Martin & Co News

Best Letting Agents in the UK Announced

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:35:42 +0000

Martin & Co have been shortlisted for another national award along with twenty-six local Martin & Co offices who have been shortlisted as one of the best letting agents in their region as part of at the Estate & Letting Agent Awards 2010 (ESTAS awards).

The results of the competition are determined by research carried out amongst landlords who are asked a series of questions about the service they have received from their agent. Over 19,000 votes were cast by members of the public in response to the research. There are 10 regional categories and shortlists for each region: Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, North East & West, Yorkshire & the Humber, Central, South West, Southern, South East and London.

Martin & Co are defending their title of Best Large Letting Chain 2009 and are hopeful of success at this year's awards. "This award means a lot to Martin & Co and our offices as it is voted for by landlords. We pride ourselves on the unrivalled level of service that we offer all of our clients and last year's award recognized that. However to have 26 offices shortlisted regionally is an even greater achievement and demonstrates the consistently high quality of service that our landlords can expect to receive throughout the UK." commented Mark Burdge, Sales and Marketing Director at Martin & Co.

"Throughout the letting industry there is a constant need to improve customer service and these are the only awards that recognise just that. Word of mouth and customer satisfaction are powerful marketing tools. Thank you to all our landlords who completed a questionnaire as without their feedback we would not have been included in the shortlist," added Burdge.

The awards ceremony will take place in London on 15th April. Phil Spencer, media personality and journalist who is perhaps best known as a co presenter on Channel 4's Location, Location and Re-location, Re-location will be presenting the awards.

David Cameron Welcomes Martin & Co Opening in Witney

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:32:05 +0000

Local economies and communities rely on local businesses, so the opening of the latest Martin & Co office is great news for Witney and the surrounding area. The importance of the locally owned letting agent's opening was recognised by the leader of the opposition, David Cameron, who opened the office on Friday.

Martin & Co Witney franchise owners Judi and Andrew Ramsay (above right, with David Cameron) have an extensive background in the property industry having set up, and developed, an Estate Agency in Spain. 'Valencia Choice' was a start up company which enjoyed considerable success over a six year period before Judi and Andrew decided to return to the UK to start a new challenge. The local husband and wife team are ready to take lettings in the Witney area on to the next level.

"We have had considerable experience as landlords ourselves and are well aware of the generally poor level of service offered by other agents. We have also run our own successful estate agency in Spain, so we know what it takes to satisfy our clients. Attention to detail, working with landlords & tenants as individuals, and striving to match their requirements to the property, should ensure that we will build a reputation for customer service that will establish Martin & Co as the agent of choice in Witney" commented Judi.

"Housing is a basic need, but too often the service available to landlords and tenants is also basic. We know the industry and our key principle is to offer the best customer service available in the industry." added Andrew.

There is no better place to be than Witney at the moment, according to Judi. "We have owned a house near Witney for many years. The area is expanding rapidly and is designated as a ‘boom' town close to Oxford, with a lot of new housing developments, and so the location for a new rental business is very attractive."

"We believe that Witney will continue to grow and need more housing. The council has plans for a number of new developments in Witney itself, and the nearby town of Carterton is home to the Brize Norton airbase which is expanding because of the closure of RAF Lyneham in the next couple of years. We have every intention of being a significant part of that local growth." added Judi.

Although Martin & Co are a national brand, Andrew is keen to stress that the office is owned and will be run locally. "As a start-up business we will initially be employing one new member of staff but we plan to expand rapidly and be in a position to bring more employment to the area. We also intend to join the local community organisations that ‘put something back' into the local community."

"We care about the local area are delighted that David Cameron was able to come and officially open the office. We ask the question; if you're anything other than delighted with your letting agent what's stopping you from contacting us?"

The opening the latest Martin & Co office in Witney will increase the award winning brand's coverage further across the local region, with offices located in Oxford, Banbury, Abingdon and Cirencester.

Cambridge Buy to Let Property - Back on Agenda

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:15:59 +0000

Buy to Let Property back on the Agenda

Cambridge, UK: Foreign investors join the growing numbers of cash-rich UK buy-to-let investors - those unaffected by lending obstacles and the problems of the mortgage market. Low interest rates in the UK, and a loss of confidence in traditional stocks and shares investments put buy-to-let property very much back on the radar for UK investors looking to maximise returns in the face of unattractive bank saving rates.

Potential investors should note that practical considerations will also go a long way in terms of maximising overall returns from UK rental property. Working with a locally-based residential lettings specialist will help you achieve the best rent and yield possible, while ensuring you remain compliant with the relevant UK legislation, deposit handling and accounting requirements. Good marketing and prompt action to find the right tenants will also help investors minimize void periods, while regular property inspections and maintenance checks help maintain the property's rental appeal and asset value for the longer term. Tapping into local lettings expertise and property management support should form part of any good buy-to-let strategy.

Work with the Experts

If you're considering investing in the Cambridge residential buy-to-let property market this year, or if you want advice on letting our your existing property, speak to the team at Martin & Co - a Cambridge-based residential lettings specialist run by local brothers and buy-to-let landlords Charlie, Julian and Nick Diggle.

Contact:

Tel: 01223 275 150.

