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New Bath Apartments Offer Premier City Centre Living

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Space Available in Recently Completed John Street Development

Space is now available at a prime location in Bath city centre, offering the conveniences of modern living nestled within the splendour of Georgian architecture.

Kingsgate Apartments, 7 John Street, a development by Longacre, contains six apartments, a mixture of one and two bed. The new homes sit in the heart of Bath, between the prestigious Queen Square and bustling Milsom Street.

Longacre, renowned for its sensitive, high quality developments, is well versed in creating stunning modern apartments throughout Bath.

From Fitzroy House on Great Pulteney Street, to Milsom Apartments on Milsom Street, the company has a growing reputation for creating excellent living spaces in stunning locations.

Kingsgate Apartments are no exception. This secluded development nestled within the city’s back streets, filled with independent businesses, quirky cafes, traditional pubs and popular restaurants.

Alongside the expected conveniences of modern living, the development also benefits from lift access and superfast broadband. At a time when more people are discovering the benefits of working from home, this is a fantastic opportunity for young professionals, entrepreneurs or retirees seeking a level walk to all amenities.

Available through Reside, high levels of interest are expected in the remaining apartments. Prices start from £1,050 pcm.

For more information, view our available properties or call 01225 445777.

COVID-19 Update: Back To Work

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The New Normal

On Wednesday 13th of May, the government removed restrictions on residential lettings and issued strict guidelines, specifying how we can return to work. Safety remains paramount and we have had to radically adapt our methods to ensure that our staff and our customers are safe. The peak of the epidemic may have passed but the virus is still a very real threat and we have a clear duty of care towards everyone we engage with.

From Monday the 18th of May, our office will be staffed, however it will not be open to the general public for safety reasons. We have a self-contained space adjacent to our office (pictured), which is COVID-Safe and can be used for meetings by prior arrangement, if you need to see us in person. Even so, it would be safest for everyone if you were to contact us via email or phone.

We are now able to respond to non-urgent repairs, however many trades have not yet returned to work, and many are finding it difficult to source parts and materials. As a result, there may be a delay in some issues being resolved.

Like many others, we have adapted our processes and procedures during the lockdown period, making use of video technologies and remote working.

Although we are now permitted to return to work and visit properties, many of our clients will continue to act with caution and may prefer to meet with us remotely. If you would like to discuss letting your property, please contact us to arrange a full market appraisal via video call, or in person.

 

Bath in Lockdown

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Film maker Jack Fisher’s daily dog walks in Bath have given him the opportunity to capture the city in unrecognisable fashion – deserted pavements, with an almost eerie silence where once there was a familiar bustle.

We were bowled over by Jack’s film, which he kindly gave us permission to share on this blog. Bath undoubtedly looks beautiful, but it is hard not to feel a tinge of sadness at the overwhelming stillness of its streets. Let’s hope they are full again before too long.


For more information about Jack’s work, please visit jackfisher.org

New Year, New Letting Agent?

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A Landlord’s Biggest Decision.

A very Happy New Year from us all at Reside! Some people’s 2020 resolutions will involve exercising more, eating less or – heaven forbid – both; however, many take this as an opportunity to review contracts and working relationships – who to bank with, or which lettings agent should manage their investment properties.

When letting a property a landlord has two vital decisions to make, both of which can have huge implications on their health, wealth and quality of life.

It’s really no exaggeration to say that if a landlord chooses the wrong letting agent and compounds that error by renting their property to a tenant who has not been properly vetted, one thing is usually guaranteed – trouble. And often a lot of it.

Poorly referenced tenants cause the most problems and letting agencies that don’t have stringent checks in place leave their landlords vulnerable.

At Reside, we’ve always believed that one of the most important parts of our role as letting agent is to ensure the right tenants are placed in the right properties. So how do we ensure we get good tenants for our landlords? Well, during our years in the property lettings business we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) what to look out for.

So what makes a good tenant?

Simply someone who pays their rent on time, respects the property, is reasonable to deal with and gets on with the neighbours. These are all factors which can contribute to a successful long term let.

The next part of the process is one where less well-equipped or experienced agencies often fail.

A good quality referencing agent is vital for ascertaining credit history, as well as ensuring the tenant has the means to pay the rent. Our referencing covers employment, credit and previous rental history.

While proper referencing is very important, it’s sadly not a 100% guarantee that the tenant will be a good one. But, when done properly, it is usually a very good indication of the calibre of the person applying to rent your property.

