LME Move and Cheap EPC Experts invests in new property services technology

Today market leading property services provider http://www.lmemove.com announced it’s investment in the latest real-time, interactive booking and messaging technology for it’s www.cheapepcexperts.co.uk website.

Operations Director, Emma Stanley, said, ‘ We are thrilled to be able to offer clients the instant booking and messaging facility on Cheap EPC Experts. As the site interfaces with a mix of both landlords, letting agents and individual home owners we wanted to incorporate a technology that works for everyone’s needs.  This booking and messaging solution is powerful.’

The platform not only enables landlords, letting agents and home owners to instantly order gas safety certificates, electrical inspection condition reports, EPCs, RICS Home Buyer Reports and Surveys and other associated property services. Crucially it also empowers them to set their own time and date for LME Move contractors to attend. Landlords, letting agents and home owners also receive text/SMS and e-mail alerts at the time of booking and also a few hours before the appointment time.

Commenting on this specific aspect Emma continued, ‘This facility reduces no-shows and missed appointments and helps keep our clients up to date and on top of their lettings legal compliance in their busy lives. So far all of our customers love it.’

As a key feature of the technology the platform enables users to receive and send messages about their booking to the LME Move team, cancel or re-arrange their appointment times and request further guidance or help.

In closing LME Moves’ International Marketing Director said, ‘ Once we have trialed the technology for the supply of property services such as our Nottingham cheap EPCs on www.cheapepcexperts.co.uk we will be rolling the technology out to all of our other clients within our group of companies and trading sites. Our new build developers are particularly keen to start using it.’

For further information on the range of property services or platform please contact info@lmemove.com. To see the facility in action for ordering RICS Surveys, Gas Safety Certificates, Electrical Inspection Condition Reports and EPCs head over to www.cheapepcexperts.co.uk

Carrie’s Spanish Property Blog – Where would we invest a million euros in 2016?

Where’s the hottest places to invest in Spain right now?

We think 2016 is going to be a very interesting year for the Spanish property market. The recovery is now well underway and gaining momentum, unemployment continues to fall and the economy is set to be the fastest growing of the “Big Four” euro economies over the next two years, according to the International Monetary Fund.

And, if you needed further convincing that 2016 is the year to invest in Spanish property, the OECD’s latest report on homes in Spain are currently undervalued by 26% makes for interesting reading:  www.telegraph.co.uk

Hot tips

The average price for property sales at Lucas Fox during 2015 was around the 1 million Euro mark, and we expect that figure to be more or less the same during 2016. We thought it would be a useful exercise to ask our regional directors where they would spend the money. So if you are thinking of investing in a Spanish home in the next 12 months, take heed..

Barcelona

“The so-called ‘Golden Square’ of Barcelona is a guaranteed location for property investment as it is highly sought after and located in the heart of the city centre.

Within this area, the prestigious main streets including Paseo de Gracia, Calle Balmes and Rambla Cataluña will never go out of fashion and currently still offer attractive prices, but they are beginning to gently increase since late 2014. We have some great New Development projects coming onto the market in and around these areas. I would purchase a couple of our apartments for sale on Calle Balmes 141 if I could. Ready-to-move-into and instant rental yield (5%)”

– Karen Storms, Sales Manager Lucas Fox Barcelona

Beautiful renovated apartments in the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample district

Costa Brava

“I would invest 1 million Euros in a sea view property somewhere between Begur and Calella de Palafrugell. From an investment point of view, it is hard to go wrong. Prices have dropped by 30% – 40% over the past 8 years yet this beautiful stretch of coastline will always be in demand from wealthy local and international clients.

