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May 13, 2020
Our response to Covid-19
UPDATED 13th May 2020 As I’m sure you’re all aware, Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been putting increased pressure on businesses across the UK. We also recognise the unique role that we play in our customers’ day to day activities and we, therefore, wanted to share our commitment to maintaining service continuity so our customers can stay focused on their own daily lives. To ensure the COVID-19 crisis will not impact us or the level of service, here are the measures we've taken: OFFICE & TEAM: Following official guidelines: Our offices are strictly adhering to all guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and our staff are taking all preventative measures seriously. Working remotely: We operate day to day via cloud-based systems and therefore we expect any disruption to our level of service to be minimal. We’ve already arranged for all members of staff to have access to a computer and telephone system. Property Management services such as responses to maintenance issues and accounts will not be affected. Opening the office: The physical office is open by appointment only and all members of staff adhere to social distancing while mitigating our risk of contact as much as possible. Travel restrictions: We love travelling to meet our customers, for the time being, we’ll be halting all travel and conducting the our meetings virtually by phone/video call. Managing employee illness: Employees who are not feeling well are instructed to stay at home. If they, or a family member, are diagnosed with the virus, our team will be immediately notified. No Property Genius employee', as of sending this email, have contracted COVID-19. VALUATIONS & VIEWINGS: Remote Viewings: Due to social distancing restrictions and government guidelines, we can show properties through EyeSpyLIVE™️. Viewers can join one of our agents inside a virtual tour, where all parties can see and hear each other. Imagine FaceTime or Skype inside of a 360-degree virtual tour. That way, buyers and tenants can learn about the property and ask questions whilst being shown around. There’s nothing to download, and no registration needed. Physical Viewings: Our focus remains on virtual activity in the first instance with physical viewings only taking place where there is serious intention to rent or buy. Arrangements for viewings should only involve the number of participants that are essential. We will accompany physical viewings and seek to maintain a minimum of 2 metres distance from others wherever possible. No open house viewings are permitted, and we ask any potential viewer to discloses any Coronavirus symptoms. Making reasonable, regular checks: We ask if our customers have returned from an impacted area, have a high temperature or a recent dry cough or have had any contact with anyone with symptoms. If they have, we will not conduct the viewing. REFERENCING AND MOVE-INS: Referencing Remotely: All our processes are carried out online through our website and third party referencing company Goodlord. There are no forms to print off and ID verification can take place over video call if required. Please note, referencing can take a little longer due to prospective tenant’s employers taking longer to respond themselves. Moving In: Once referencing has been completed, the tenancy documentation can be signed online and the rent and deposit can be paid through bank transfer. If possible, we can post keys to you if there is enough time, or a set time can be arranged to facilitate the hand over of keys at the office at an agreed time while exercising social distancing. INSPECTIONS & MAINTENANCE Property Inspections: We’re holding off on conducting property visits and providing our reports until further notice. However, we have an option of remote ‘Virtual Visits’ will allow tenancy compliance standards to be maintained, documented and communicated remotely. This can happen by way of an initial phone call to the tenants, followed by triggering our templated report electronically with an audit-trailed responsive webpage between all parties with photo upload tools. This will ensure compliance throughout this difficult period. Restricted maintenance responses: We must consider whether it is absolutely necessary to deploy a contractor right away. All essential required works will continue as normal unless a tenant has the symptoms of the virus. Where a tenant refuses access to a property, we’re ensuring this is documented to ensure compliance is met. RENTAL PAYMENTS Rental payments & arrears: Where a tenant is suffering with financial uncertainty, we ask they inform us right away so we can put together a plan of action. An early conversation between landlord and tenant can help both parties to agree a plan if tenants are struggling to pay their rent. This can include reaching a temporary agreement not to seek possession action for a period of time and instead accept a lower level of rent, or agree a plan to pay off arrears at a later date. Evictions & Possessions: When using either Section 8 or Section 21 notices to quit, landlords must give at least three months’ notice before they can apply to the court for possession. This applies regardless of which ground is used for Section 8. All new or existing claims for possession are suspended for a 90-day period from 27 March 2020. The legislation covering notice periods is in force until 30 September 2020. It is subject to review and may be extended. Universal Credit: Tenants can apply for Universal Credit online and