Email: cambridge@martinco.com

Web: www.cambridge-martinco.co.uk

About Martin & Co Cambridge

The Cambridge branch of Martin & Co is a licensed member of the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS), a government-backed organisation set up to maintain proper standards of professionalism, best practice and compliance in the UK lettings industry. The Cambridge office is also registered with The Property Ombudsman and uses the government-appointed Deposit Protection Service (DPS) for all tenant deposits. For best practice the Martin & Co Cambridge office has its accounts externally audited every 6 months and holds all client monies in a ring-fenced client account, with full client money protection in place at all times. Martin & Co UK Ltd holds Investor in People status, and runs a year-long internal training academy, with both internal and external consultants and trainers from ARLA and the NAEA

Written By Nick Diggle, Director, Martin & Co Cambridge, based at 191 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3AN, UK.

Lettings in Cambridge, 2010: Rent Rises & Potential for Reinvestment

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:50:52 +0000

Cambridge Lettings in 2010: Rent Rises & Potential for Reinvestment

Recent increases in property values in 2009 have led some to suggest that the supply of property in the lettings market will be somewhat stifled as the ‘reluctant' or ‘accidental landlords' see a window in which to sell. Such a dip in supply would spell good news for existing landlords, with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors predicting that rents will rise in 2010 as a result. Rent rises coupled with modest and steady property price increases could also set the stage for greater levels of buy-to-let investment and portfolio expansion in the months ahead.

Interest rates are expected to remain low in 2010, with many predicting a small rise in the final months of the year. While reluctant landlords and the more short-term speculators may seek an exit strategy, experienced landlords and medium- to long-term investors will be happy to bank on strong rental yields, adopting a longer term view on capital appreciation, while property values and lending conditions take their time to return to form.

ABOUT MARTIN & CO CAMBRIDGE

The Cambridge branch of Martin & Co is a licensed member of the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS), a government-backed organisation set up to maintain proper standards of professionalism, best practice and compliance in the UK lettings industry. The Cambridge office is also registered with The Property Ombudsman and uses the government-appointed Deposit Protection Service (DPS) for all tenant deposits. The Martin & Co Cambridge office has its accounts audited for best practice every 6 months and holds all client monies in a ring-fenced, bonded client account, with full client money protection in place at all times. Martin & Co UK Ltd holds Investor in People status, and runs a year-long internal training academy, with both internal and external consultants and trainers from ARLA and the NAEA.

Written by Nick Diggle, Director, Martin & Co Cambridge, based at 191 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3AN

www.cambridge-martinco.co.uk

Business Weekly: http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/martin-co-cambridge/the-uk-buy-to-let-property-market-2009-in-review-outlook-for-2010.html

See also: Buy to Let Investors Return to Cambridge Property Market:

http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/martin-co-cambridge/buy-to-let-investors-return-to-cambridge-property-market.html

Rental Property In Cambridge - To Let & To Buy to Let

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:33:53 +0000

Focus on the Cambridge Rental & Buy To Let Market

With so many factors to consider, few pundits will ever fully agree on the direction the market will take. There is however little doubt that Cambridge's property market will continue to outperform the majority of other regions and as a result will provide some of the greater opportunities for savvy investors in terms of the potential returns.

Tenant demand from a highly-transient professional and academic population helps to underpin the city's strong rental yields, while factors such as the city's (and region's) positive economic outlook, many large employers, proximity to London and a range of international transport routes, its small size and massive popularity - all combine to suggest healthy prospects for long-term capital gains. It's little surprise that Cambridge is often described as one of the ‘Teflon towns' and is frequently tipped as one of the more promising investment hotspots in the UK. (See also Buy to Let Investors Return to Cambridge Property Market).

ABOUT MARTIN & CO CAMBRIDGE

The Cambridge branch of Martin & Co is a licensed member of the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS), a government-backed organisation set up to maintain proper standards of professionalism, best practice and compliance in the UK lettings industry. The Cambridge office is also registered with The Property Ombudsman and uses the government-appointed Deposit Protection Service (DPS) for all tenant deposits. The Martin & Co Cambridge office has its accounts audited for best practice every 6 months and holds all client monies in a ring-fenced, bonded client account, with full client money protection in place at all times. Martin & Co UK Ltd holds Investor in People status, and runs a year-long internal training academy, with both internal and external consultants and trainers from ARLA and the NAEA.

Written by Nick Diggle, Director, Martin & Co Cambridge, based at 191 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3AN

www.cambridge-martinco.co.uk

Business Weekly: http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/martin-co-cambridge/the-uk-buy-to-let-property-market-2009-in-review-outlook-for-2010.html

See also: Buy to Let Investors Return to Cambridge Property Market:

http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/martin-co-cambridge/buy-to-let-investors-return-to-cambridge-property-market.html

Property Market Forecast 2010 from Cambridge Letting Agents Martin & Co

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:25:46 +0000

Property Market Forecast 2010

Cambridge, UK,Letting Agents Martin & Co: The UK property market as a whole is expected to remain broadly stagnant for the next 12 - 18 months while the economy re-emerges from recession and mortgage finance continues to be hard to access without a significant deposit. 2009 saw much of the excess supply of property start to disappear and rental stock is now coming under increasing demand.

