The latest Linley & Simpson news.
Linley & Simpson news |
Linley & Simpson Horsforth news
Linley & Simpson Leeds City Centre news |
Linley & Simpson Roundhay news
Linley & Simpson Wetherby news |
Linley & Simpson York news
Linley & Simpson Wakefield news |
Linley & Simpson Ilkley news
Yorkshire Lettings Agent Unveils List of Baa-rmy Tenant Requests
WHEN staff at a Yorkshire residential letting agent carried out a routine inspection of one of its rented properties, it soon became apparent why their tenant was looking rather 'sheepish'.
For wandering about inside the lounge of the home in Wakefield was a lamb – nicknamed 'Lady Baa Baa' - sporting a pair of giant underpants.
"When asked what the animal was doing, the tenant replied straight-faced that she had a big garden to maintain and it was cheaper than buying a lawnmower," said Nick Simpson, Director of Linley & Simpson.
The episode is just one of a number of strange and funny incidents that staff at the company's network of eight Yorkshire offices have been asked to deal with over the past 12 months.
Other bizarre requests have included:
- A tenant in Horsforth, Leeds, saying it was too dark on the street outside and could Linley & Simpson arrange for the council to put up extra streetlights
- A Leeds city centre client claiming he was allergic to central heating
- An Ilkley resident asking for urgent help to remove a worm from a cellar
- A pregnant Harrogate woman asking for a bath to be installed in her property – 'otherwise the hospital won't admit me when I go into labour'
- A York man who claimed that the carpets in his property triggered panic attacks and asked for their removal
- A Wetherby tenant complaining about the smell of the person living next door
"We have completed more than 25,000 lets since launching the business 12 years ago so nothing should really surprise us any more – but it does," said Mr Simpson.
"These incidents and requests show that there is never a dull moment in the life of a letting agent. Dealing with tenants' requests – however bizarre they may seem – is an important part of the job and one which all our staff are trained to do well."
The company has three offices in Leeds as well as in York, Harrogate, Ilkley, Wetherby and Wakefield. It was recently crowned 'Best Small Letting Agency Chain' in the UK at the property industry's 'Oscars'.
Emmerdale Star Launches Linley & Simpson's New HQ
EMMERDALE star Jeff Hordley - who plays roguish Cain Dingle in the long-running TV soap - swapped the farm for the city when he opened the new headquarters of Yorkshire's biggest dedicated residential letting agents, Linley & Simpson.
Jeff, who is also a Linley & Simpson tenant, celebrated the launch of the Yorkshire company's new headquarters in Roundhay, Leeds, along with staff and clients.
The central HQ will support the agency's growing network of eight branches, including its latest venture in Brook Street, Ilkley, which opened at the turn of the year to meet the letting needs of the town and wider Wharfe Valley.
Housed in the landmark building formerly occupied by clothes store Brills, the headquarters is at the heart of Linley & Simpson's coverage, which stretches as far north as Harrogate, east to York, south to Wakefield and west to Ilkley.
The opening comes as the residential letting market becomes increasingly complex, bringing specialist agencies to the fore. And, in its latest marketing campaign, based on letting agents' qualifications, Linley & Simpson is warning landlords not to leave anything to chance.
"With increasing pitfalls facing the country's growing number of 'accidental landlords', there has never been a better time to draw upon the expertise of a letting agency to rent out your home," said director Nick Simpson.
"The housing market, coupled with more people having to relocate or downsize, has seen the spotlight switch to the benefits of renting over buying. We have a record number of 2,500 tenants on our waiting list for properties.
"Increasing legal requirements - such as mandatory Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for new lets, as well as changes to the ways tenants' deposits can be safeguarded - make renting a complex process. There are also moves to regulate the industry with a new licensing system.
"For those landlords wanting complete peace of mind and to succeed in the market, it's important they choose an agent who is properly qualified and with as many prospective tenants on its books as possible."
New Ilkley Office Gives Linley & Simpson Unrivalled Coverage Across Wharfe Valley
As demand soars for properties to rent, residential letting specialists Linley & Simpson has broadened its unrivalled coverage across the Wharfe
Valley by launching a flagship branch in Ilkley.