Furthermore there is very little new construction so supply will never outstrip demand.  There are plenty of re-sale properties on the market in prime locations with great sea views. Many require renovation so it’s worth keeping some budget aside to upgrade the property, personalise and add value”

– Tom Maidment, Partner Lucas Fox Costa Brava

Charming south facing Costa Brava property to buy in Aiguablava with superb sea views

Maresme

“In today’s buyers market, if I had 1 million Euros to invest, I would focus on the one of the best locations of the Maresme Coast – Can Teixidó in Alella. This location is simply ideal, being conveniently located 15 miutes north of Barcelona city centre, a 5 minute drive to the new Hamelin-Laie International School and a short walk from El Masnou Marina.  The area offers fantastic Catalan and Spanish restaurants as well as pristine beaches, making this the perfect location to enjoy a “suburban” Mediterranean lifestyle!”

– Rafael Rosendo, Director Lucas Fox Maresme

6-bedroom villa for sale, located in Can Teixido, Alella, a short distance from Hamelin-Laie International School and 15 minutes from Barcelona City

Sitges

“If I had 1 million Euros to spend in the Sitges area I think the best investment would be to buy a good plot of land somewhere close to town, with incredible sea views such as Vallpineda, Levantina, Montgavina or Can Girona.

Then I would build a beautiful contemporary home designed and styled to my own personal taste. Not only would you end up with the home of your dreams but it would also be a great investment as it would cost you almost half of what a similar finished build would cost!”

– Rachel Haslam, Director Lucas Fox Sitges

Large plot of land with plans for a family home with great sea views in Vallpineda, Sitges

Valencia

“With 1 million Euros, I would purchase a renovated apartment within a Modernista building, located in the heart of the Pla del Remei, the most exclusive area in Valencia’s Eixample district and just steps from an iconic example of Valencian modernism, Colón Market.

It is one of the most sought after locations among foreign investors, whom quadrupled in number from 2011 to April 2014, elevating Valencia to 4th place nationally for foreign buyers. El Pla del Remei in particular, is ideal for those looking for a safe, good value long-term investment, and the exclusivity and tranquility that comes with living in the fashionable Eixample”

– Juan Luis Herrero, Director Lucas Fox Valencia

Beautiful, bright apartment for sale, situated in a period building in the neighbourhood of El Pla del Remei in Valencia’s Eixample district

Ibiza

“If I had 1 million Euros to invest in 2016, I would invest in an apartment somewhere along the ‘Golden Mile’ in Marina Botafoch, on the edge of Ibiza Town.

This strip is now THE summer destination and is heavily in demand with those who wish to rub shoulders with the world’s movers and shakers in renowned lavish establishments such as Lío, Heart, Cavalli, Cipriani, It and Pacha. Space is limited here and like Ibiza generally, prices are only going one way. Up!”

– Jason Ham, Head of Business Development

Fantastic 3-bedroom duplex penthouse in Marina Botafoch, Ibiza Town, with stunning sea views

Madrid

“With 1 million Euros, I would invest in a gem of an apartment to renovate in a classical building in Justicia, around Argensola and Plaza de Salesas. For this sum, you could buy a spacious property with plenty of character (200 – 225m2), situated in one of the most fashionable locations in the capital, next to boutiques and trendy restaurants, offering a superb lifestyle and future profit!”

– Rod Jamieson, Director Lucas Fox Madrid

Luxury 4-bedroom apartment in the gorgeous area of Justicia, right in the centre of Madrid

Marbella

“If I had to choose a location in which to invest 1 million Euros, it would have to be Estepona Town along the beachfront – probably the fastest up-and-coming area on the Costa del Sol. It has been labeled ‘the most attractive town’ on the Costa del Sol thanks to the likes of its narrow cobblestone streets and typical white houses covered in colourful flowers. There are some 30 golf courses in the direct vicinity, a charming marina with a yacht club, restaurants, as well as a local fishing port. Malaga Airport, Marbella, Tarifa and Seville, Gibraltar (Airport) and even Africa can easily be reached from there”

– Stephen Lahiri, Director Lucas Fox Marbella

Modern 3-bedroom villa close to the beach and amenities for sale off-plan in Estepona, 20 minutes from Puerto Banús

Carrie Frais is Head of Marketing & PR at Lucas Fox 

Do you have a question for Carrie? E-mail her here

Sign up for Spanish property updates from us here

 

Buy or sell property sector businesses with LM Expert’s newest service launch

LM Experts launches new property sector business sales and acquisitions service 

Following several months of consultancy and planning, January 2016 saw the unveiling of one of LM Experts newest service additions for property professionals.

