30/06/2019
Welcome to our June Newsletter.
Did you miss us last month?! In the run up to the Tenant Fee Ban and Renting Homes Act (due to come into effect on 1st September), we were so busy making sure we had everything in place as best we can, we ran out of time for our newsletter!
In exciting news, the tidal lagoon project may be back on, and in a new development, we could be looking at renting homes out to sea! We also give our top tips for avoiding costly and stressful deposit disputes with tenants, and check out the local lettings stats to see how the market is trending in Swansea.
There'll be more news coming up next month as by then, we should know more about possible deposit caps for Welsh tenancies - not exciting, but important info to know, so keep an eye out for July's newsletter!
- Hannah, Managing Director
30/04/2019
Welcome to April's Newsletter!
Its been a rollercoaster of a month for landlords with the Government scrapping Section 21, and the Welsh Government announcing the date for the Renting Homes (Wales) (Fees etc) Act to come into force. Both reforms will have major implications for landlords in Wales, and will constitute the biggest change in over a generation.
Our buy-to-let deal of the month is already SSTC since seeing it last week, so I’ve got 5 top tips on how to get there first!
Finally, check out our latest Rental Checker report and I’m calling on all residents and business owners in Killay and Dunvant to come together as a community and help support our local park.
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director
29/03/2019
Welcome to March's Newsletter!
We're starting to see the rental market pick up again. The latest figures from HomeLet, Rightmove and Zoopla are all pointing towards Swansea being a good place to own rental property, and we're pleased to report that we have been able to let a property on the first viewing - twice!
The end of the tax year is nigh and is bringing with it some important changes you should be aware of. I've also got some tips and advice for you on how to stay profitable as a landlord in 2019.
On a more personal note, after some technical difficulties, I have now resumed my sponsored swim to raise money for Dunvant Park Playground. More on that coming soon!
- Hannah, Managing Director
28/02/2019
Welcome to February’s Newsletter!
Positive action is the name of the game this month. Wales could see an overhaul of its housing legislation before the end of 2019, and we take a look at what that might entail. We’re encouraging landlords and tenants to start thinking about spring cleaning, and we share with you a case study on how proactive and thoughtful management can help make re-vamping your property after a 4-year tenancy quick and stress-free.
We’ve also some photos of a lovely 3 bedroom house in Uplands for you to take a look at, and some good news in the McCartan Rental Tracker to lift your spirits during this tumultuous weather!
- Hannah, Managing Director
31/01/2019
Welcome to January's Newsletter!
Now that the chaos of Christmas is behind us, we're taking a look at how Swansea's performing nationally in terms of rents (spoiler: it's good news!), and thinking about where the next Swansea buy-to-let hotspot for 2019 is likely to be.
For those of you who, like me, love looking at property online, the list of most expensive properties in Wales has been released (and a couple of those streets look familiar!).
- Hannah, Managing Director
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26/12/2018
Welcome to the December newsletter!
It's been a very busy month here at McCartan Lettings - we've just moved to a new cloud-based property management system, and at the same time have welcomed a new member of staff to the McCartan team, plus I've been making progress on my sponsored swim!
This month we're encouraging landlords to take a little time over the festive break to review their property portfolios and I've compiled some tips on areas to focus on to help with that. I've also got a case study for you on a successful buy-to-let renovation in Uplands.
Hope you have a relaxing break, and we'll see you in the new year!
- Hannah, Managing Director
30/11/2018
Welcome to the Penultimate Newsletter of the Year!
This month, we are discussing the difficulties housing benefit applicants have in the Private Rented Sector, as homelessness charity Shelter get headline news on their war on landlords.
We also review Rent Smart Wales (now in its 3rd year of operations), and closer to home, I will be doing a 22-mile charity swim to raise funds for Friends of Dunvant Park to provide a much-needed fence for the children's playground.
Check out our latest buy-to-let deal of the month (on one of our favourite streets in Upland), and see how Swansea's rental market is performing in our Rental Tacker. Finally, please take note of our Christmas opening hours!
Wishing you and yours a very festive break,
- Hannah, Managing Director
30/10/2018
With summer now well and truly over, this month we are sharing tips on how you can prepare your property for winter - for both landlords and tenants.