can receive up to a month’s advance upfront without physically attending a job centre. If individuals are suffering from Coronavirus or are required to stay at home and want to apply for Employment Support Allowance (ESA), the usual seven-day waiting period for new claimants will not apply. ESA will be payable from day one www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit. If an individual cannot work due to Coronavirus and is eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), they will get it from day one, rather than from the fourth day of their illness. This applies retrospectively from 13 March 2020. People receiving benefits do not have to attend job centre appointments for three months, starting from 19 March 2020. The government has increased the standard allowance in Universal Credit and the basic element in Working Tax Credit for one year. If individuals are already receiving Personal Independence Payments, ESA, Universal Credit or Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit they will continue to receive their current payments as normal. If you have urgent concerns visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 Latest Government advice: gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public We are prioritising our customer’s needs and will make any necessary changes to continue to support you and avoid any disruption to your service during this time. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Mar 19, 2020
GOVERNMENT MEASURES ON EVICTIONS AND BTL MORTGAGES
The Government last night announced a radical package of measures to protect renters and landlords affected by Coronavirus. As a result, the mortgage payment holiday provided to owner-occupiers will be extended to buy-to-let landlords and no new possession proceedings through applications to the court can start during the crisis. PACKAGE ANNOUNCED 18 MARCH INCLUDES: Emergency legislation to suspend new evictions from social or private rented accommodation while this national emergency is taking place No new possession proceedings through applications to the court to start during the crisis Landlords will also be protected as three-month mortgage payment holiday is extended to Buy to Let mortgages Yesterday ARLA Propertymark informed members that emergency legislation would be taken forward as an urgent priority so that landlords will not be able to start proceedings to evict tenants for at least a three-month period. LANDLORDS EXTENDED ALLOWANCE EQUIVALENT TO OWNER OCCUPIERS Recognising the additional pressures, the virus may put on landlords, the Government has confirmed that the three-month mortgage payment holiday announced earlier in the week will be extended to landlords whose tenants are experiencing financial difficulties due to Coronavirus. This important step on buy-to-let mortgages ensures parity of support, further to the announcement that the government made for private mortgage holders. BUSINESS RATES David Cox, ARLA Propertymark Chief Executive said: We are very conscious of the plight of tenants in these difficult times and appreciate any Government action to help those affected by the current situation. Letting agencies rely on rental payments and therefore Government must help to ensure agents can maintain their current service levels during any period where rent is not being paid. Specifically, we are calling on Government to extend the retail discount on business rates to estate and letting agents. Government Guidance will be issued which asks landlords to show compassion and to allow tenants who are affected by this to remain in their homes wherever possible. HOUSING SECRETARY ROBERT JENRICK SAID: The government is clear – no renter who has lost income due to Coronavirus will be forced out of their home, nor will any landlord face unmanageable debts. These are extraordinary times and renters and landlords alike are of course worried about paying their rent and mortgage. Which is why we are urgently introducing emergency legislation to protect tenants in social and private accommodation from an eviction process being started." At the end of this period, landlords and tenants will be expected to work together to establish an affordable repayment plan, taking into account tenants’ individual circumstances. To support this the government has worked with the Master of the Rolls to widen the ‘pre-action protocol’ on possession proceedings, to include private renters and to strengthen its remit. This will support the necessary engagement between landlords and tenants to resolve disputes and landlords will have to reach out to tenants to understand the financial position they are in.
Dec 22, 2019
Our Christmas & New Year Period Opening Times 2019/2020
The holiday season is finally upon us, in case you need reminding! Here's a quick notification of our Christmas opening times: Tuesday 24th December 2019 (Christmas Eve) - Closed Wednesday 25th December 2019 (Christmas Day) - Closed Thursday 26th December 2019 (Boxing Day) - Closed Friday 27th December 2019 - 10:00am to 1:00pm Saturday 28th December 2019 - 10:00am to 1:00pm Sunday 29th December 2019 - Closed Monday 30th December 2019 - 10:00am to 1:00pm Tuesday 31st December 2019 (New Years Eve) - Closed Wednesday 1st January 2020 (New Years Day) - Closed Thursday 2nd January 2020 - 9:30am to 5:30pm Remember, if you're a tenant of one of our managed properties and have a maintenance issue you need to report, this can still be reported 24/7 right here on the website. Simply click 'services', then 'report a maintenance issue'. We'll be able to respond accordingly.
