WELCOME TO OUR AUTUMN/WINTER NEWSLETTER


I hope that you have had a lovely summer and for those of you who went away a good break. The nights are closing in and the winter festivities will soon be with us. Now things in the property market are beginning to improve we look forward to a good 2014 for all of us. We have our Seasonal Competition for a £100 hamper, all answers are contained within the articles, so do not forget to enter.

David DaBora

PROPERTY MARKET IMPROVING

In our last issue I mentioned the Government Schemes designed to help people get onto the housing ladder. These have now moved forward with the guarantee scheme up and running and many lenders opening their doors offering 95% mortgages with the Government underwriting them. There is no doubt that this will help the movement of property whilst assisting people who otherwise would have been unable to purchase.

This makes investment an even more attractive proposal and at DABORACONWAY we are happy to discuss your individual requirements and work with you to bring them to fruition whether that is in the private market or through our Guaranteed Rent Schemes. So whether you are buying, selling, renting or investing this is the time to consider your options.

House prices are rising and Rightmove have reported that month by month the average price rise is up 10% in London reaching &544,000.

At DABORACONWAY we are very pleased to say we have had a successful year for all of our Branches as well as our Guaranteed Rent Scheme department; this year we have had more satisfied clients than ever and we look forward to this continuing into 2014.

With best wishes to you all for a happy and healthy 2014,

David DaBora



PROPERTY AVAILABILITY INFORMATION

Properties for sale and rent with DABORACONWAY, if you would like information on all of our properties just use the easy to click links below...

To see all of the properties that are currently available for sale with our Wanstead branch please click HERE
To see all of the properties that are currently available for sale with our Winchmore Hill branch please click HERE

To see all of the properties that are currently available to let with our South Woodford branch please click HERE

To see all of the properties that are currently available to let with our Winchmore Hill branch please click HERE



WAYNE ENGLEMAN JOINS THE DABORACONWAY TEAM


Wayne Engleman, a new face at DABORACONWAY.


Wayne started his career in residential lettings working for PMS, one of West Essex’s longest established and most recognised agents in 1991…coincidentally the same year that DABORACONWAY was formed.

He has formed strong relationships with many Landlords and tenants throughout the years that he has been in the industry and his extensive knowledge of the rental market has put him in good stead to guide new and existing landlords through all aspects of the rental process, from purchase to refurbishment works through to finding suitable professional tenants.

Wayne truly believes that the ever growing rental market is here to stay and that the demand for quality properties is as strong as ever.

Wayne’s business ethic has always been that if you provide a professional, personal and trustworthy service people will always come back.

If you require any advice, feel free to contact Wayne on 020 8530 7200 Ext 223 or wayne.engleman@daboraconway.com



TENANCIES, THE LAW AND YOU

Ever faced the problem of getting an unwanted tenant to vacate your property on time, or in collecting the rent? Not yourself hopefully, but many new and buy to let landlords attracted by the lures of easy to obtain mortgages pre-2008, or by the idea of letting out their old home rather than selling, have had their fingers burned when faced with unexpected challenges in collecting rent or in removing a tenant at the end of a 6 month or annual contract. Changes made in the 1988 Housing Act were planned to encourage letting by small landlords and to make it easier to get vacant possession. The so called “Accelerated Possession” procedure at County Court was designed to be:

• Straight forward for individual landlords to use, without the need for a solicitor.
• A relatively cheap and quick way of obtaining possession, with no court hearing.

Many in the residential lettings industry would say that it hasn’t quite worked out that way. Some landlords have foundered at Court due to incorrectly compiled Notices Requiring Possession, and delays with the consequent court hearings. Such delays have also become associated with the development of rent arrears, which often require landlords to start separate court proceedings. Even if and when court judgements are obtained, enforcement (evicting the tenant and collecting the debt) is a whole new ball game.

There is no substitute for engaging a competent solicitor, experienced in Housing Law, when dealing with the most difficult cases, particularly where aggressive behaviour and threats to the landlord have occurred. However, for routine cases, good advice can often be obtained from experienced and accredited local letting agencies, which have a good working knowledge of the relevant law, how it is operated in the local County Courts, the forms which need completion and the timescales involved.

DABORACONWAY offer a free initial advice service to prospective customers wishing to let their properties through the company, but faced with the initial difficulty of arranging for an existing tenancy to be ended legally with minimum delay. 


For more details, please contact: Martin Gard at martin.gard@daboraconway.com



THE END OF TENANCY DEPOSIT DISPUTES - THE GOOD NEWS


...however, the good news is tempered by the findings that some tenants could be missing important information that may affect the return of their deposit.

Research from the my|deposits TDP Tenant Panel shows that fewer than six in ten (58 per cent), and only two-thirds (64 per cent) of tenants say they read their tenancy agreement or inventory thoroughly at the start of the tenancy, respectively.