It looks as if property prices have seen their low point, so with rental yields rising, investors who have cash to put down could benefit from some attractive opportunities over the next year. Letting to good quality paying tenants, minimizing void periods between tenancies, complying with the law in terms of landlord's responsibilities, effective marketing and using a knowledgeable and proactive specialist letting agent to help you achieve the best rent (and yield) possible - should form the basis of a good buy-to-let strategy this year, as property prices may take some time to achieve significant capital gains.

ABOUT MARTIN & CO CAMBRIDGE

The Cambridge branch of Martin & Co is a licensed member of the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS), a government-backed organisation set up to maintain proper standards of professionalism, best practice and compliance in the UK lettings industry. The Cambridge office is also registered with The Property Ombudsman and uses the government-appointed Deposit Protection Service (DPS) for all tenant deposits. The Martin & Co Cambridge office has its accounts audited for best practice every 6 months and holds all client monies in a ring-fenced, bonded client account, with full client money protection in place at all times. Martin & Co UK Ltd holds Investor in People status, and runs a year-long internal training academy, with both internal and external consultants and trainers from ARLA and the NAEA.

Written by Nick Diggle, Director, Martin & Co Cambridge, based at 191 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3AN

www.cambridge-martinco.co.uk

Business Weekly: http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/martin-co-cambridge/the-uk-buy-to-let-property-market-2009-in-review-outlook-for-2010.html

See also: Buy to Let Investors Return to Cambridge Property Market:

http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/martin-co-cambridge/buy-to-let-investors-return-to-cambridge-property-market.html

Martin & Co Ask – Why Pay a Broker to Find a Buy-to-Let Mortgage?

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:22:16 +0000

The UK's leading letting agent has announced the launch of its new mortgages service. The Martin & Co Mortgage service will be offered throughout the UK's 175 letting agents and also online via www.martinco.com. The service allows landlords to access the buy-to-let mortgage finder which, based on a landlord's personal circumstances, will search all of the available buy-to-let mortgage schemes from all leaders in the market, to find the best deal for them.

"We are always looking to develop new services that add value to our clients. With the launch of Martin & Co Mortgages we can now offer landlords one of the most comprehensive services in the industry." commented Mark Burdge, Sales and Marketing Director.

"The mortgage finder is not just a marketing gimmick. Landlords can search all of the available deals and get full details of any scheme they wish. The mortgage finder will also tell you how much monthly income you have in surplus or shortfall with a particular scheme!" added Burdge.

"We are confident that the service will help landlords across the UK save time, and more importantly money. The service is completely free of charge and also has a free helpline, giving landlords access to our buy-to-let mortgage specialists, who will be happy to help. We are not re-inventing buy-to-let mortgages, we're just re-inventing how landlords search for them." concluded Burdge.

Landlords wishing to access the buy-to-let mortgage service should visit www.martinco.com.

Landlords - How are tenants looking for your property?

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:18:09 +0000

All landlords understand that reliable and trustworthy tenants are the key to maximising the returns on their investment, but often landlords are out of touch with how these tenants find their properties.

Read the full article on the Martin & Co Blog.

Cambridge Letting Agent Highlighted for Top Service in Newspaper’s 2010 Honours

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:32:30 +0000

Cambridge Letting Agent Martin & Co has been ranked amongst the best companies in the East of England in Business Weekly's New Year Honours 2010.

The Cambridge lettings agency ranked 6th in the publication's "Service Provider" category, featuring alongside some of the region's biggest and best companies from a range of different industries. Business Weekly describes its New Years Honours list: "Saluting the east of England business professionals who don't win knighthoods, garters or gongs but keep the wheels of commerce turning through best practice" Business Weekly, 14 January, 2010.

"It's a testament to the hard work of the Cambridge lettings team that we have received this coveted accolade. Giving excellent customer service is just one of the ways in which we try to differentiate ourselves from the competition. Our focus is on going the extra mile, being proactive, and ensuring that our landlords, tenants and buy-to-let investors get value for money and a property lettings service that's second to none." Nick Diggle, Director, and one of 3 local brothers and landlords that own and run Martin & Co in Cambridge.

"Cambridge is often described as one of the UK's most promising property investment hotspots, and there is little doubt that this year the local property market will continue to outperform the majority of other regions. As a result it could provide some of the greater opportunities for savvy investors in terms of the potential returns.

In Cambridge, tenant demand from a highly-transient professional and academic population helps to underpin the city's strong rental yields, while factors such as the city's positive economic outlook, many large employers, proximity to London and a range of international transport routes, its small size and massive popularity - all combine to suggest healthy prospects for long-term capital gains. 2010 will be another exciting year for property lettings in Cambridge and the UK rental market as a whole. We have already seen a lot more buy-to-let investment activity since the start of January, and we expect that to continue in earnest as tenant demand increases this year."