The LM Experts property sector sales and acquisitions service is set to assist Directors of property related companies to locate opportunities to buy or sell Ltd Companies, business opportunities, property portfolios, client followings and associated property sector undertakings.

Specialist property sector connections

Speaking at the launch in Rotherham last week LM Expert’s International Marketing Director said, ‘No matter what type of property professional you are; if you have properties or a business/client following that you are now seeking to expand or sell on you’ll want to talk to us. Our specialist service serves to utilise our deep industry connections to our clients’ maximum advantages. We can even put feelers out for clients seeking to start discussions with property professionals who may be in the market to invest or enter a merger.’

Every property sector catered for

The LM Experts sales and acquisition service gives direct access to LM Expert’s and LME Move’s large client base of nationwide landlords, investor clients, auction houses, letting and estate agents, IFAs and conveyancing solicitors. Crucially, the service brings all registered users alerts as to the latest business opportunities before they go out to mainstream markets or feature live on the ‘Acquire/Sell’ page of the LM Experts website and news portal.

Key benefits of the service:

• No sale, no fee basis.
• Confidential, NDA, assured service for buyers and sellers.
• Optional facility to connect buyers/sellers with a choice of expert, commercial solicitors to assist/advise throughout transactions if required.
• Business sales and acquisitions feature on LM Expert’s dedicated ‘Acquire/Sell’ website section and are also widely circulated to LM Expert’s registered list of genuine, interested property professionals via newsletters, Twitter feeds and partner websites.
• Specialist market awareness/contacts maximises your chance of success, providing direct exposure to the exact target audience you seek.

Prime opportunities to buy or sell property sector opportunities – be the first to know

Interested parties wishing to know more about the service or to advertise their interest in buying or selling a property related business should contact mark@lmexperts.co.uk in the strictest of confidence or complete the contact form on the main LM Experts website here

Read further information and view existing business sales and acquisition opportunities on the LM Experts Acquire/Sell page here

Further information about LM Experts and associated group of companies can be obtained from: mark@lmexperts.co.uk

 

LM Experts announces exclusive e-book, ‘How to survive the war on UK Buy-To-Let landlords

Exclusive e-book: ‘How to survive the war on UK Buy-To-Let landlords’ coming soon from LM Experts

Today LM Experts announced that its exclusive e-book, ‘How to survive the war on UK Buy-To-Let landlords’ is scheduled to be made available for priority download to all registered LM Experts Executive Club members.

The insightful e-book and ‘must have’ insider guide pulls together expert views and survival tactics from some of the most well respected property and economic authorities around.  

Leading the way

International Marketing Director of LM Experts said, ‘We are excited and proud to announce our latest, forthcoming publication. Once again LM Experts, and associated Legal Marketing Experts group of companies, are paving the way in providing our landlords, property investors and letting agent clients with crucial support and information at the time when they need it most.’

The company has confirmed that the book will be made available to all property professionals but exclusive, priority access to download and access the information first will be given to LM Experts Executive Club members in advance of publication to a wider, general audience.

Free, Executive Club membership

Membership of the LM Experts Executive Club is totally free.

Landlords, property investors, letting agents and other property professionals are now encouraged to register today to be the first to hear when the exclusive e-book, ‘ How to survive the war on UK Buy-To-Let landlords‘ is available to purchase and download.

Executive Club members also benefit from a wide range of marketing support deals and discounted property sector support services from group company www.lmemove.com including property compliance services, Right To Rent and Repair Reporting Apps, property maintenance packages and more. 

