UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hello all

I am looking at moving to South America in around 12 months

I currently have 4 properties and have always managed them myself.

Being on the other side of the world will make it difficult to manage my places and so I am leaning towards and agent managing them for me on a full management service.

I would start this process soon to see how it works and iron out any snags before I go away

The fees are a little high to my mind at £250 + vat as an initial letting fee and the 10% of rent afterwards and so I will be looking to do a deal with that

Has anyone done this at all and if so what should I be thinking about. What fees do you guys pay your agent?

Thanks

Hello,

I moved to the USA and have an agent manage my property. I made the mistake of using a national agent (who charges 10%), and wish I'd used a local independent one (who charges 8%) not just because of the fees but also because the local agent will use local workmen rather than ones from the area where the letting office is located. I should have done more research. You are definitely wise to start the process well ahead of your departure.

Thanks Janet

I think the way forward is t negotiate the fees, business is business after all.

I have used an agent before for finding tenants but ony found out after a few years they were charging prospective tenants over £200 in fees for the tenancy and so putting good tenants off (this fee is double what others are charging)

As for workmen, I have my own for gas, and general work. I will be making sure these are used first and then if they are not available, agents contractors.

I am thinking of a agent called 'Belvoir lettings' these are national but are independant (bought in like franchise) but the chats I have had with the boss so far are looking good

Thanks for your help

Hello Urban Colour,

I just had a thought about workmen. In my experience, the ones the agents use are very expensive and I wasn't confident in their work or honesty, so now I use a website called mybuilder.com to get quotes from local workmen. So far, it has worked very well in my favour when needed plumbing and handyman work.

Hi Janet

Yes I have used My Builder and like the feedback it gives. However, a I have dealt in property for quite a while now Im lucky to have my own trades to call upon and these will be used first before the agent workers (and only if my lads are busy)

The problem for me will be that in South America, I will need to develop a good working relationship with my agent as nipping back to deal with issues is going to be difficult

Thanks for your message

Hi again,

Maybe you can help me on this one. An accountant filed my tax return this year, but I'd like to do it myself next year. Do you know which forms need to be completed? I've looked on the HMRC website and think the ones required are SA100, SA 105 & SA 109, but am not 100% sure. Do you have any experience in this?

Janet

Funny you should say that. Ive been using the same accountant for years to submit my accounts and the cost is around £250, I was going to start submitting myself but didnt really look into it yet.

So in answer to your question, no I cant help you sorry :-)

But im sure there will be a few here who can

Where are your properties? That would be helpful to know in order to give recommendations for agents.

-Armin

Quote from: Armin on August 17, 2012, 10:58:54 AM
Where are your properties? That would be helpful to know in order to give recommendations for agents.

-Armin

All based on and close to Merseyside