Yorkshire's biggest dedicated letting agency - which has achieved more than 14,000 lets since forming 11 years ago - has opened the eighth office in its home county after acquiring the business of a leading letting agent in Ilkley.
The new-look Linley & Simpson branch on Brook Street in the heart of Ilkley town centre is marking its launch with a special opening offer for landlords - a free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with every new instruction to ensure they meet new legislation. It is now mandatory for all new lets.
Its opening also coincides with the launch of Linley & Simpson's new 'Select' service, which offers owners of premium properties a number of marketing extras.
The enhanced package includes 360 degree tours; floor plans; professional photography and improved website presence, and is expected to prove popular among owners of homes to rent in the Wharfe Valley.
The Ilkley office links closely into Linley & Simpson's long-established office at Station Road, Horsforth, to offer an unbeatable presence throughout the Wharfe Valley.
Both branches also work in close partnership with the other six offices in Linley & Simpson's Yorkshire network - Harrogate, Wetherby, York, Wakefield and two more in Leeds (the city centre and Roundhay).
Linley & Simpson's expanding network of specialist letting agencies brings many benefits. It offers landlords the opportunity of being able to access a greater pool of prospective tenants. Tenants also have the advantage of being able to choose from a wider selection of properties to meet their needs.
A new senior management team will be responsible for ensuring the highest level of customer service at the new Ilkley branch.
Few people know Ilkley as well as Linley & Simpson director, Nick Simpson, who was born at St Winifred's Maternity Hospital on Ilkley Moor; educated at Ilkley Grammar School; and continues to live in the area.
"Opening a branch in my home town is a special moment for me personally, but it is also a major step forward for the company," he said. "It gives us coverage across the whole of the Wharfe Valley - one of Yorkshire's most sought-after areas in which to live - at a time when rental demand continues to increase.
"We are delighted to bring to Ilkley our first-rate knowledge and experience of the letting market, as well as our track record for customer satisfaction."
He added that the company was always striving to improve its service to its clients and the launch of 'Select' was a natural progression.
"The launch of Select comes as more and more premium properties are coming onto the letting market," he said. "Select gives these landlords the option of ensuring their property has a stand-out presence in the marketplace.
"Initiatives such as virtual video tours and floor plans enable people to view the properties in more detail online - something that is important for those people relocating to the Wharfe Valley and wider Yorkshire area from other parts of the UK and overseas.
The Select service is designed for homes with a monthly rent of £1500 and above, or those of outstanding quality or design.
Linley & Simpson can be found at 30 Brook Street, Ilkley LS29 8DE, telephone 01943 816888.
The Linley and Simpson branch in Wetherby have further enhanced their position as leading letting agent in the area by establishing links with prominent local developers including Portford Homes, Antler and Olympian Homes. This relationship between developer and letting agent offers prospective purchasers the unique opportunity to rent properties prior to committing to a purchase. In particular, the 'Try B4U Buy' scheme being offered by Portford Homes includes an option to buy using the rent already paid towards your deposit. These schemes should prove ideal for those first time buyers currently renting but looking for high quality properties to purchase in the Wetherby area. Please contact either Linley and Simpson in Wetherby or the developers directly for further information on these properties and the schemes available.
Portford Homes
www.portford.co.uk
Antler Homes
www.antlerhomes.co.uk
Olympian Homes
www.olympianhomes.com
Can't sell your home? Thought about letting?
Linley and Simpson in Wetherby are recognised in the local area for their high levels of customer service and their excellent relationships with other local businesses. They have recently established another strong link with Sandersons Removals, Storage and Shipping. Mike Bird of Sandersons has been impressed by our friendly and efficient service. In recent months he has met many owners who are struggling to sell in the current property market and is happy to refer them to the Wetherby branch of Linley and Simpson so that we can discuss the possibility of renting their property to facilitate their moves.
Linley and Simpson in turn are reciprocating this goodwill by recommending Sandersons removal, storage and shipping services to both tenants and landlords in the process of moving house both within the Wetherby area and further afield. Sandersons are proud of their reputation for service and quality with many clients returning time after time for the personal touch - sentiments mirrored in our own approach to business.