Take steps to protect yourself

Protect your equity, learn how to safeguard your lifestyle and financial future and know where the property investment and economic markets may be headed next.

Join the LM Experts Executive Club here for free today, register your interest and receive access to the wide range of property support services and your exclusive LM Experts discount code entitling you to download the book first. 

Further information about LM Experts and associated group of companies can be obtained from: mark@lmexperts.co.uk

Coming soon – LME Move’s landlords’ Buy-To-Let mortgage & re-mortgage service

LME Move to launch Buy-To-Let mortgage & re-mortgage assistance

Nationwide property services supplier and co-ordination hub LME Move has announced its intended collaboration with a well respected FCA authorised and regulated group of independent financial advisers and whole of market mortgage consultants earlier this week.

The agreement, when finalised later next month, will see LME Move become an appointed representative of the group and allow the company to introduce its landlord and property investor clients to obtain assistance and access to whole of market Buy-To-Let mortgages and re-mortgages deals.

Timing is everything

Commenting on the agreement LME Move’s Operations’ Director said, ‘With the ever increasing pressure on Buy-To-Let landlords from the recent swathe of rental sector reforms announced by George Osbourne many are considering the best course of action for their portfolios.

We have received numerous requests from our landlords and property investor clients for assistance with respect to mortgage and re-mortgage options.

When it comes to listening to and supporting our clients LME Move always goes one step further. Therefore we are pleased to announce this forthcoming agreement to provide yet another invaluable service for our landlord and property investor clients.’

Obtain assistance and be the first to know

Interested landlords and property investors wishing to review their future or existing Buy-To-Let mortgage options can read more about the service on the LM Experts website here. They can also contact LME Move’s International Marketing Director directly via: mark@lmemove.com

Further information about LME Move’s full range of other nationwide property services for landlords, letting agents and property investors – including gas safety certificates, boiler services, electrical safety certificates, legionella risk assessments, smoke & CO alarms, RICs surveys, out of hours emergency property services and building, plumbing and electrical maintenance services can also be obtained from: mark@lmemove.com or by visiting www.lmemove.com

 

Right To Rent App makes checks fair & simple for LME Move’s landlords & tenants alike

LME Move clinches deal to bring innovative Right To Rent App to landlords and letting agents nationwide

The 1st of February 2016 marks a critical day for residential landlords throughout England. It is from this date onwards that all landlords will be legally responsible for checking that all new tenancies issued for their properties are only made to persons legally entitled to reside within England.

Failure to do so may result in offending landlords being hit by a £3,000 fine for every instance where an illegal tenant is found in-situ.

Legally required on all new tenancies across England as of 1st February 2016

The roll-out across England follows on from the pilot scheme trialled in the West Midlands during 2015. At the time the scheme brought controversial issues to light including worrying findings published in a report by the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, which found that landlords in the West Midlands were refusing lawful tenants as they became increasingly cautious about renting properties out to any tenant with identity documents with which they were not familiar.

As supporters of initiatives such as Leeds Empties and being one of the leading, ethically minded independent nationwide property services suppliers in the UK, www.lmemove.com was concerned to read about this outcome.  So much so that when LME Move started its own business planning for suitable Right To Rent solutions in late 2015 it made a concerted effort to ensure any such solution would not only make the checks quick and easy to do but also help reduce the chances of such adverse discriminating side-effects.

Cost effective, Home Office compliant, quick to use and multi-platform

Thankfully the search has borne fruit and LME Move has now sealed a deal with a cutting edge App developer to bring its quick and easy to use Right To Rent App to LME Move’s nationwide landlord and letting agent client base across England.

Speaking last week, LME Move’s Compliance Executive Sue Clear said, ‘We are thrilled to be working in collaboration with our App partners. We spent the best part of Autumn 2015 in talks with several providers to review potential Right To Rent solutions to bring to our clients.

