Property in Monmouth

Whether you're buying, selling, renting or letting, the Monmouth Property Portal has all the info you need to get the job done from start to finish.

Like most places Monmouth has its share of less than honest letting bureaus and estate agents.

Check out our handy tips to avoid common pitfalls when dealing with property.

We have compiled a full list of reputable estate agents in and around the Monmouthshire area for your convenience.

If you are interested in advertising your services on The Monmouth Property Guide then click here to contact us.

The Estate Agent

• Let as many estate agents in Monmouth as you can know your needsProvide estate agents with your contact details
• Work closely with Monmouth estate agents, they have local knowledge of the property market and house prices in Monmouth

The Property

Work out your budget

• Standard lending ratios are usually three times the principal earner's gross income plus one times the second, or two and a half times joint gross income
• Consider your existing equity, savings and moving costs

Make a wish list

• Style, size, age, numbers of rooms, parking, garaging, garden
• Remain open-minded, lots of people surprise themselves

Consider the wider picture

• Location is important, communications, local facilities and schools also need consideration
• Will your property needs vary in future?

Viewing A Property

• Arrive in the area early to get a good feel of the neighbourhood
• Do not make an instant decision
• Do not be influenced by the vendors
• Assess the accommodation that the property provides
• Assess the general state of repair: Roof, walls, windows and doors, plasterwork, wiring, plumbing and heating, kitchen fittings and bathroom sanitary ware
• Assess the neighbours, the street and the general condition of other properties around

The Estate Agent

Ask a few Monmouth estate agents to value your property. Be objective about what they say and do not be unduly critical if is not what you wanted to hear!

Do not necessarily choose the agent with the cheapest fee; you want your property advertised and 'sold properly' in all respects.

Choose an agent that belongs to a professional body such as:

• The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)
• The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Ombudsman Estate Agency (OEA)

Read ALL the small print if you decide to use a sole agent. Multiple agents could cost you more, but may increase your chances of selling your property.

State any fixtures and fittings to be included in the sale.

Make it clear to the agent the minimum value you are presently willing to accept from a buyer.

Your Property

Take a critical look at the outside and inside of your home and decide what small items are realistic to quickly improve.

The exterior of your home will be the buyer's first impression. Ensure the garden is neat and tidy, outside lights are clean and working, all fixtures such as door handles are secure.

Prepare your home by cleaning, repainting (if necessary) and completing any unfinished DIY job!

Create more space. Pack away, throw away or take to the charity shop any unnecessary items and be ruthless. The more you do now, the less cluttered your house will look, and the less packing you will have to do when you move.

Viewing A Property

Arrange viewing at times that you can realistically have the property looking good, kitchen cleared, grass cut etc. The property needs to be tidy

Create a nice atmosphere, pleasant fragrances, and flowers and turn the television off. In winter light any fires and have the heating at a comfortable level. In summer open windows.

Be ready for questions about the property, neighbours and the locality.

Be clear about your own reasons for moving-on, time scales and flexibility.

Leave it to your agent do any serious negotiating.

The Estate Agent

• Let lots of Monmouth estate agents know what you are looking for so you get a really good selection to choose from.
• Inform the agent of your criteria (location, budget, furnished/unfurnished, occupation date requirement, tenancy period and any other aspects that are important to you).
• Expect to pay a deposit of at least one months rent, possibly more. Possibly some administration charges.
• You may be required to provide references.
• Ensure you read and understand the tenancy agreement. Be sure there is no abiguity in the agreement or content that the estate agent can "interpret" to their benefit. The Citizens Advice Bureau may check this for you. Clarify what is NOT included in the rental fee, such as council tax, utility bills, ground maintenance etc.
• Examine the inventory prepared by the agent and keep a copy.
• Check restrictions: sub-letting, pets etc. Can you redecorate?
• Notify defects in writing as soon as they become apparent (even if you do not want them remedied).
• Establish what is covered under maintenance (boilers, refrigerators, radiators etc.).
• Usually, you will not have to deal with the landlord directly. Should you have any problems or queries, direct them to your agent first.
• Other issues to consider are, parking, neighbours, noise levels, public transport availability etc.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

Energy Performance Certificates, or EPCs, have been available since October 1st 2008 to outline the energy efficiency rating and the environmental impact rating of a property.

The rating offered by the EPC will range from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is very inefficient, with the typical rating for a home being either D or E. These simple ratings will allow potential tenants to compare homes of interest to gain an insight into the difference in potential running costs.

Advice for Tenants

• Be sure to check the EPC rating before agreeing to rent a property, a house with a poor rating could be liable to greater running costs compared to a similar house with a better rating.
• Be aware that landlords are under no obligation to improve the EPC rating of their property.
• Look into the possible grants and schemes offered by the Government to help tenants improve the energy efficiency of their home.
• Make sure that the EPC assessment has been made by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) - details can be found at www.epcregister.com
• Check how long the EPC has been in effect for, EPCs will be valid for up to 10 years

The Estate Agent

Choose a Monmouth letting agent that is registered with one of the following:

• The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA)
• The National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS)
• The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)
• The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• The UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA)
• Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA)

Get a good contract which will be the Tenancy Agreement. Think about any restrictions you wish to place on the tenant and the use of your property.

Try not to be too tough - if you exclude smokers, pets, students, small children and short term lets, you will narrow the market for your property considerably.

Ask for a rent that is realistic and affordable to your potential tenants. The big difference in profit at the end of the year will be dependent upon how long the property stood empty - reduce the voids!

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

Energy Performance Certificates, or EPCs, have been available since October 1st 2008 to outline the energy efficiency rating and the environmental impact rating of a property.

The rating offered by the EPC will range from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is very inefficient, with the typical rating for a home being either D or E. These simple ratings will allow potential tenants to compare homes of interest to gain an insight into the difference in potential running costs.

Advice for Landlords

• Commission your EPC now: an EPC will have a shelf life of 10 years so if you have a high turnover of tenants, don’t wait until the current ones are about to leave - commission your EPC now to save time and hassle further down the line
• Use an accredited DEA: ensure you use an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) - details can be found at www.epcregister.com
• Be prepared: before the DEA arrives make sure you have all the information they will require, ready - date of when the property was built, info on whether the property has been extended or double glazed, whether walls have been insulated etc - a full checklist can be found at www.communities.gov.uk/epbd
• Follow the recommendations: take time to review the recommendations in your EPC - if your property has received a relatively poor rating (F or G) then take steps to improve its energy efficiency such as cavity wall insulation
• Get help: There are Government schemes available which will allow landlords to work with tenants to improve the EPC rating of their property.
• Get advice: if you’re not sure on what changes will provide the greatest energy savings contact the Energy Savings Trust who will be able to give you impartial advice - www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Reputable Property Agents in Monmouth

The following is a list of reputable estate agents in and around the Monmouth area. If you are not featured on this list and would like to be please contact us.