We also have reports for you on the real reason it is taking so long for tenants to get their deposits back after they've moved out, and what tenants are expected to do when moving out of a property (that will help avoid deposit deductions!).
This months' buy to let deal is a small family home in need of some TLC - ideal for an investor looking to do a light refurb -, and we have the first property to let on the new Hendrefoilan Estate in Killay!
- Hannah, Managing Director
28/09/2018
Welcome to September's Newsletter!
Continuing the flurry of exciting news regarding Swansea's regeneration works, data has been released this week that suggests there's been an influx in commercial lettings not seen since 1980s. There are rumblings and rumours, too, that the Tidal Lagoon Project might yet go ahead!
We've got a guide for landlords on how to check your Landlords' Gas Safety Certificate is valid, as well as a really interesting turn-key buy-to-let deal!
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director
31/08/2018
Welcome to August's Newsletter!
This month, we are celebrating our 12 year anniversary, so I wanted to kick off this newsletter with a massive thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years - here's to the next exciting 12 years!
I've also been looking at what impact the Bank of England's decision to raise interest rates will have on landlords' finances, and we've a guest article from Elizabeth of Elizabeth Styles on how you can make your rental property feel more like home.
Lastly, check out our buy-to-let deal of the month that could give high yield and attract long-term tenants (potentially a dream combo!), as well as news that the Swansea City Transformation has officially begun.
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director
31/07/2018
Welcome to July's Newsletter!
Hometrack have released their House Price Index for June, and a little number crunching revealed some interesting figures relating to the Financial Crash of 2007 and Swansea house prices that I wanted to share with you.
I've also put together a guide for landlords to help explain and assist with what is sometimes the thorny issue of deposit deductions.
This month's buy-to-let deal is definitely worth checking out; it is in a great location, with Olchfa and Parklands Schools in walking distance. It is only in need of light refurbishment, and could offer a healthy yield of 6.2%!
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director
29/06/2018
Welcome to June's Newsletter.
We've been busy this month with new properties being let almost as soon as they become available!
Whilst I was disappointed to learn that the tidal lagoon bid had been declined, I do have some good news for you regarding a little-known tax break for landlords, and some tips on how to secure your next (or maybe first!) buy-to-let property at auction.
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director of McCartan Lettings
31/05/2018
Welcome to May's Newsletter!
This month, we are looking at how the Swans' relegation may affect the Swansea Rental Market, and encouraging landlords to consider their tenants' needs more long term as research shows tenants are renting later into their lives than before.
I'm sure you're all aware by now of the changes to data protection regulation (GDPR). You're receiving this newsletter because you are either a landlord or a tenant of McCartan, or are someone we have done business with in recent times. Of course, you're welcome to unsubscribe at any time - there's a link to do so in the footer.
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director
30/04/2018
Welcome to April's Newsletter!
Exciting news this month as the first tangible step is taken towards the Kingsway Regeneration, and Uplands is named in the top 20 "hippest" places to live in the UK!
After taking my own advice and reviewing my investment needs, I've made the decision to sell my city centre apartment - details in this month's buy-to-let deal!
Earlier in the month, we announced that we are now advertising on all 3 property portal giants (the newest being OnTheMarket.com), and I put together an easy guide to ensuring your Landlords' Gas Safety Certificate is valid with help from long-time McCartan contractor Andy John.
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director of McCartan Lettings
30/03/2018
Welcome to March's Newsletter.
What a busy month! As well as preparing for the changes in tax and energy performance legislation coming into effect in April, we've completed another buy-to-let renovation project, and managed to squeeze in some time to take part in The Wave Radio's Workplace Challenge - which we won!
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director
28/02/2018
Welcome to February's Newsletter!
As you may have seen on social media, we're received reports this week of 2 online property scams being run in the Swansea area. I was interviewed today for Swansea Bay TV, talking about the scam after our warning about the scams was picked up by Wales Online and Property Industry Eye.
On a lighter note, there's good news this month for the Kingsway Infrastructure Project and Tidal Lagoon as more investment is made, and an offer revised. We're also encouraging landlords to consider (where appropriate!) lets with pets, and this month's stats are a prime example of supply and demand at work!