Sandersons Removal, Storage and Shipping
www.sandersonsremovals.com
01423 358934
Linley & Simpson Launches Flagship Wakefield Office
WAKEFIELD'S newest residential letting specialists, Linley & Simpson, is launching its flagship office with an exclusive opening offer.
The first 100 landlords who place new properties with its branch in Northgate will pay no rental management fees for the first three months. There is also a 'Let Only' offer available to landlords - £199 plus VAT.
Linley & Simpson is Yorkshire's biggest agency dedicated solely to residential letting and its arrival in Wakefield increasing its network of Yorkshire branches to seven - offers landlords and property investors an extra dimension.
Not only can they draw upon Linley & Simpson's specialist skills and unrivalled knowledge of the letting market for the first time in the city, they can also access a greater pool of potential tenants throughout the group and its presence throughout Yorkshire.
The privately-run company has its roots very firmly in Yorkshire and has three sister branches in Leeds city centre, Horsforth and Roundhay as well as offices in York, Harrogate and Wetherby.
The Wakefield office will be managed by Ross Harding, who is returning to his home city after working for Linley & Simpson in Leeds. He will be supported by an experienced team that includes Claire Frusher, with long-standing knowledge of the Wakefield letting market, and Lindsay Roscoe, who is transferring from Linley & Simpson in Leeds.
Ross said: "On the back of increased demand for rental property across the whole network of offices, Linley & Simpson has just experienced the busiest year in its 10-year history.
"We bring a wealth of expertise and a proven track record to Wakefield and surrounding districts. By closely linking the office to the rest of our network and our database, we can offer an extra dimension to the service we provide to all our clients.
"In particular, we want to link our presence in Leeds very firmly with our new Wakefield office, to cater for the increasing number of people who work in Leeds but who choose to live elsewhere.
"And Wakefield, with its rail and road links, is an ideal choice for them, especially when you consider the widening choice of properties that are now becoming available."
Specialising in the middle-to-upper end of the market offering homes with monthly rents between £400 and £4,000 Linley & Simpson has grown to become Yorkshire's number one dedicated letting agency since launch a decade ago.
It works closely with major relocation agencies and counts leading soccer players moving to clubs in Yorkshire, and TV stars working on location in the county, among its clients.
Since launch, the company has achieved 12,000 lets, increasing from 328 in its first year to a record-breaking 2,218 in the past 12 months; collected £78m in rents; made more than 172,000 individual payments to landlords; and carried out 56,000 accompanied viewings on behalf of clients.
Its dedication to customer service has led to it achieving the strict criteria required to secure accreditation to both the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), and the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS).
Linley & Simpson's new office can be found in a prime position on Northgate's corner with Providence Street, opposite the main Post Office. Further details can be accessed via the company's daily updated website, www.linleyandsimpson.co.uk, or by phoning 01924 375245.
Linley & Simpson Expands In York With Jordan's Acquisition
Linley & Simpson, Yorkshire's biggest residential letting specialists, has further expanded its York presence by acquiring the business of its next-door neighbour, Jordan's.
All properties on the books of Jordan's will transfer to the management of Linley & Simpson as part of the deal, which will see the pair's neighbouring offices on Micklegate merge into one flagship branch.
This is the second major acquisition in York by Linley and Simpson in the past four months - in December it took over one of the city's longest-standing and most successful agencies, Lawton Letting.
The latest acquisition of Jordan's cements Linley & Simpson's position as York's biggest residential letting specialists at a time when demand for rental property continues to grow.
The company has just successfully let two of the most prestigious properties in the district to come to the rental market - with monthly rents of £2,500 and £2,000 respectively.
The acquisition of Jordan's brings together two dedicated letting specialists, both of which joined the industry's elite by achieving accreditation to the regulatory body ARLA (the Association of Residential Letting Agents).
Linley & Simpson's York branch manager Kathryn Burton said: "The deal brings together two familiar names on letting boards across York and beyond.
"It offers landlords and property investors the opportunity of being able to access a greater pool of prospective tenants. Tenants also benefit by having a wider choice of properties to match their needs.
"By merging the two offices together, it also gives us a greater prominence on Micklegate and a bigger shop window to showcase the portfolio of properties available."