Martin & Co Cambridge is a specialist letting agent owned and run by local brothers and landlords, Charlie, Julian and Nick Diggle. They set up the agency with a mission to combine best practice lettings and local market knowledge, with top quality customer service and a refreshingly different proactive approach. Contact: 01223 275 150. www.cambridge-martinco.co.uk

About Martin & Co Cambridge

The Cambridge branch of Martin & Co is a licensed member of the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS), a government-backed organisation set up to maintain proper standards of professionalism, best practice and compliance in the UK lettings industry. The Cambridge office is also registered with The Property Ombudsman and uses the government-appointed Deposit Protection Service (DPS) for all tenant deposits. The Martin & Co Cambridge office has its accounts audited for best practice every 6 months and holds all client monies in a ring-fenced, bonded client account, with full client money protection in place at all times. Martin & Co UK Ltd holds Investor in People status, and runs a year-long internal training academy, with both internal and external consultants and trainers from ARLA and the NAEA.

www.martinco.com , www.cambridge-martinco.co.uk , www.martinco.com/lettings/offices/cambridge , www.cambridge-martinco.co.uk , www.cambridge-lettings.com , www.lettings-cambridge.com , www.lettings-cambridge.co.uk

Read Business Weekly's New Years Honours Feature here: http://epaper.businessweekly.co.uk/index.aspx?issue=issue21&page=25

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OTHER RECENT PRESS ARTICLES:

Martin & Co Lettings Cambridge launch UK-first mobile phone scheme for tenants:

http://epaper.businessweekly.co.uk/index.aspx?issue=issue21&page=05

Cambridge Letting Agent Lets Property Using Barcodes Read using Tenants Mobiles:

http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/martin-co-cambridge/lettings-specialist-employs-phone-technology-in-new-scheme.html

Letting Agents Martin & Co Support Arthur Rank Hospice Charity in Cambridge:

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news_cambridge/displayarticle.asp?id=439263

Buy-to-Let Investors Return to Cambridge Property Market:

http://www.martinco.com/news-for-cambridge/buy-to-let-investors-return-to-cambridge-property-market.html

Property Lettings & Buy to let in Cambridge and UK Property Market Review and Outlook for 2010:

http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/martin-co-cambridge/the-uk-buy-to-let-property-market-2009-in-review-outlook-for-2010.html

Cambridge, UK - Written By Martin & Co Letting Agents in Cambridge: Growth of the UK Private Rented Sector - Lettings on the Rise:

http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/martin-co-cambridge/growth-of-uk-private-rented-sector-%E2%80%93-residential-property-lettings-on-the-rise.html

Cambridge, UK: Buy-To-Let Property Market - 2009 Review & 2010 Outlook

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:28:33 +0000

Nick Diggle, Director of Martin & Co Letting Agents in Cambridge discusses what happened to the market in 2009 and why, and looks ahead to the prospects for 2010.

2009 UK PROPERTY MARKET IN REVIEW

Last year ended more positively than many industry pundits had predicted. Property prices began to rise in the spring of 2009, and to the surprise of many continued to make small but positive progress throughout the year, while the number of actual property sales in the UK in December 2009 was more than double the number in January at the start of the year.

Demand for rented properties remained strong for the most part, as people continued to put-off house-buying in lieu of more stability in the marketplace. Restricted mortgage lending continued to prevent many from attaining home ownership, forcing potential first-time buyers into renting instead. A large number of potential vendors also turned to lettings as a short- to medium-term option, enjoying a steady rental income while biding their time waiting for property prices to eventually pick up again.

High Yields & Low Interest Rates

Despite the tough economic climate, many Landlords and buy-to let investors were undeterred from expanding their portfolios in 2009, seeing instead the market opportunities afforded by historically low property prices, increasing tenant demand, and attractive rental yields. The allure of more promising returns from property coupled with a loss of confidence and general sense of instability in traditional financial investment vehicles, also led more cash-ready investors - those unaffected by lending obstacles - out of the woodwork.

The Bank of England's decision to drop the base rate to 0.5% in March 2009 in an attempt to stave-off the economic recession was a welcome move. It helped ease the financial pressures on countless home owners, investors and property speculators who could have potentially fallen foul of their mortgage responsibilities and faced repossession. In fact, by the end of Q3 2009, repossessions had already begun to decline from the levels seen at the start of the year.

Positive Annual Return from Property

Annual returns for buy-to-let investors were far better in 2009 than had been expected. Reliable rental income, good yields and good timing were the keys to success, and the brave investors who jumped back into the market in the spring of 2009 will be enjoying healthy returns, showing a good balance sheet of rental income and capital appreciation. LSL Property Services' Buy-to-Let Index, published this January, showed an average 7.6% overall annual return from property in 2009, from a year where nationally, yields took a slight dip, but prices gradually climbed.

MARKET OUTLOOK - LOOKING AHEAD IN 2010

The UK property market as a whole is expected to remain broadly stagnant for the next 12 - 18 months while the economy re-emerges from recession and mortgage finance continues to be hard to access without a significant deposit. 2009 saw much of the excess supply of property start to disappear and rental stock is now coming under increasing demand.