Once a tenant has been selected it’s important for the property to be professionally and ethically managed. Keeping a tenant waiting for an unreasonable amount of time for a washing machine or boiler repair could lead to problems for the landlord, such as claims for compensation. It’s important for any prospective landlord to apply a vetting process to their agency. Are they a diligent, conscientious and regulated letting agent? This is where Google reviews are particularly useful, as they give a genuine insight into the experience of a company’s clients. You can also check what professional affiliations your agent has; here at Reside, we are regulated through our memberships of ARLA Propertymark, SafeAgent and The Property Redress Scheme.

“The amazing team at Reside have let and managed our property in Bath for the last two years. I cannot tell you how incredible their level of service is… above and way beyond any estate agent we’ve dealt with in the past.”
– Google review from Betsy Huggins, Landlord

Equally, a landlord should not always be swayed by the agency who places the greatest value on their property. If a lettings agent overprices a property’s rental value, it could lead to extended void periods. These costly episodes put pressure on the landlord and the letting agent to fill the void as quickly as possible and this can mean the vetting process is not rigidly carried out. Which, as we said at the start of this article, can lead to a lot of trouble.

If you want to let your property in Bath quickly, professionally and cost effectively call Reside on 01225 445777 or email: info@localhost for honest, expert and friendly advice.

Charity Donation & Christmas Opening Hours

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Charity donation to VOICES.

We are very proud to be long-term members of the Bath Percent Club, a group of over 180 companies and individuals committed to giving back to the local community. As part of our commitment to the Percent Club, we donate a percentage of our profits to charities and worthwhile causes – of which there are many in Bath.

This year, our staff chose to donate to VOICES, a Bath-based charity founded in 2014 by women who have experienced domestic abuse. They provide community-based recovery and empowerment programmes for women who have experienced domestic abuse, as well as raising awareness of the nature and impacts of abuse.

The work VOICES perform in the area is vital to many, and December and January can be the toughest of times for those experiencing abuse and other types of hardship. We are delighted that we have been able to support their work.

Christmas Opening Hours.

We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and look forward to speaking with you in 2020.

Beware Black Friday

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…or: why you should be wary of cheap letting agents!

On the 29th of November the phenomenon that is Black Friday will sweep the USA and, more increasingly than ever, the UK.

Online giant Amazon has already started a countdown in the run up to the day which sees prices slashed, shoppers go bonkers and sales rocket.

It’s not just Amazon who believe that going cheap is a good way of gaining business – we’ve seen some lettings agencies do it too. Although not themed around Black Friday, we’ve come across several agencies whose fees are so low it leaves us thinking, “how can they charge that and still give a good level of service and expertise?”

The trouble is they can’t and a Black Friday approach to lettings and property management doesn’t work. Over the 11 years we’ve been managing rental properties in Bath we’ve seen agencies try this cheap and cheerful route but become unstuck.

It’s an unsustainable business model.

You get what you pay for

Landlords and tenants both suffer from ridiculous low fees, as something has to give. It could be the calibre of staff working in ‘pile-them-high-and-let-them-cheap’ outfits, or the level of property management, inventory or inspections that is provided.

The old adage you get what you pay for is particularly true in the world of property.

We have always been about charging a fair fee but delivering a superb, personal service and we like to think our track record and positive Google reviews prove that approach works for the landlords we serve.

Reside have been fantastic in letting out our property – very professional, friendly and pro-active. After the first meeting with Ben we knew that Reside was the Agency we wanted to work with. The company has many years of experience and knowledge of the Bath rental market and we like the fact that they specialise in lettings only. We were impressed with how quickly our house was let and would highly recommend them to other landlords.
Joey Snowdon, Landlord

Our management fee allows us to offer guaranteed rents to landlords, regular property inspection reports sent by email, professional photography and much more. Most crucially, it also allows us to hire the best staff who can offer our landlords sound, informed advice whenever needed.

We love a good bargain like everyone else, but some corners are not worth cutting.

Thanks for reading and if you have any other property related questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us – we’d love to help you.

Why it pays to choose a licensed Letting Agent

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We’re proud to be a member of several organisations which represent the property lettings and management industry, including the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), Safeagent and The Property Redress Scheme.

Surprisingly, there is currently no mandatory regulation of letting and property management agents in the UK, although this is currently under scrutiny by the Regulation of Property Agents Working Group (RoPA), who have recommended to the government that all residential property agents should be regulated and licensed.

Although not currently compulsory, we choose to be licensed because it’s a great way to keep up with changes to rules and regulations affecting our ever-changing industry. As membership of ARLA requires industry-specific qualifications, it also means that we access regular training and development courses to improve our knowledge.