Sean Hooker, Business Development Manager, my|deposits, said:
“The fact that the overwhelming majority of tenancies are ending without any issues is positive news and is further evidence that TDP is helping to improve the process of taking deposits in England and Wales.   However, it’s vital that tenants carefully read both the tenancy agreement and inventory as they contain essential information and may detail the conditions in which deductions may be made to their deposit”.

For situations where problems arise over the return of the deposit my|deposits has produced a guide to negotiation for landlords, agents and tenants. The guidance focuses on the importance of communication between both parties and aims to resolve issues that could otherwise end up in a formal deposit dispute or, even court.

Sean Hooker continued:
“Unfortunately issues over the return of the deposit do arise but it is beneficial for both parties to resolve their differences before it escalates to adjudication as this will delay the return of the deposit.  Communication is the most effective way to resolve these issues and we hope the guide to negotiation will be of practical use for those who have difficulties in reaching an agreement at the end of the tenancy".

This article was submitted by my|deposits having reviewed the release of the deposits protected under the scheme during 2012. For this story and much more please visit: www.mydeposits.co.uk

My|deposits is a government-authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme and have to date successfully protected more than a million deposits within England and Wales. All deposits held by DABORACONWAY are registered with my|deposits within 30 days of receiving it from the tenant and protected for the length of the tenancy.

For further information please contact South Woodford’s Branch Manager Darren Spraget on 020 8530 7200 or email darren.spraget@daboraconway.com



WHAT HAVE DABORACONWAY BEEN UP TO?


TOP GOLF

What do the teams do when they let their hair down? The three sales and lettings branches regularly get together for a bit of team bonding and relaxation and this time they went to Top Golf in Chigwell.

The evening went down well and the winners on the night were Bill who picked up trophies for the Longest Drive and overall winner for his combined score over both games, Brett who won Nearest The Pin and the coveted Wooden Spoon prize went to Ranjan who was making her golfing debut. 

  

A LITTLE HOME COOKING FOR DIWALI


Not all of the relaxing is outside; much of it is in the home. Mina Mistry has been entertaining her family and friends for Diwali.   

Mina says... "Why do we celebrate Diwali? It's not just the festive mood in the air that makes you happy, or just that it's a good time to enjoy before the advent of winter. Celebrating Diwali sees the whole country glowing under the light of lamps, candles, and fireworks. This year Diwali falls on 4th November, the day before Guy Fawkes. You will hear lots of fireworks in the air."



LONDON LANDLORD PROPERTY INVESTMENT SHOW - CONNAUGHT ROOMS, LONDON

On the 15th October DABORACONWAY featured as part of another successful Landlord Property Investment Show organised by Tenants History.

Alongside the Barnard Marcus Auction at the Connaught Rooms in London over 50 stands assembled to advertise the array of services on offer to Landlords and Investors alike.

"It was a privilege to exhibit the opportunities that DABORACONWAY can offer at such a prestigious location and I would thoroughly recommend attending one of these shows for the wealth of information on offer. These events are hugely beneficial to those operating within the industry", Olivia Lond-Caulk.

For details of future events please visit www.landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk.

 

 

For further information on the content of the article please contact olivia.lond-caulk@daboraconway.com



HOMES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS


Do you love architecture? Interested in interior design? Want inspiration from the rich and famous? Or are you like me...just plain nosey? 

Whether it is celebrity tattooist Kat Von D’s gothic Hollywood home or Olivia Newton John's waterfront Florida mansion, there should be something to interest everyone. Have a look at this website, http://hookedonhouses.net/celebrity-houses/ where all celebrity houses are listed in alphabetical order. It gives you the opportunity to snoop around and pick up some tips. Who knows, one day, it could be you!



WANSTEAD SECRETS


Wanstead is a suburban area in the London Borough of Redbridge, East London. The main road going through Wanstead is the A12. “Wanstead” derives from the Anglo-Saxon words wænn and stede, meaning "settlement on a small hill".

The town has a largely suburban feel, containing open grasslands such as Wanstead Flats, and the woodland of Wanstead Park (part of Epping Forest). The park, with artificial lakes, was originally part of the estate of a large stately home Wanstead House, one of the finest Palladian mansions in Britain, from its size and splendour nicknamed the English Versailles, and the architectural inspiration for Mansion House, London. It was demolished after the bankruptcy of the owner, William Wellesley-Long, in 1824. It is also home to Wanstead Golf club, which has hosted many of the major events in the Essex County calendar. A notable landmark towards the northern edge of Wanstead is the former Wanstead Hospital building, now a highly sought housing development of converted flats and newly built houses and apartment blocks.