Focus on Cambridge

Rent Rises & Potential for Reinvestment

Work with the Experts

If you're looking to invest in the Cambridge buy-to-let property market this year, speak to the team at Martin & Co, a Cambridge-based lettings specialist run by local brothers and buy-to-let landlords Charlie, Julian and Nick Diggle. Contact: 01223 275 150. www.cambridge-martinco.co.uk

ABOUT MARTIN & CO CAMBRIDGE

Written by Nick Diggle, Director, Martin & Co Cambridge, based at 191 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3AN

www.cambridge-martinco.co.uk

Business Weekly: http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/martin-co-cambridge/the-uk-buy-to-let-property-market-2009-in-review-outlook-for-2010.html

See also: Buy to Let Investors Return to Cambridge Property Market:

http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/martin-co-cambridge/buy-to-let-investors-return-to-cambridge-property-market.html

Cambridge letting agents Martin & Co employ phone technology in new scheme

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:28:18 +0000

Letting Agents Martin & Co in Cambridge launch a UK-first scheme to help tenants search for their perfect property using the latest mobile phone technology.

Martin & Co's initiative uses quick response graphics, known as QR codes which when scanned using a barcode reader application installed on a camera phone, take users to a website encoded in the image. The codes can be used to access a variety of information available through the Martin & Co website, including property details, maps, images and contact information. The technology also enables users to contact the Martin & Co Cambridge lettings office by email, phone or text at the touch of a button.

Julian Diggle, IT director, and one of three local brothers and landlords that own and run Martin & Co in Cambridge, said: "We believe we're the first letting agent, not only in Cambridge but the whole of the UK to promote and implement the use of QR codes in this way. In years to come this technology will be everywhere."

Barcodes can be scanned from the Martin & Co website where they are displayed alongside standard property photographs. They are also available in the agency's Mill Road office and on the agency's printed property listings. Martin & Co plans to roll out the use of QR codes in a number of areas to support its property marketing efforts, and to ultimately speed up the time in which suitable tenants are found.

Nick Diggle, director, added: "We wanted to enable our prospective tenants to get more from our website, and to be able use our property details, maps, local info and other web-based features to better effect. "Now tenants can store and access a wealth of property information on their phones ahead of viewings, and easily share them with one another.

We hope our prospective tenants will feel better informed and will enjoy a more interactive experience." Many new mobile phone handsets now come with bar code readers pre-installed, and there are a variety of barcode reader applications available free of charge from the iphone app store and other mobile application marketplaces. The software is fast becoming one of the most frequently downloaded mobile apps.

A barcode linking the user's mobile to the property details

-ENDS-

BUSINESS WEEKLY BROKE THE STORY: http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/

http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/martin-co-cambridge/lettings-specialist-employs-phone-technology-in-new-scheme.html

See Cambridge Letting Agent Martin & Co in Business Weekly's online ePaper:

http://epaper.businessweekly.co.uk/index.aspx?issue=issue21&page=05

OTHER RECENT MARTIN & CO NEWS ARTICLES:

Martin & Co Letting Agents in Cambridge Rank Among Top 10 Best Service Providers in the Region:

http://www.martinco.com/news-for-cambridge/martin-co-cambridge-ranks-among-top-10-service-providers-in-the-region.html

Martin & Co Company Profile and New Years Honours 2010 Feature: http://epaper.businessweekly.co.uk/index.aspx?issue=issue21&page=25

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ONLINE PRESS COVERAGE OF MARTIN & CO CAMBRIDGE'S UK-FIRST BAR CODE INITIATIVE:

Cambridge Lettings Specialist Helps Tenants View Property to Rent on their Mobiles:

http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/martin-co-cambridge/lettings-specialist-employs-phone-technology-in-new-scheme.html

Cambridge Letting Agent uses Mobile Phone Technology to Let Properties:

http://it.tmcnet.com/news/2010/01/14/4571593.htm

Landlords and Tenants Benefit from Cambridge Letting Agents use of Mobile Technology:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Martin-and-Co-Cambridge-prnews-913040660.html?x=0&.v=1

Letting Agent in Cambridge helps Tenants Find Properties to Let with New Scheme:

http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/release?id=276272

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OTHER NEWS ARTICLES ABOUT MARTIN & CO LETTING AGENTS, CAMBRIDGE:

http://www.franchiseek.com/NewsDetail.asp?NewsID=680

http://www.the-franchise-shop.com/articles/Martin-and-Co-Cambridge-Pioneer-New-Lettings-Technology_27537.html

http://www.franchiseek.com/Franchise_News_Search.asp?SearchCompany=Martin%20and%20Co%20-%20Property%20Franchise&Submit=Search

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-mart-and-co-cambridge-pioneer-new-lettings-technology-/2010/01/14/4571593.htm

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-cambridge-based-letting-agent-employs-barcode-technology-mobiles-/2010/01/14/4572152.htm

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2010/01/14/4571593.htm

http://media.netpr.pl/PressOffice/text_format.jsp?prs_id=156072

http://tweetmeme.com/user/beyondtechinfo

http://be.sys-con.com/node/1247004

http://de.sys-con.com/node/1247004

http://iphone.tmcnet.com/news/2010/01/14/4572152.htm

http://www.4thseason.com/blog/?p=960

http://blog.taragana.com/pr/martin-and-co-cambridge-pioneer-new-lettings-technology-11606/

http://www.franchise.gb.com/NewsDetail.asp?NewsID=680

http://fixed-mobile-convergence.tmcnet.com/news/2010/01/14/4572152.htm

http://symbian.sys-con.com/node/1247004

http://media.netpr.pl/pr/156072/martin-and-co-cambridge-pioneer-new-lettings-technology

About Martin & Co Cambridge

The Cambridge branch of Martin & Co is a licensed member of the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS), a government-backed organisation set up to maintain proper standards of professionalism, best practice and compliance in the UK lettings industry. The Cambridge office is also registered with The Property Ombudsman and uses the government-appointed Deposit Protection Service (DPS) for all tenant deposits. TheMartin & Co Cambridge office is also audited for best practice every 6 months of every year and holds all client monies in a ring-fenced, bonded client account. Martin & Co UK Ltd holds Investor in People status, and runs a year-long internal training academy, with both internal and external consultants and trainers from ARLA and the NAEA.