Linley & Simpson director, Will Linley, said: "Jordan's is a nationally known name that has played a key role in York's burgeoning letting market. We are delighted to have secured such a strong business to complement that of our own.
"The deal marks another important step in the company's growth and gives us a strong platform for further enhancing the high level of customer service and satisfaction that we strive to achieve.
"York is a first-rate city with first-rate properties-to-let and, with its excellent location, good schools and growing business stature, remains a magnet for many prospective tenants."
Linley & Simpson is an independent letting agency with an expanding network of six offices, including York, Wetherby, Harrogate and three in Leeds. Between them, they offer blanket coverage across the so-called 'golden triangle' of the most sought-after places in which to live.
Can't Sell It? Then Why Not Let It?
YORKSHIRE homeowners affected by the continuing slowdown in the house sales market are being urged to reap the benefits of letting their properties as part of a new campaign.
Letting specialists Linley & Simpson are launching their "Can't Sell? Why Not Let..?" initiative during February to help 'free up' the growing
number of people who are struggling to find a buyer for their property.
With buyers reluctant to pay the full asking price, and others hanging fire to see what happens to house prices and interest rates, letting is attracting even greater interest. The new campaign aims to raise awareness of the opportunities it creates, as well as guide people through the process.
Director Nick Simpson said homeowners no longer had to put their lives on hold because they were unable to find a buyer for their property: "For the army of people who are caught up in the subdued residential sales market, renting out a property has great appeal.
"Not only does it often make sound financial sense, generating a significant monthly income, it can also make the difference between winning or losing the next dream home that someone has set their sights on."
Some homeowners think that they simply will not be able to raise two mortgages but many mortgage lenders now offer 'Let To Buy' mortgages, an alternative to the well-known 'Buy To Let' option. This allows you to borrow money to buy a new home to move into, while your existing residence is let out to tenants.
Many Linley & Simpson clients have taken this route in the past and have gone on to retain the investment property indefinitely as a part of their retirement plan.
Mr Simpson added: "The rental market is thriving more than ever across our network of six offices, stretching across Leeds, Harrogate, Wetherby and York.
Increasingly, people are choosing to rent rather than buy due to the uncertainty in the sales market.
"Letting is a real alternative for many homeowners as it provides them with the financial freedom and ability to move home.
"By letting a property for just a few months or more until hopefully market conditions improve, a homeowner can net several thousands of pounds in rent.
"After this point, owners have the choice of continuing to sell their property in a more buoyant marketplace or even decide to become an investment landlord themselves. There is no shortage of options."
The Linley & Simpson campaign is also aimed at those people who have to sell their property, such as those who are moving jobs or settling down to a new life abroad, as well as investors.
Mr Simpson said: "An empty property is a waste of potential income and it is always preferable to have it occupied during the winter months."
For further details, or to book a free market appraisal, visit the Linley & Simpson contact page.
Linley & Simpson Celebrate 10th Birthday
STAFF at residential letting specialists, Linley & Simpson, raised the roof at a party held to celebrate the company's 10th anniversary.
The milestone was reached as the agency's network of offices - Leeds city centre, Horsforth, Roundhay, Wetherby, Harrogate and York - posted its busiest ever year.
Drawing upon 20 years of expertise in residential letting between them, Will Linley and Nick Simpson launched their new venture in 1997 with just a single office and two staff.
It was at a time when Dolly the cloned sheep was being born; the Teletubbies were riding high in the charts; and The Full Monty was the cinema blockbuster.
Now Linley & Simpson has flourished to become the biggest dedicated letting agency in Yorkshire - offering blanket coverage across the county's so-called 'golden triangle' of the most sought-after areas in which to live.
Nick Simpson said: "Expanding our network of offices, and sharing databases, has played a key role in our continuing success. Landlords and property investors can take advantage of access to a greater pool of prospective tenants, while tenants benefit from having a bigger choice of properties to match their needs."
"Thanks to first-class staff, and the support of all our clients - many of whom have been part of the company since day one - the last 10 years have been memorable ones. We look forward to building on this platform over the next ten years."
During the decade of success, the company has achieved 12,000 lets, increasing from 328 in its first year to a record-breaking 2,218 in the past 12 months; collected £78m in rents; made more than 172,000 individual payments to landlords; and carried out 56,000 accompanied viewings on behalf of clients.