Jun 18, 2018
Macclesfield
Macclesfield is a town located in Cheshire, close to the Peak District National Park. During the industrial revolution, the town was a major producer of silk, which created a great deal of wealth. Today, the town is a vibrant post-industrial community which has a lot to offer anyone who moves to the area. HOUSING STOCK Macclesfield has a wide variety of properties to choose from. You can select from quaint period cottages, traditional terraced properties, or large modern mansions, for example. In recent years, there have been a number of new developments which have seen old mills turned into luxury apartments. A two-bed terrace with a garden will typically cost between £100,000 and £160,000. A three-bed semi-detached property will typically sell for between £170,000 to £200,000. Larger detached properties begin at around £275,000 and upwards. TRANSPORT LINKS Despite being situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Macclesfield enjoys fantastic transport links. The town is served by regular bus services around the Macclesfield district as well as to outlying areas and Manchester. Trains from the local railway station can get you into the heart of Manchester city centre in around 20 minutes. If you wish to commute to the capital, frequent services can get you to London in just 1 hour and 40 minutes. If you are planning to jet off on holiday, Manchester Airport is just a half-hour journey by car or taxi. LOCAL SCHOOLS Macclesfield is home to some excellent primary and secondary schools. Fallibroome Academy is a very popular choice for parents who are looking to send their child to a top performing secondary school. The school received an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted following a recent inspection. For younger children, St Alban’s Catholic Primary School provides a first-class educational experience. This was reflected in recent Ofsted reports which found that the school was ‘outstanding’. If you would like your child to benefit from a private education, The King’s School and Beech Hall School take in children aged between 3 and 18 years of age. LOCAL AMENITIES Macclesfield boasts some fantastic public parks, which makes it the ideal spot for those who are looking for some green space where their family (and pets) can have some fun. If you are into sport and fitness, the local leisure centre features a swimming pool and athletics track, and the Prestbury Golf Club is just a short drive out of the town. Macclesfield town centre is home to art galleries, boutique shops, and trendy restaurants which serve cuisine from around the globe. On the last Sunday of every month, the famous Treacle Markets showcase local food and drink, vintage clothes and contemporary art. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the town, the glorious hills of the Peak District are just a short drive away. If you are looking to live close to the peace and beauty of the countryside, but still want to be close to Manchester city centre, Macclesfield could be the place for you.
May 1, 2018
Property Genius & South Manchester Flat Agency (SMFA) come together
We're excited to announce that from the 1st May 2018 Chorlton based "South Manchester Flat Agency" (SMFA) have joined forces with Property Genius to bring further benefits to our new and existing clients. This is a very exciting moment for both companies, for our employees and of course our clients. Our greatest assets have always been our people, and by joining forces we have just made a huge increase in the quality of talent. We hold similar values and philosophies on doing business, with a particular focus on being responsible, affordable and efficient. Though moving forward, we will operate as one company called "Property Genius", you can rely on the same personal working relationships that you have had in the past. You will still be dealing with the same people and you can depend on the same quality of work. The coming together of our two companies will provide a stronger presence covering the Manchester, Stockport and East Cheshire region, further strengthening our position in the market. Our merger will create a more comprehensive infrastructure with faster response times and even greater efficiency in how we deal with Lettings, Sales and Property Management. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR EXISTING PROPERTY GENIUS CUSTOMERS You will still be dealing with Graeme & Vicki for your Property / Tenancy New office location bringing an all-new High Street presence Increase in brand awareness and visibility Increased number of in-house staff to improve our efficiency Evening viewings and later opening times for Saturday WHAT THIS MEANS FOR EXISTING SOUTH MANCHESTER FLAT AGENCY CUSTOMERS You will still be dealing with Carly, Kane, James, Rufus and Anita for your Property / Tenancy Jacob Hughes will be replaced by Graeme Miller as the new Director and Branch Manager SMFA will be rebranded as Property Genius. All new website promoting our available properties and online resources to explore many of the current big issues related to Lettings & Property Management Implementation of quality systems for managing the portfolio more effectively New Accreditation and Client money Protection with ARLA PropertyMark In addition to Rightmove & Zoopla, properties will also be listed with OnTheMarket.com Introduction of Property Sales
Apr 13, 2018
Tameside
Tameside, which is located just east of city centre Manchester, is home to the towns of Ashton under Lyne, Denton and Hyde. Tameside was a centre of engineering, cotton, hat making and coal mining during the Industrial Revolution. The borough boasts access to affordable homes, good schools, beautiful countryside and excellent transport links to the centre of Manchester. The average house price in Tameside is just £153,438; that's well below the average across Greater Manchester which stands at £206,734. HOUSING STOCK The housing stock in Tameside predominately consists of Victorian terraces, which were originally constructed to house mill workers. However, since the end of WW2, there have also been a number of modern housing estates constructed, which contain attractive semi-detached homes. In the 1970s, larger 3 and 4 bedroom suburban homes also started to appear. In recent years, old mills across Tameside have been converted into luxury apartments. You can expect to pay around £100,000 for a two-bed terraced house in Tameside, with more modern 4 bedroom detached homes in Ashton under Lyne selling from around £200,000. A similar property in a more exclusive area such as Denton will set you back around £400,000. TRANSPORT LINKS Tameside is very well connected. Trains from Hyde Central, Ashton under Lyne and Denton will get you to Manchester Victoria in under 30 minutes. If you prefer to take the bus, the 219 will get you from Ashton under Lyne to the centre of Manchester in just under an hour. The Metrolink from Ashton under Lyne can get you to Manchester Airport in under one hour. If you drive, Tameside offers easy access to the M67 and M60 motorways which provide good links to Liverpool, the Peak District and Leeds. LOCAL SCHOOLS If you have children, you will be pleased to know that Tameside provides excellent educational facilities. The area is home to eight primary and secondary schools which are rated as ‘outstanding’ following recent Ofsted inspections, with St Christopher’s Primary School in Ashton under Lyne receiving particular praise for the quality of its teaching. LOCAL AMENITIES Tameside is a great place to live. Ashton under Lyne, Denton and Hyde are vibrant and energetic towns with local markets, high street shops and small independent retailers. The Ashton Moss entertainment complex located in Ashton under Lyne contains a cinema, restaurants and a bowling alley. In Hyde, you'll find the Hyde Leisure Pool which offers water-based fun for all the family, including a swimming pool, wave machine and water slides. Ashton under Lyne has its own amateur rugby, cricket and football teams. The stunning countryside of the Peak District is just a short journey away; here, you can enjoy long walks, camping, horse riding and cycling. If all of that makes you hungry, you can visit one of the many local restaurants which offer Italian, Indian and Thai dishes. If you're looking for an affordable place to live, which has excellent links to Manchester city centre and to the countryside, Tameside could be the place for you.