Letting Agent Martin & Co Expands Specialist Team

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:28:01 +0000

Lettings Specialist MARTIN & CO - has added Suzie Freer and Gwen Winter to its growing team of lettings professionals. Suzie, 24, joins as Property Manager, and recently graduated from Nottingham Law School. Following university Suzie gained valuable experience with the Citizen's Advice Bureau. Gwen, 30, joins Martin & Co as Office Administrator, and brings with her a wealth of experience in both administration and customer service.

Suzie and Gwen work alongside Chris Harvey (30), Property Manager, and Will Noton (27), Lettings Negotiator, under the direction local brothers and buy-to-let landlords Nick, Charlie and Julian Diggle, who fulfilled a long-standing ambition when they set up the Cambridge-based letting agency in 2007.

Nick Diggle, Director: "Gwen & Suzie make valuable additions to our increasingly specialised team. As an agency we continue to focus solely on residential property lettings - and as such we can be 100% committed to the job at hand, while also continually developing new and innovate ways to deliver a lettings service that's second to none."

"As a family business we are also extremely proud to have established a good reputation for the agency in Cambridge, and such a strong footing in the local lettings market since our launch. Our newly expanded team will help us build upon this foundation as we move forward."

Nick Diggle: "We predict that 2010 will be another busy and exciting year for property lettings in Cambridge, and will be one in which the team's pro-activity - and with that a number of new marketing and client-focussed initiatives - will help us differentiate Martin & Co as the local agent of choice."

As with all employees at the agency, Gwen and Suzie have both started individual and ongoing training programmes in lettings industry best practices through Martin & Co's nationally-run year-round Training Academy.

Martin & Co is a specialist lettings agency based at 191 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3AN. Tel 01223 275 150 email: cambridge@martinco.com or visit: www.cambridge-martinco.co.uk

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Martin & Co is a specialist letting agent in Cambridge focussing solely on residential property lettings and property management in Cambridge. If you are looking for property to rent in Cambridge, whether flats to rent, apartments to rent, terrace houses to rent or to let in the Cambridge area, we are the Cambridge property letting agent to speak to. Call the Mill Road lettings office in Cambridge, CB1, to speak to one of the lettings or property management team. Landlords: we urgently require 2 bed flats/houses, 3 bed flats/houses and 4 bedroom rental properties in Cambridge and in the Cambridge area. At Martin & Co we only offer for rent good quality lettings properties in Cambridge. Rent property in Cambridge with Martin & Co property letting agents. Lettings in Cambridge? Renting in Cambridge? Find a letting agent in Cambridge - speak to Martin & Co residential property lettings and property management specialists: call 01223 275 150.

Landlords & Local Residents Support Arthur Rank at the Mill Road Winter Fair 2009

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:25:43 +0000

A big THANK YOU to all who attended Martin & Co's charity fundraising event at the Mill Road Winter Fair on Saturday 5th December. Landlords, tenants, parents, children and passers-by were all extremely generous in their contributions to Arthur Rank Hospice Charity -an important, local charity, also based in Mill Road, Cambridge.

Congratulations also to the lucky winners of the Arthur Rank Gingerbread House, and the two lucky winners who most accurately guessed the number of sweets in the jars.

If you would like to find out more about how you can support Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, please visit their website at: www.arhc.org.uk or call the fundraising team on 01223 723 115.

To Tweet or not to Tweet – that’s not the question.

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:28:54 +0000

Social networking has taken the world by storm over recent years. Twitter now claims to have over 75 million users worldwide, whilst Facebook boasts over 400 million users, 50% of which log-in daily! With such a large number of users using this communication channel it's vital that businesses keep up with their market.

But are letting agents maximising the online channel's potential?

Read the full article on the Martin & Co Blog.

Martin & Co celebrate 15 years of successful franchising

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:28:42 +0000

The lettings industry has grown significantly in the last 15 years, but the growth of Martin & Co has been even more dramatic.

Launched in Yeovil in 1986, Martin & Co grew quickly and the founder and Chairman Richard Martin (who now lives in Dorset) began offering training courses to prospective letting agents. Taking inspiration from the book, ‘Behind the Golden Arches' (McDonalds) and requests from his course delegates to licence his business system Richard Martin decided to go down the franchise route in the mid 1990s. Neither he nor the company has looked back since.

"You cannot compromise the values upon which a successful business has been founded. Your good name is everything," says Richard Martin.

In just over a decade, Martin & Co has built up one of the UK's leading residential lettings and property management brands.

