Monday 5 November 2018

Meet the Belvoir Team - Andrew Bailey

Who's who at Belvoir Andover!


Andrew Bailey, Sales & Operations Director



A highly experienced property expert, Andrew oversees day to day running of Belvoir’s offices.

Originally from Glasgow, Andrew has lived in Andover for 30 years. With excellent local knowledge and a passion for residential property sales, he guides and helps those buying or selling their home, or those buying for investment. 

With his wife, a 10 year old son and twin 8 year old girls, life is always busy for Andrew. When he gets the chance, he loves a round of golf and plays the occasional game of football. 

Fun fact/claim to fame: Whilst walking barefoot in New York City, Andrew bumped into and chatted with Noel Gallagher.

Favourite song: It has to be Oasis, Live Forever

Monday 29 October 2018

Exclusive invitation for Belvoir Landlords

Belvoir Landlords are invited to a Christmas Champagne Reception on 6th December



The Nadia Waterfield Fine Art Gallery in Goodworth Clatford will be the venue for this year's event and will provide a stunning backdrop for our festive evening.

Specialising in contemporary paintings, sculptures and bespoke furniture, Nadia Waterfield focuses on bringing new and exciting young artists to the attention of the wider public, along with more celebrated names. The Gallery is a fascinating place to visit and more details can be found on the website nadiawaterfieldfineart.com



Join us in this charming setting for drinks and nibbles on Thursday 6th December between 6pm and 8pm. It will be a great opportunity to meet the Belvoir team and chat to fellow Landlords, as well as local property and finance experts.


Spaces are limited due to the capacity of the Gallery and pre-booking is essential, so please do let us know without delay if you (and a partner) are able to join us by clicking here to RSVP. 

Alternatively, drop us an email to info@belvoirandover.com or give us a call on 01264 366611

We look forward to seeing you!


Thursday 18 October 2018

Meet the Belvoir Team - Jess Baynes

Put a face to a name and see who’s who in Belvoir…

Jess Baynes, Lettings Negotiator




Jess is usually the first cheery face you see when you walk into the Belvoir office and has been a part of our Lettings team for over a year.

As Lettings Negotiator, it is Jess’s role to contact new prospective tenants and try and match them to the perfect rental property. 

"I really enjoy my job" says Jess "Every day is so varied. Different people, each with different stories and of course, some lovely houses"

In her spare time, Jess loves watching all types of movies. She enjoys spending time with her family, and her much-loved dog Flo. Currently on the Couch to 5K programme, she will be running her first 5K in December, in aid of The Enham Trust.

Fun fact/claim to fame: In a previous job, Jess quoted for providing new worktops in Mary Berry’s kitchen!

Favourite song: Memories, Maverick Sabre


Thursday 6 September 2018

Belvoir Property Clinic - New Buy-to-Let Tax Rules


Greg Greatbatch, Director at Belvoir Andover and Professional Landlord answers today’s property question

If you have a question for our monthly Belvoir Property Clinic, please send to info@belvoirandover.com

Q Can you explain the tax changes that have been introduced for buy-to-let landlords as I am about to file my tax return

A This is a question we have been asked a lot at Belvoir, and it’s not an altogether simple one to answer.

The tax changes only apply to individual landlords who let property in the UK, those who let in a partnership or Trustees of a trust directly holding UK residential property. The new tax rules won’t apply to companies or landlords of furnished holiday lets.

In short, the main change being made under the new tax rules, is that landlords will no longer be able to fully claim tax relief on their mortgage interest payments and related finance costs.

Previously, landlords have been able to deduct a number of allowable expenses along with mortgage and other finance expenses from their rental income and just pay tax on the difference. Now however, tax relief on finance costs will be restricted to the basic rate of Income Tax with the restrictions being phased in gradually from 6 April 2017 until fully in place from 6 April 2020.

You’ll still be able to deduct some of your finance costs when you work out your taxable property profits during the transitional period. These deductions will be gradually withdrawn and replaced with a basic rate relief tax reduction.