What was important for us was:

• cost effectiveness
• accessibility via smartphone, tablet and PC
• ease of use
• ability to quickly scan and store time/date stamped evidence of document checks carried out to ensure our clients remain Home Office compliant.

However,  just as importantly the solution also had to possess the ability to quickly guide and support our clients – through a fast click, by click, process – to drill down the exact documents they should expect their specific tenants to be supplying to them out of the hundreds of various documents possible.’

Simple and fair – the Right To Rent App that’s child’s play

The Right To Rent App is exactly that.

As Sue finished explaining, ‘The landlord or agent simply answers the step by step questions via the App about their specific tenants’ circumstances and the App guides the landlord or agent through the entire process and documentation in a matter of minutes.

It is our hope that not only will this help educate our landlord and agent clients as to the variety of documents but also help them avoid consciously or unconsciously erring on the side of caution and only issuing tenancies to tenants presenting more familiar, everyday documents.’

Prepare ahead of 1st February 2016 and find out more

Interested landlords and agents searching for a Right To Rent solution can read more about the service on the LM Experts website here. They can also contact LME Move’s International Marketing Director directly for full product information, demonstration and pricing exclusive to LME Move via: mark@lmemove.com

Further information about LME Move’s full range of other nationwide property services for landlords, letting agents and property investors – including gas safety certificates, boiler services, electrical safety certificates, legionella risk assessments, smoke & CO alarms, RICs surveys, out of hours emergency property services and building, plumbing and electrical maintenance services can also be obtained from: mark@lmemove.com or by visiting www.lmemove.com

Sue’s Rental Compliance Blog – January 2016 – Deregulation Dangers!

Sue Clear is Compliance Executive at http://www.lmemove.com

Landlords – do you know how to avoid falling foul of the Deregulation Act?

Happy New Year and welcome back to what I sense promises to be another full on year for the Lettings and wider property sector.

This month I thought I’d highlight several of the problems landlord’s can run into that are linked to the recently passed Deregulation Act, and how to best protect yourself from potential trouble ahead.

Read more

This page is sponsored by www.lmemove.com – nationwide suppliers of landlords’ and letting agents’ compliance services . gas safety certificates . electrical safety certificates . carbon monoxide alarms . boiler services . legionella risk assessments . landlords’ warranties . EPCs . RICS Surveys . building, plumbing & electrical services

Andy’s Auction Blog 18th January 2016 – Now’s the time to swerve the Stamp Duty hike

Usually our first week of the New Year is a bit of a slow burner, with people taking their time to get back in the swing of things and start thinking about property again. From the moment we reopened on the 4th January, we have been inundated with frantic property buyers desperately trying to find their next purchase(s). We are receiving offers on houses within MINUTES of them going live on our website and our valuers can’t book them into the auction quickly enough.

So why the rush?

Read more

This page is sponsored by www.lmemove.com – nationwide suppliers of landlords’ and letting agents’ compliance services . gas safety certificates . electrical safety certificates . carbon monoxide alarms . boiler services . legionella risk assessments . landlords’ warranties . EPCs . RICS Surveys . building, plumbing & electrical services

Carrie’s Spanish Property Blog January 2016 – Where would we invest a million Euros in Spain?

We think 2016 is going to be a very interesting year for the Spanish property market. The recovery is now well underway and gaining momentum, unemployment continues to fall and the economy is set to be the fastest growing of the “Big Four” euro economies over the next two years, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Read more

Surrey’s property market is no Monkey business for Chinese buyers

February 8^th marks the start of the new Chinese Year – The Year of the Monkey

• Prime Surrey estate agent looks to the East as new buyers are attracted to Wentworth
• New Chinese school coming to North Surrey

February is an important month for the Chinese. February 8^th sees the start of the new Chinese Year – this year the naughty Monkey takes over from the staid Sheep.  The Chinese New Year also heralds the start of Golden Week in which many Chinese nationals take a week off, often overseas, to celebrate the start of their New Year.

Read more