Apr 12, 2018
Wilmslow
Nestled on the border between Manchester and Cheshire, the charming town of Wilmslow is known for its famous residents, who include premier league footballers and pop stars. The area is also popular with professionals who work in Manchester, but who wish to live in the beautiful Cheshire countryside. The exclusive nature of Wilmslow is, of course, reflected in its property prices. According to Zoopla, the average property price in Wilmslow is £402,257, which is double the average price of £206,734 in Greater Manchester. HOUSING STOCK The older streets in Wilmslow are home to some charming Edwardian and Victorian properties which tend to fetch a premium price. In the 1960s and 70s, a number of modern houses were built on the edge of the town, and these often include swimming pools, home cinemas and other luxury features. However, if you are looking for something a little more low key, there are modern family homes and smaller ‘cottage’ terraces which are perfect for first time buyers. TRANSPORT LINKS Good transport links have helped to make Wilmslow a very desirable location. Wilmslow is located close to the M60 and M56 motorways, which provide easy access to Manchester, the Lake District and Birmingham. The town is also located just a couple of miles from Manchester Airport, which reduces travel time if you need to take a domestic or international flight. From the train station in Wilmslow, you can reach city centre Manchester in 25 minutes. The frequent trains to London take just 2 hours, which makes it possible to commute to and from the capital on the same day. LOCAL SCHOOLS Wilmslow is home to some of the best schools in Cheshire. For example, the independent Pownall Hall School, which accepts pupils aged between 4 and 11, is rated ‘excellent’ by Ofsted inspectors. Wilmslow High School, which offers secondary and sixth form education is rated as ‘good’ following a recent Ofsted inspection. LOCAL AMENITIES Wilmslow is home to a bustling shopping street and larger department stores outside the town itself. It's populated with high street chains such as Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and John Lewis. Shoppers can also make the most of many small independent retailers who sell a wide range of wares. When it comes to eating out, Wilmslow offers cuisine from around the world, with Chinese, Greek, Italian, Argentinian, Japanese and Indian restaurants located in the town centre and the surrounding area. The cultural delights on offer at the Bridgewater Hall, Royal Exchange Theatre, and the Lowry Centre at Salford Quays are less than an hour away by train or bus. When you want to take some time out to recharge your batteries, Wilmslow places you on the doorstep of the beautiful Peak District National Park. Local events include the RHS Flower Show, which is held annually at nearby Tatton Park, and live music at the spectacular Jodrell Bank radio telescope. If you want to buy a property in an exclusive location which has fantastic transport links and local amenities, the town of Wilmslow is the perfect place to start your search.
Mar 19, 2018
High Peak
High Peak, which is located in the hill country of the northern section of the Peak District National Park, is home to many attractive market towns such as Whaley Bridge, Furness Vale and Disley, but is also within commuting distance of Sheffield and Manchester. The location has much to offer homebuyers who are looking to escape city life. HOUSING STOCK The average price of a terraced property in Disley is £178,494; a similar property in Whaley Bridge is £175,658, while a terraced house in Furness Vale sells for around £128,750. These prices are well below the average house price for Greater Manchester, which stands at £190,500. This makes these locations perfect for first-time buyers who do not have a very large deposit. Semi-detached houses sell for between £194,819 and £263,379. You can expect to pay more for detached properties in these locations, with prices ranging from £320,567 to £479,528 on average. LOCAL SCHOOLS The area is home to many excellent primary schools such as Whaley Bridge Primary School, Furness Vale Primary School and Newtown Primary School, Disley. These schools are located in the towns themselves, which means your children won't have to face a long daily journey across the moors. For secondary education, your child may need to travel a little further afield to New Mills School & Sixth Form, which is located around 8 miles from Stockport, close to the Cheshire border. TRANSPORT LINKS The train from Whaley Bridge or Furness Vale takes around 45 minutes to reach stations in the centre of Manchester, while the train from Disley reaches the city in just half an hour. This makes any of these locations perfect if you wish to commute into the city. Each town is located on the A6, which provides easy access to Stockport and Manchester, as well as the M60 and M56 motorways and Manchester Airport. LOCAL AMENITIES AND ATTRACTIONS Being located in the countryside, High Peak provides great opportunities to enjoy hill walking, climbing and cycling. The small towns dotted along the A6 feature traditional English pubs, which serve great home cooked food and local ales. There are also independent village shops which supply locally sourced foods of the highest quality. Disley is home to Lyme Park, which is the perfect place for some family fun. The park features over 1400 acres of woodlands, a garden and a large country house which is managed by the National Trust. The onsite tearoom offers seasonal local food and cakes. If you would like to venture further afield, a trip Buxton, which is just a few miles to the south, is recommended. Poole’s Cavern is a beautiful cave system which is located deep in the Peak District national park and has been visited since the 1630s. The Cavern is located within the beautiful Buxton Country Park, which is both family and dog-friendly. If you are looking for property in a rural location that's well-connected to the city, the towns and villages in High Peak could be the perfect spot for you.