Tax year
Percentage of finance costs deductible from rental income
Percentage of basic rate tax reduction
2017/18
75%
25%
2018/19
50%
50%
2019/20
25%
75%
2020/21
0%
100%

I would advise you to take some professional advice regarding how this will affect you based on your particular personal circumstances. There is also more information on the full impact of the changes and case studies published by HMRC which can be accessed on www.gov.uk


Belvoir Property Clinic - Looking for Rented Accommodation


Vicky Bowman, Lettings Manager at Belvoir Andover answers today’s property questions.
If you have a question for our monthly Belvoir Property Clinic, please send to info@belvoirandover.com

Q. My partner and I would like to rent our first home together but we are struggling to save the large deposit we need. Are there any options for paying a smaller deposit?

A. Yes, if you find a property through Belvoir you could qualify for Belvoir’s Nil Deposit Scheme. We know how tough it can be to raise that up-front deposit, so our Nil Deposit scheme offers an alternative option which will allow you to move quickly and easily into your chosen new home.
Rather than paying the usual six week’s rent as a deposit, you can now choose to pay a non-refundable fixed fee of just one week’s rent plus VAT.
At the end of the tenancy, the property will be inspected as usual and any claims for damage are invoiced to you for payment. It really is that simple!
There are some qualifying criteria, so pop into the office or give the Lettings Team a call on 01264 366611 to discuss.

Q. I have been looking for rented accommodation in Andover for some time now but even the smallest one bedroom flats are out of my reach. Have you any suggestions on how I can find something suitable?

A. It is difficult for those on limited budgets to find suitable homes to rent. Some of our smaller properties are let very quickly and you may not even get to see them advertised, so please do get in touch as we may be able to help you if we know what you are looking for.

Have you considered a house share? Belvoir always has a number of house or flat share opportunities and it can be the perfect solution for someone who can’t quite stretch to living on their own. Not only is the rent reduced but so are the bills.

Take a look at our website, www.belvoirandover.com to see what is currently available or drop into our office in Bridge Street so we can take your details and help you find the ideal home.

Looking after our Landlords with Rent Guarantee Scheme

We are delighted to now be able to offer our Rent Guarantee to all our Landlords. Paid monthly, this unique Guarantee offers complete peace of mind should your tenant default on rent payments.

In the event that a tenant defaults, rent will continue to be paid under the Guarantee whilst the property is occupied and you, the Landlord, will not be out of pocket. In addition, Belvoir will handle the legal process with specialist solicitors to ensure that the tenant is removed from the property. There is no claim process involved and you will not be required to attend at court or instruct solicitors, this is all handled as part of the service.

Without our Rent Guarantee, eviction of tenants for non-payment can be a very expensive and time-consuming process. With it taking typically 6-8 months to gain vacant possession, the cost to a Landlord can be astronomical.

Get in touch and sign up now for the Belvoir Rent Guarantee. At only £24 per month (including VAT), we are recommending that all our Landlords take advantage of this comprehensive protection. 




No Deposit? No Problem!

Belvoir is now offering a Nil Deposit Scheme for new tenants

Here at Belvoir, we know that it can be a struggle to raise a large deposit to put down on a rented home, so our new Nil Deposit Scheme offers an alternative option which will allow you to move quickly and easily into your chosen new home. 

Rather than paying the usual six week’s rental as a deposit, you can now choose to pay a non-refundable fixed fee of just one week’s rent plus VAT*

At the end of the tenancy, the property will be inspected in the usual way.

No need to save for months for that large deposit – yet another reason to Be with Belvoir!

How does it work? Pop in and see one of our Lettings team to find out if you qualify for Nil Deposit and to understand the full terms and conditions of the Scheme, or call them on 01264 366611




*Terms and Conditions apply

Introducing Vicky Bowman

We are delighted to announce that Vicky Bowman has joined Belvoir as Lettings Manager. Vicky will head up our very successful lettings team and she brings a wealth of experience to the role; having been a Lettings Manager in Andover for over 14 years.

Vicky said 'I am delighted to join such a busy and well-regarded lettings agent and I am looking forward to meeting and working with the many landlords that rely on Belvoir to manage their properties'