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director of McCartan Lettings
31/01/2018
Welcome to the January edition of the McCartan Newsletter! We are very excited about the future of the property market, particularly here in Swansea this year.
As ever, there will be changes that will impact landlords this year, but we are here to guide our landlords and tenants through the adjustments.
I hope you enjoy reading this month's newsletter - and don't forget to check out my Buy-To-Let Deal of the Month at the end!
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director of McCartan Lettings
27/12/2017
Welcome to December's newsletter!
Christmas is upon us and though it might not seem like the most festive of past-times, now is the time to start looking ahead and making plans for 2018. My latest article on things to consider when reviewing your finances is full of tips (and useful contacts!), and if you'd like to book a free consultation with me for the new year on how and where to expand your porfolio (or get it started), there is information in there on how to do that too.
We will see you in the new year!
- Hannah McCartan
Managing Director of McCartan Lettings
30/11/2017
Welcome to November's newsletter!
Though the nights are drawing in and the year is almost through, the Housing Market is still all-systems-go, with the Bank of England increasing interest rates in a move that could affect your mortgage, the Government releasing all-important guidance on the incoming Energy Performance legislation, and Rent Smart Wales celebrating its 2nd anniversary.
In this month's newsletter, you can also find our Christmas opening hours - and don't forget you can recycle your baby food pouches (any brand) and Ella's Kitchen branded snack wrappers here in our office.
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director
27/10/2017
Welcome to October's newsletter! With just 6 months to left of the tax year, we're planning ahead and taking good, professional advice from local Swansea-based accountants Morgan Hemp on whether landlords should incorporate, and at the same time, answering the call to save the planet with Ella's Kitchen's recycling initiative.
Whether you're a seasoned property investor or new to the scene, I've got some key questions you ought to consider before making your investment. After looking at the rental stats for this month, I've got a top tip on how acting now could reduce the chance of lengthy void periods in the near future.
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director of McCartan Lettings
29/09/2017
Welcome to September's Newsletter! McCartan Lettings is entering its 11th year in business on a high as we are named in the Best Estate Agent Guide 2018.
We've been busy this month supporting Rent Smart Wales and the Gas Safe Register, reminding our clients of their responsibilities (and how we can help with them) concerning gas and water regulation.
I've articles for you on market trends that could be of interest to landlords and property investors , as well as a great buy-to-let opportunity in Port Tennant.
- Hannah McCartan
Managing Director
30/08/2017
Welcome to McCartan Lettings’ Property Newsletter for August. We hope you have all had an enjoyable Summer and are making the most of the glorious weather (whilst it lasts!).
This month, we are urging all landlords, tenants and contractors associated with the rental industry in Wales to participate in the Welsh Government's consultation on whether they should ban tenant fees. I will be writing an article for the McCartan blog on the effect of the ban in Scotland, and the impact the English ban is likely to have both there and here in Wales - keep your eyes out for it on social media!
We also are highlighting cases of landlords being prosecuted for non-compliance with Rent Smart Wales, and I’ve found a bargain of a property in Dunvant going to auction at the end of September.
- Hannah McCartan, MD of McCartan Lettings
26/07/2017
Welcome to Swansea Property News for July 2017.
Rightmove are reporting that Swansea is in the top 3 highest rental growth areas outside of Greater London, which is good news for landlords, though there are concerns about how this trend, among other factors, might be deepening the divide between homeowners and tenants not only in Swansea, but across the whole of the UK.
News earlier this month that Swansea will not be getting the long-promised electrified rail came as a blow, though on a more positive note, we are pleased to have made the final shortlist for City of Culture 2021.
Hannah McCartan, MD of McCartan Lettings
29/06/2017
Welcome to June's edition of Swansea Property News.
What an eventful month June has been so far!
While the rest of the UK is still reeling from the outcome of the General Election, the news is more positive here in Swansea with the regeneration bid being approved. We are seeing a 5.9% increase in asking rents on 2 bedroom flats, and I was honoured to be nominated for Female Entrepreneur of the Year at this year's South Wales Business Awards in Cowbridge.
Hannah McCartan
MD - McCartan Lettings
30/05/2017
Summer has definitely arrived, and there is excitement here in Killay as the first batch of properties in the Hendrefoilan Development are starting to go up.
