewellgardner.com