The festive season is fast approaching and we have six weeks to get properties let this side of Christmas, say Hamptons International. It may seem early but landlords only have a short amount of time to establish correct pricing if necessary and to intensively market properties.

Most landlords and tenant seem to be staying put says the firm, but where not, landlords are encouraged to use the seasonal dip to refurbish tired properties.

Hamptons says it has been a successful lettings month with many branches letting 50% of new stock taken on during the last quarter.

Zoë Rose, Lettings Director said, “Great news for our landlords. Our stock levels remain lower than usual due to recent success across the regions with many of the offices having let approximately 50% of all registered stock taken on year to date, with Fulham shifting 75% of stock. This level of success is due to securing a regular flow of new properties, matching our tenants demands to supply, and agreeing the right prices."

With Christmas fast approaching, Hamptons are strongly advising clients that their property price is exceptionally sensitive due to the seasonal flux that is fast approaching.

Andrea Richardson, Manager at Cheltenham and Marlborough said, “In Marlborough prospective tenants are keen to secure properties before Christmas and landlords have become more realistic with their rental expectations.”

James Thornett from Hamptons City cluster adds, “We now have a window of five to six weeks of trading before the Christmas shut down, and have been advising landlords that if they do not align their rental prices and consider sensible offers, they will be unable to secure a tenancy until the end of Jan 2005."

"As an agency we want to offer our clients honest and intelligent rental service, proactively working with them to maximise their rental opportunities over the course of the lettings calendar year during the peaks and troughs!”

Christmas spruce?

If a landlord finds him/herself experiencing a void period over the Christmas period, it is an excellent opportunity to make improvements to the property.

James Thornett comments, “This quieter period can be a good time to complete any refurbishment. It is best to consider this option early so as to timetable in the contractors for their pre Christmas availability. We are forwarding quite a few leads to our refurbishment department.”

Hamptons property management department has offered the following checklist for landlords who are managing their own property, to remind their tenant of their tenancy obligations:

• Clear gutters.
• Establish the whereabouts of the stopcock – this can minimise flooding damage.
• Check insurance policies during void periods.
• Arrange out of hour emergency telephone numbers or alternative telephone numbers if away during holiday season.
• Heating – run heating on a minimum to avoid burst pipes.
• Clear post – agency traffic may slow down during the festive period, so ensure that someone checks the property in the tenants absence.