With its distinctive blue and a white logo, and the clean modern look of its shops and growing reputation, Martin & Co now has over 175 franchised offices throughout the UK. In terms of geographical spread it's already the largest lettings network.

The brand aims to have 200 offices on key high streets in the UK by the end of 2010. This would be some feat for a company that started franchising in 1995.

The lettings industry remains strong and the whole network is looking forward to 2010 with confidence.

Martin & Co Office Pioneer New Lettings Technology

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:28:34 +0000

Forward-thinking letting agents Martin & Co have launched an innovative new scheme to help tenants search for their perfect property using the latest mobile phone technology. Martin & Co's new initiative uses quick response graphics, known as QR codes, which when scanned using a barcode reader application installed on a camera phone take users to a website encoded in the image. The codes can be used to access a variety of information available through the Martin & Co website, including property details, maps, images and contact information. The technology also enables users to contact the office by email, phone or text at the touch of a button.

Julian Diggle, IT director, and one of three local brothers and landlords that own and run Martin & Co in Cambridge, said: "We believe we're the first letting agent, not only in Cambridge, but in the whole of the UK to promote and implement the use of QR codes in this way. In years to come this technology will be everywhere!"

Bar codes can be scanned from the Martin & Co website where they are displayed alongside standard property photographs. They are also available in the agency's Mill Road office, and on the agency's printed property listings. Martin & Co plans to roll out the use of QR codes in a number of areas to support its property marketing efforts, and to ultimately speed up the time in which suitable tenants are found.

Nick Diggle, director, wrote: "We wanted to enable our prospective tenants to get more from our website, and to be able use our property details, maps, local info and other web-based features to better effect. Now tenants can store and access a wealth of property information on their phones ahead of viewings, and easily share them with one another. We hope our prospective tenants will feel better informed and will enjoy a more interactive experience."

Many new mobile phone handsets now come with bar code readers pre-installed, and there are a variety of bar code reader applications available free of charge from the iphone app store and other mobile application marketplaces. The software is fast becoming one of the most frequently downloaded mobile apps. In October 2009, The Times newspaper listed a bar code reader as the number 1 iPhone app that saves users money (Top 10 iPhone Apps to Save You Money, October 11, 2009).

This is just the latest market leading technology to be used the UK based letting agent Martin & Co. Earlier on this year they re-launched their website after investing £50,000 in its development.

Martin & Co Signal Their Intent for 2010 With New Appointment

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:28:20 +0000

2009 was a difficult year for most businesses but not for Martin & Co. The letting agent's office revenue was up over 40% on 2008 and the company also opened over 25 brand new offices, taking their overall total to over 170 offices across the UK.

Far from resting on their laurels the company has signaled their intent for 2010 by expanding their head office team for the 9th time in the past 12 months! Dean Gill, who has over 20 years experience in the property industry, has been appointed in the role of CFP Trainer, and will join the ever growing Martin & Co Training Academy.

"Dean will be assisting in the training and final implementation of CFP software across the network. He is a competent and experienced trainer who will be a great asset to the Training Academy team. Dean's addition to the Training Academy sends out a clear message that we are committed to investing in our franchise owners and their staff." commented Brand Standards Director Sue Hopson.

Dean is clearly relishing the chance to get started and work with franchise owners and their staff. "I am delighted to be joining the UK's market leading letting agent. I'm excited at the opportunity to work with a national operation which is growing at a record rate. I'm looking forward to getting stuck in and delivering useful and effective training to the Martin & Co network."

Ian Wilson, Managing Director said "People want careers and not just jobs. Our Training Academy will aim to deliver over 2000 delegate days of training this year to both franchise owners and their staff. Because we provide great training, at convenient regional centres, our franchise owners find it easier to recruit and retain the most talented staff. And as a result our landlords and tenants are able to benefit from a level of expertise and customer service that is second to none"

Dean Gill - CFP Trainer

Martin gets a makeover!

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:25:33 +0000

Martin & Co announce the successful re-launch of their website www.martinco.com. After working with web designers and developers at The Property Jungle and Search Engine Optimisation specialists Vertical Leap the new site is now live.

"As a property search site it was essential that this function remained core to the new site as well as maintaining the established branding that Martin & Co is renowned for nationwide. The Property Jungle recognised this requirement and were able to work with us to develop a bespoke site to support all the users' requirements," commented Mark Burdge Sales & Marketing Director.

The Web is widely used for property searches with over 80% of people starting their research online. This makes it an ideal marketing tool for the fast moving world of lettings. "Fierce competition in our industry makes investment in an effective website that is easily found through search engines such as Google crucial," he added.

The new Martin & Co website features individually managed office homepages, an Intranet to improve inter-office and company-wide communications as well as social networking and "search engine friendly" functionality.

"Working with Martin and Co and delivering a solution that makes a real difference to the way they do business has been a very rewarding exercise" said Mike Smithson from The Property Jungle, "Our experience and solid track record of delivering property industry websites that work enabled us to understand their business and requirements and build them a tool that helps them get on with the business of renting properties".

Portsmouth based search engine marketing specialists Vertical Leap worked with the Martin & Co head office team and Property Jungle to optimise the site. Although it is early days, with over 170 office pages locally optimised, Martin & Co are expecting to see increased exposure online, as well as an improvement in the customer experience. Google trends have already recognised Martin & Co as a "rising star".