Staff were thanked at a special black tie dinner at Wood Hall Hotel, Linton. Nick added: "After the busiest year on record for Linley & Simpson, everyone was keen to celebrate. As well as being renowned for letting properties, we also showed how good we are at letting our hair down as well!"
City centre staff celebrate Linley & Simpson's 10th birthday - (from left) Will Linley, Alexandre Druet, Chris Thompson, Nick Simpson, Michael Moon and Claire Conlan.
Oakwood branch manager Nick Barrow and his team celebrate Linley & Simpson's 10th birthday.
Linley & Simpson's distinctive fleet of Minis, a common sight throughout Leeds.
“Linley & Simpson Celebrate Decade Of Success With 12,000th Let”
YORKSHIRE residential letting agency Linley & Simpson celebrated its 10th anniversary in September by passing a key milestone - its 12,000th property rental.
Drawing upon 20 years of expertise in residential letting between them, Will Linley and Nick Simpson launched their new venture in 1997 with just a single office in Oakwood, Leeds, and two staff.
It was at a time when Dolly the cloned sheep was being born; the Teletubbies were riding high in the charts; and The Full Monty was the cinema blockbuster.
Now, a decade of success later, Linley & Simpson has flourished to become the biggest dedicated letting agency in Yorkshire, with a growing network of six offices and more than 50 staff.
With branches in prime locations in Harrogate, Wetherby, York and three more in Leeds (Horsforth, Roundhay and the city centre), Linley & Simpson offers blanket coverage across the Yorkshire property market's so-called 'golden triangle' of the most sought-after areas in which to live.
Director Nick Simpson said: "Expanding our network of offices, and sharing databases, has played a key role in our continuing success. Landlords and property investors can take advantage of access to a greater pool of prospective tenants, while tenants benefit from having a bigger choice of properties to match their needs."
"Thanks to a first-class staff, and the support of all our clients - many of whom have been part of the company since day one - the last 10 years have been memorable ones. We look forward to building on this platform over the next ten years."
Director Will Linley said: "The year-on-year increase in lets underlines how the Yorkshire property market has developed over the decade. From 328 lets in our launch year, we achieved over 2,200 lets in the last 12 months - our busiest yet.
"And with a number of record months already in 2008, there are clear signs that the residential letting market remains healthy."
Linley & Simpson works closely with major relocation agencies and counts leading soccer players moving to clubs in Yorkshire, and TV stars working on location in the county, among its clients
Specialising in the middle-to-upper end of the rental property market, the agency's growth has been sustained thanks to its commitment to customer service - with a determination to offer landlords and tenants alike a professional, high-quality and tailored service.
This approach has been endorsed at the highest level by the industry, which has awarded Linley & Simpson accreditation to both the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) and the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) after meeting strict quality standards. It is also one of just 25 agencies, out of a national total of over 6,000, to be awarded principal account status with specialist insurers HomeLet, enabling it to offer its clients unbeatable buildings and contents insurance deals
Joining the industry's elite comes at a critical time as the industry witnesses the biggest shake-up to the way that deposits are managed.
Under the changes, landlords are no longer able to legally retain a tenant's rental deposit in their own personal or business account. Instead the money has to be lodged with an approved scheme, such as the one operated by an accredited letting agent.
Factfile: Linley & Simpson's decade of success
- The company's expansion drive has seen it grow from a single office in Oakwood, Leeds, to a network of seven branches
- Staff numbers have risen to 52 - from a starting line-up of just two
- It has achieved 12,000 lets - increasing from 328 in its first year to a record-breaking 2,218 in the most recent 12 months.
- A staggering £78m has been collected in rents
- It has made more than 172,000 individual payments to landlords
- Its team of staff have carried out 56,000 accompanied viewings on behalf of clients
- The highest monthly rental achieved for a property is £3,500
- A host of celebrity tenants over the years has included Sir Ian McKellan; Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Dominic Matteo and Emmerdale's Lisa Riley.
- View property news
Property Search
Get property news with Our Newsletter
Downloads & Forms Application forms and Guides
website design by ina4.com