This month, I am encouraging Landlords to begin planning for changes in legislation regarding energy efficiency, and asking for your help as I undertake research into how changes like this affect Swansea Landlords.
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director of McCartan Lettings
26/04/2017
The sun has finally started to shine here in Swansea, and the warm, sunny days of summer are within our grasp, but rents in Swansea and across the UK have started to cool from their meteoric rise last year.
In this month's Property News, I take a closer look at why rents are slowing, how reviewing your mortgage can save you thousands, and I've spotted some interesting buy-to-let opportunities in Sketty (SA2).
- Hannah, Managing Director of McCartan Lettings.
24/03/2017
What an exciting and historical month March has been for Swansea!
With Bishopston named the best place to live in Wales by the Sunday Times, Bishopston Comprehensive congratulated as the best school in Wales, and this week’s visit from PM Theresa May to sign off on the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay deal, we foresee positive times ahead for our region!
We’ll be eagerly following the Housing Market to see if or when this news starts to have an impact on house prices and rental values.
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director of McCartan Lettings
24/02/2017
Welcome to this month's Swansea Property News!
There is good news feel around as details are released about the proposed Swansea's regeneration project, and I have ten tips for you on how to make a good property investment that will work for you.
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director of McCartan Lettings
27/01/2017
Happy New Year, and welcome to this month's Swansea Property News!
With rents soaring and the demand for rental properties increasing, 2017 seems to be getting off to a relatively good start for landlords in Swansea. I hope you enjoy our new Swansea focused newsletter, and I look forward to a more positive year ahead.
- Hannah McCartan, Managing Director of McCartan Lettings
15/12/2016
Welcome to the December Newsletter! Christmas is just around the corner, and festivities are already beginning. We are preparing for the changes outlined in Philip Hammond's Autumn Statement, and looking to the new year ahead.
18/11/2016
Welcome to the November newsletter! The season is changing with a vengeance, and the deadline for Rent Smart Wales registration and licensing is fast approaching. The Property Ombudsman has her eye on Swansea, and we are looking ahead to the Autumn Budget, and to preparing properties for winter.
19/10/2016
Welcome to the McCartan Lettings October Newsletter. As well as raising awareness this month of Gas Safety Week and the importance of being gas safe, we have brought to national attention the issue of agents not displaying their fees in line with the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
06/04/2017
Welcome to McCartan's September Newsletter. This month, we are excited to begin celebrating our 10th year in business, and are pleased to announce that we are officially registered and licensed with Rent Smart Wales.
29/09/2016
Welcome to McCartan's August Newsletter. This month we tell you why it's important to have an inventory performed before every tenancy.
13/07/2016
Welcome to McCartan Lettings July newsletter. This month we've compiled a helpful list of dos and don'ts to help you navigate an end of tenancy.
We'll also take a look at why the public prefer high street estate agents over online estate agents, we ask whether it's time for estate agents to allow pets and we've got five quick interior design tips to help you get your home up to scratch.
09/06/2016
Welcome to McCartan Lettings June Newsletter. This month we highlight the importance of ensuring your estate or lettings agent secures your money in a Client Money Protection Scheme.
02/05/2016
Welcome to McCartan Lettings May newsletter where this month we have the spotlight on Tenancy Deposit Protection law and Landlords Insurance.
01/04/2016
Welcome to McCartan Lettings latest newsletter, keeping you informed of all the latest information on the lettings industry.
26/02/2016
Keeping you updated on the latest news and information in the lettings industry.
29/10/2015
Welcome to the McCartan Lettings monthly newsletter, keeping you updated with the latest news in lettings.
17/09/2015
Keeping you up to date and informed on the latest in the private rented sector
30/07/2015
It has been another eventful month in the world of Lettings, so we hope you will find our latest newsletter helpful and informative.
30/06/2015
30/05/2015
This month has been packed full of interesting developments in the Private Rented Sector, from the election and the Queens speech this week to the ARLA conference in Cardiff spotlighting on the new Housing (Wales) Act 2014.
28/04/2015
Welcome to our first official newsletter!
10/04/2015
Find out more about how our "Smart Newsletter" works and how it will benefit you.
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