But more importantly it has big benefits for our clients, and that is why we believe you should always choose a licensed agent. For example, ARLA has a strict code of practice which its licensed agents must follow.

ARLA provides us with expert legal advice if needed. Whenever we’ve had to call on this service in the past, it has helped our clients to fairly and legally resolve their concerns.

Being licensed by ARLA means our clients know that we comply with its professional standards. You can be confident that we take the business of managing your property seriously and will work to a professional, principled and honest agenda.

We are big believers that licensing should be mandatory for all agents, but it is currently not. With the results of the RoPA report appearing to receive cross-party support, it seems to be only a matter of time before all agents will be subject to the standards to which we at Reside already subscribe. Using a licensed agent such as Reside not only protects landlords against the issues of today, but also from the changes that our coming to the industry soon.

If you would like to let your property quickly, professionally and cost-effectively, please don’t hesitate to contact us – we’d love to help you.

Awards Recognition For Reside

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Reside was crowned Bath’s best lettings agent at the Bath Property Awards, a celebration of the city’s vibrant property sector encompassing everything from property agents to interior designers. The panel of ten independent judges, comprising industry experts and local luminaries, summarised Reside as a “smart company with highly-detailed local knowledge which cleverly balances landlords’ and tenants’ needs.”

Three hundred eager property professionals descended on the Apex Hotel for the inaugural awards hosted by MediaClash, proprietors of the prestigious Bath and Bristol Life Awards.

Collecting the best lettings agent award from Homes under the Hammer’s Martin Roberts, Managing Director Ben Bower paid tribute to the Reside team’s tireless work and commitment.

 

Have A Very Independent Bath Christmas

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Milsom Street - Bath

Bath is justifiably renowned for its magical Christmas market, which sees thousands of visitors flood to the city to explore the two hundred timber chalets stocked with festive gifts and cheer.

Many local residents, however, eschew the market in favour of the exceptional independent shops which make a Bath unique shopping destination all year round. This blog guides you around some of our favourite independents, who we think will solve any Christmas shopping conundrums this year.

Rossiters of Bath is an essential starting point for anybody planning an excursion around the city’s independent shops. Situated on Broad Street for over 50 years, the department store is a treasure trove of interconnecting rooms, each filled with homewares, toiletries and fragrances. Shoppers can also cross several items off their Christmas lists at The Loft, where shelves are stacked with an array of gifts, clothes and accoutrements.

Book lovers spend many happy hours nosing around Bath’s independent book shops, but those in search of gifts for literature lovers should look no further than Mr B’s Emporium, whose Reading Spa vouchers entitle the recipient to be plied with cake, coffee and a towering stack of books handpicked by a Mr B’s bibliotherapist.

Bath is a city with a burgeoning reputation as a gastronome’s delight, with high quality independent restaurants and foodie boutiques around every corner. Many restaurants, such as Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen and Hudson Steakhouse, offer gift vouchers that would be sure to prematurely end any New Year’s diet. Richard Bertinet’s cookery school, The Bertinet Kitchen, offers classes and vouchers for cooks wishing to hone their culinary expertise.

For those wanted to stuff stockings with edible offerings, The Foodie Bugle sells delicious artisanal treats, San Francisco Fudge Factory offers decadent handmade confectionery and The Bath Fine Cheese Co. provide hampers crammed with delicious cheeses. Meanwhile, a hamper of craft beers picked from Independent Spirit‘s vast selection would quench the thirst of any microbrewery fanatic.

A locally produced piece of art makes a unique gift and Bertie & Jack, whose stall can usually be found on Burton Street, make customised colourful ‘cut-out’ wall art. For artwork with a local theme, visit Flamingo in Widcombe whose varied and imaginative gifts include prints depicting well-known areas of Bath.

Whether they have been naughty or nice, every boy and girl will be expecting to find an exciting parcel under the tree on Christmas morning. In Spotty Herberts and My Small World, Bath has two innovative independents that will certainly cater for the youngsters in the family.

No shopping trip to Bath is complete without a visit to its many boutique clothing and fashion stores. Start with Grace & Ted‘s award-winning designer re-sale store for unusual and genuine designer clothing, and then to Walcot Street stalwart The Yellowshop for authentic vintage clothing. Nearby Sisi & May offer the finest in contemporary women’s clothing, whilst you will be sure to find glamourous jewelry gifts in The Silver Shop and Alexandra May.

Bath is fortunate to be rich with high quality independent shops and boutiques. Why not treat your family to an independent Bath Christmas this year?

These locations have been added to the Reside Map of Bath, which plots all of the sites of interest that are mentioned in our blogs.