In 1681 Wanstead was served by a daily coach from Aldgate. In 1791 there were five daily services; three from Aldgate and two from White-chapel. In 1911 the motor bus route from Elephant and Castle ended at Wanstead. In 2013 whilst the cynical commuter might have a word of two to say about Transport for London, transport links to and from Wanstead have never been better as in 2013 Wanstead is serviced by two Central Line underground stations (Wanstead & Snaresbrook) and provides easy access to a comprehensive road system including the A12, A406, M11 and M25.


Wanstead High Street is distinctive because of its many independent retailers, attracting shoppers from a wide area whilst also offering those essential core facilities such as a Post Office, a number of banks, pharmacies, bakers, a butcher, a green grocer and in lieu of a candle-stick maker, Estate Agents. Public houses include The George (which began life as the George and Dragon in the 18th century) and The Cuckfield, with the very popular Nightingale just a short walk from the High Street. There is an abundance of restaurants offering varied cuisine from around the world including Provender and the recently re-opened Hadley House Meze Restaurant, whilst the numerous coffee bars that have sprung up in recent times add a cosmopolitan buzz to an already affluent area.

Property in Wanstead is comprised predominantly of Victorian & Edwardian houses built to a larger than average scale compared to that of the surrounding suburbs with a scattering of pre-war and modern built properties. The area is currently experiencing a dramatic increase in popularity the likes of which have never been experienced before. It would appear that potential home owners who have benefitted from the gentrification primarily seen across the East of London namely Bethnal Green, Mile End and Hackney have spotlighted Wanstead as an area offering great value, having an urban feel but close to the greenery of Epping Forest and being an ideal location to buy a home and start a family.

Prices in Wanstead have risen very much in line with the London average with the average 3 bedroom house now commanding prices somewhat in excess of &500,000 and the average 2 bedroom flat selling for anything between &250,000 and &300,000.

For further information please contact:- william.line@daboraconway.com



A VERY IMPORTANT DEPARTMENT

In every organisation there is a department whose role underpins its entire offer and ensures everything runs smoothly and efficiently. In DABORACONWAY this is the Finance Department, whose remit covers a very wide area.

The Finance Department are responsible for;

  • Paying Landlords and Contractors for both Private and PSL clients
  • Ensuring security and privacy of clients information
  • Dealing with Housing Benefit Queries and Collection of Housing Benefit Payments
  • Rent Collection
  • Financial Housekeeping
  • VAT Returns
  • Staff expenses, petty cash, holidays and staff absences
  • And on the lighter side, organising social events for the company

It is overseen by Mina Mistry (middle left) and Francese DaBora (middle right) supported by Carly Lucic (second from right), Simone Winterbotham (far right), Rosita Mahendran (far left) and Janice Lewis (second from left).

The team's responsibility has grown as DABORACONWAY has expanded to over 40 members of staff.

          

           

     

     

                                               

    "We deal with over &1 million monthly, and with new legislation coming in regularly regarding areas such as Housing Benefit we are kept extremely busy. However, it is not all hard work, as a team we always find time to enjoy ourselves whether this is the lunchtime walking club, trying out the range of restaurants in Wanstead or supporting charities such as this year’s ‘Wear it Pink Day’ for the Breast Cancer Campaign and of course not forgetting our Swapping Recipes Group” said Mina Mistry.

     



    SEASONAL TIPS

    We know how busy everyone is trying to get things done in time for the festive season; buying presents, ensuring the shopping is completed and so much more. To help you we have compiled a list of sites that we hope you will find useful.

     

    Arts and Crafts for Children 

    www.artistshelpingchildren.org

    www.craftsideasforkids.com

    Family Craft and Gift Ideas

    www.spoonful.com/crafts

    www.santaspostbag.co.uk

        

    Seasonal Baking for all the Family

    www.allrecipes.com 

     

     

       

     

     

     

    Need some help or looking for something a little different...

     Festival Goodies

     www.xmasrecipes.com

     

     



    SEASONAL COMPETITION - WIN A £100 SEASONAL HAMPER

    Just answer the following questions by emailing your answers, numbered 1 - 6, to leasing@daboraconway.com and who knows, you may be the lucky one to win our &100 hamper from Marks & Spencer! All answers are found within the articles of the newsletter and all responses are to be with us by 11th December 2013.

    1. Who won the wooden spoon at Top Golf?
    Answer:

    2.     What % of my|deposits members returned their tenant’s deposits in full last year without the need to involve the scheme?
             Answer:

    3. Whose house is listed as number one in the Top 10 Celebrity House Searches Right Now?
    Answer:

    4.     From which 2 periods were the houses in the Wanstead area predominantly built? 
            Answer:

    5.     In what year did Wayne Engleman start his career in residential lettings? 
             Answer:

    6.     Where will you find recipes for seasonal cakes? 
             Answer:










    Rightmove Zoopla Primelocation The Property Ombudsman Trading Standards Institute My Deposits Safeagent

    Follow Us

    Follow DABORACONWAY on Facebook
    guaranteed
    Guaranteed Rental Schemes