Landlords and tenants alike can benefit from a number of improvements to the new site. These include enhanced property search tools, unbiased information about letting and/or renting a property providing helpful hints and tips, jargon busters to help explain the technical "lingo" used in the world of lettings, FAQ's, and information guides. Tenants are able to receive regular property updates via text and/or email and landlords can also benefit from their property being featured as property of the week. Martin & Co can even be followed on Twitter.

Finally Mark added, "We are delighted with the feedback we have had to date on the new site and we are already planning phase two. It's great to be able to work with suppliers such as The Property Jungle and Vertical Leap who understand and share our ambition and vision and this is crucial if we are to continue to be a major player in the lettings sector both on and off-line."

Martin & Co chosen as preferred letting agent by Homes for Heroes

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:22:43 +0000

After extensive due diligence, Homes for Heroes have appointed Martin & Co as preferred letting agent to their clients. Homes for Heroes was set up by a group of recently retired officers with a mission to help forces personnel to purchase property and also to donate 50% of profits to forces charities; specifically those that support homeless ex-forces personnel (currently 5,000).

Homes for Heroes have strategic relationships with key suppliers in the industry to secure great deals for serving forces personnel and ensure that they are well looked after; particularly important when serving abroad.

For those that buy property to rent as an investment, Martin & Co have been chosen to provide a comprehensive letting service through their network of over 170 offices.

In addition, Martin & Co are proud to contribute £ 100 for every fully managed property instruction to the nominated charities of Homes for Heroes.

Mark Burdge, Sales & Marketing Director at Martin & Co added, "Whilst we were delighted that Homes for Heroes recognised the quality of service that Martin & Co could provide to their clients, we are particularly pleased to be able to support such worthy charities that help those who have fought for our country - a particularly relevant subject at the moment"

Buy-To-Let Article by Martin & Co Letting Agents in Cambridge - Nov 09

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:50:22 +0000

As we approach the end of 2009, optimism is returning to the buy-to-let property market. Small yet positive developments in mortgage availability, coupled with increasing numbers of cash investors is bringing buy-to-let back to prominence. And while nationally, many areas continue to suffer from a lack of buyer confidence, Cambridge is emerging again as one of the more promising and active investor hotspots.

Buy to Let Mortgage Availability

One of the most critical factors for buy-to-let landlords is the availability of finance. Recent figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders show that the buy-to-let mortgage market grew for the first time in 2 years, showing a 10% quarter on quarter rise in the three months leading up to September 2009. While this is a very positive indicator for the future, looking at the state of the market now compared to 2 or 3 years ago - this growth is in fact still very modest, and it is said that landlords will still require a minimum of 20% equity to stand a chance of remortgaging at the end of their fixed term.

Rental demand is key

The lack of available finance is however a double-edged sword for buy-to-let investors. While it can stifle portfolio re-mortgaging and expansion plans, it also acts as one of the major drivers of rental demand, as it contributes to an increasing population of prospective tenants. In Cambridge, which is geographically small, and has a disproportionately high population turnover of short-term residents - investors can enjoy the security of knowing that solid rental demand is here to stay. And although the supply of property received a boost in recent years with a number of large residential developments built in the city, the supply of new housing stock is still more restricted than in many other parts of the UK. And so in contrast to many former 'investment hotspots', supply in Cambridge is unlikely to adversely outweigh demand while the local economy and employment market holds its own.

Cash Buyers Move In

The recent increase in buy-to-let investment has been boosted by a sharp rise in the number of cash investors. This shift can be attributed to the fact that more traditional investment vehicles, including savings accounts, have become a less attractive option as interest rates look set to remain low for some time. The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) Q3 Survey of Residential Investment Landlords reports that more than 40% of landlords believe that investors are being tempted back into the market because of minimal interest on savings, with only a quarter of respondents disagreeing, and a third unsure. During the credit crunch and ensuing banking crisis, while many lost money; more lost confidence - in particular in global stock market investments, with many choosing now to bring their financial assets - quite literally - closer to home. As a result, 'bricks and mortar' has come back to being perceived as one of the more secure options available to medium and long term investors.

Figures Stack Up for Investors

In Cambridge, buyer demand has picked up again, and while in some areas agents report a nominal rise in actual sale prices, the city continues to hold promising investment opportunities and attractive rental yields. For the most part, sale prices remain at a significantly lower level than during the height of the market in 2007. Whether prices have in fact bottomed out for good, continues to be in hot debate in the industry. Regardless, for many investors during the downturn the sums have continued to stack up, and in October, The Association of Residential Letting Agents ARLA reported that overall this year, landlords have continued to increase their portfolios sizes, with the average portfolio up from 6.3 to 7 in less than 12 months. Looking ahead, ARLA reports that a third of its Q3 survey respondents expect to acquire new investment properties over the next 12 months, with a quarter of respondents undecided.

By Nick Diggle, Director, Martin & Co.

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About Martin & Co Cambridge

This article was printed in Business Weekly on 19.11.2009 and is available online here: http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/singleimage/36074-buy-to-let-investors-return-to-cambridge-property-market