In early 2021, we pooled our lettings expertise to create M A S O N S. We envisaged a more flexible, customer-centred lettings agency model; with a mission to raise the bar for lettings in Hitchin and across North Herts.
10 months on and we’ve come a long way. Last month* we hit the No.1 spot on Rightmove for local market share – as the agency with the highest number of new listings.
November also saw us hitting No.1 on Rightmove for property views, with listings averaging c.200 views* per day. We believe this is down to our professional photography, appealing content, and on-point pricing and it’s vital in enabling us to match fantastic tenants with great landlords.
We may take a moment to celebrate this with a sherry or two, but we also have a firm eye on the property trends for the coming year.
Looking ahead to 2022
We continue to see an exceptionally high level of demand for rental properties across Hertfordshire. Typically, we’d expect this demand to fall in November and December – but that’s not the case this year!
Quality properties with 2-4 bedrooms remain in super-high demand. We’re seeing families moving to or within Hertfordshire for multiple reasons. There’s a continuing trend for London renters seeking larger, more affordable housing, combined with significant numbers relocating to work at The Lister Hospital, in schools and within local businesses.
A limited supply of good quality rentals in the area is fuelling ongoing high demand. It’s very usual for M A S O N S properties to be let on first viewing and at full asking price. Good news for new landlords and those keen to expand portfolios.
Another hot topic set to extend well into the new year is property maintenance. Finding reputable contractors with availability is increasingly difficult. Add to this the rising costs for materials/labour and maintenance tasks are becoming quite a headache for landlords.
In response we’re expanding our Property Management Services for 2022 to help busy landlords overcome these new challenges.
A big festive thank you
Right now, the challenges 2022 might present are still over the horizon. Lights are twinkling in Hitchin High Street and our independent shops and Christmas Market are brimming with gifts – reminding us how lucky we are to call this place home.
So, our final task for 2021 must be to say a BIG thank you to the landlords and tenants we’ve worked with this year. It’s been a pleasure – and your generous feedback has confirmed that our model of ethical practice, market expertise and service is a much-needed breath of fresh air:
“Completely brilliant lettings agency! Proactive, communicative, helpful and above all honest. [M A S O N S] let my property within 6 days to a fantastic tenant, whereas the previous lettings company sat with their thumb up their …well you know 😄 and did nothing for 2 weeks. 100% would use again.
6 months on and they [M A S O N S] continue to excel with their service levels and attention to detail.” Simon Muncey, Landlord
“Very good service, from initial viewing of the property I wanted to rent through to making sure we settled into our house. Would 100% recommend to others.” Phil P, Tenant
Wishing you a happy and healthy festive season.
M A S O N S is one of Hertfordshire’s leading lettings agencies. We offer an award-winning letting experience for landlords through highly flexible and quality property management services covering Hitchin, Letchworth, Fairfield Park, Stotfold, Biggleswade, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield.
Contact M A S O N S today. Call 01462 557 477, or email [email protected].
*Rightmove stats 1 – 10 November 2021.
