Lettings

Why Sapphire Homes?

The most important factor when renting a property is choosing an agent that you can trust. Can you get property management for a cheaper monthly percentage? Quite possibly! Can you get the same level of service and professionalism for a cheaper monthly percentage? We believe this is very unlikely!

We are experts in residential lettings and property management in the Wigan and surrounding area with over 900 managed properties and we proudly have a very strong business relationship with our landlords as we know the importance of ensuring your property is in safe hands as well as providing you with fair and professional advice at all times.

We are an Independent Family Run Estate and Letting agent and we take huge pride in the services that we as a family provide, as well as the business and all members of the team. All members of staff are trained in all aspects of property letting and management and are also from the Wigan locality enabling them to apply and offer their local knowledge which we also believe to be invaluable. If you are looking for a letting agent in Wigan that you can trust then we are the agent for you.

Expert Advice

Whether you are new to property investment, thinking of renting your current residential home or looking to add to your portfolio, it is essential that you make the right choices to maximise your investment. Arrange your free no obligation appointment and we will happily offer you free advice on the best types of property, locations to buy and the types of investment that will bring you the higher yields as well as an honest and accurate valuation. We can also arrange to attend a property that you may be thinking of buying and provide you with our recommendations based on our years of experience and expertise.

Marketing

When marketing a rental property in Wigan and Leigh it is vital that landlords are sending the right message to the right people. In other words, your chosen agent is effectively targeting the right audience for your property. Sapphire Homes extensively market your property, minimise the void periods and maximise the property potential because our experience and performance speaks for itself. Our individual marketing strategy includes professional High Definition photography, a board with our brand and details clearly listed, listing on all the key national and local property portals as well as social media including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and professional particulars listed on our new bespoke responsive website which is google and mobile friendly. To add to this our prominent Town Centre offices in both Wigan and Leigh have A3 window pocket light LED window sheets and rolling screens on TV's providing access to a lot of passing custom (even out of hours). Internally we also have regularly maintained databases providing you with immediate access to local high quality professional tenants which we can contact via emails, sms alerts and phone calls to promote interest in the property from the very first day of marketing.

Tenant Referencing

Once a potential tenant has been found for your property, Sapphire Homes and our chosen tenant referencing provider will complete an extensive assessment. Whether a professional applicant, student or company this service has been designed to minimise risks and to ensure that the tenancy goes smoothly. Rent Protection and Insurance Services are also available and we can advise you of these additional products and services or add to your package for a small cost.

There are two levels of service which is the fully managed service which ranges from 8% + VAT (if you put more than 20 properties into management) and 10% + VAT for single and multiple dwellings (less than 20). We also offer a tenant finding only service for those wishing to manage their own property which is provided at a cost of £540.00. The service that is best suited to your needs will ultimately depend of your experience in property letting and management and also the time that you can afford to dedicate to being a landlord.

Legal Aspects

Being a landlord holds many responsibilities and whether managed or tenant find only we will always provide you with the current safety legislations and advise you on the duty of care required. This can range from Gas Safety, Electrical Safety, Furniture and Furnishings Regulations, Smoke Detectors, Energy Performance Certification and the handling and Registration of the Deposit in a government approved scheme as per the Housing Act 1998 (amended 1996 and 2004).

Also, and a new addition which many private landlords haven't familiarised themselves with is the Immigration Act which was introduced and requires private sector landlords to check their tenants Right to Rent. This is to ensure that they are not disqualified from privately renting property in the UK as a result of their immigration status. The Immigration Bill which was then passed in parliament as an expansion on the Immigration Act was introduced in 2016 meaning there are now new eviction powers and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Sapphire Homes ensures that our landlords are compliant with the changes in legislation by employing one of the largest national Referencing Agents to complete all checks thoroughly and legally compliant.

Two Levels of Service

Service	Lettings + Fully Managed Service	Tenant Finding Only Service
Free Professional Advice
Free No Obligation Valuation
Extensive Marketing
Professional Particulars & Photography
Accompanied Viewings (Day, Evening & Weekends)
Finding A Tenant
Obtaining References For All Applicants
Organisation of Safety Inspections
Completion of Written & Photo Inventory
Collection of Initial Rental Payment and Deposit
Completing the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement
Arranging The Tenant Check-In
Collection and Registration of Meter Readings
Informing Local Authorities of Tenants Occupation
Completion of Standing Order
Collection of Rental Payment Monthly
Monthly Statement Preparation
Property Inspections
Keyholding Service
Arranging Payment of Outgoing Expenses
Arranging Repairs and Property Maintenance
Access to Approved Local Professional Tradespersons
24-hour Tenant Emergency Facility
Managing The Check-Out Process
Dealing with Insurance Claims if Necessary
Serving of Legal Notices If Applicable
Deposit Protection and Legal Advice
Remarketing of Property during Notice Period