Your Buying Guide
Our step-by-step buying process
Your Path to Homeownership Starts Here
Why Choose Us?
Expertise You Can Trust: Our team possesses in-depth knowledge of the UK property market, ensuring you receive accurate and up-to-date information.
Personalised Service: We take the time to understand your unique needs and preferences, tailoring our approach to find the perfect property for you.
Comprehensive Support: From initial consultation to handing over the keys, we provide continuous assistance, making the buying process straightforward and stress-free.
Our Buying Services
We assist you in assessing your budget, considering all associated costs such as stamp duty, legal fees, and surveys. Our team can connect you with trusted mortgage advisors to help secure an Agreement in Principle, strengthening your position as a buyer.
Leveraging our extensive network and market knowledge, we help you identify properties that match your criteria. We offer flexible viewing times to accommodate your schedule, ensuring you don't miss out on potential opportunities.
Once you've found the right property, we guide you through the offer process, providing insights to help you make a competitive bid. Our team liaises with the seller's agent to negotiate terms that align with your interests.
Our curated packages are available at a range of price points, typically from £1,995 to £4,995 + VAT, depending on the size, finish and style level. Whether you need something cost-effective and compliant, or a luxury finish to support premium pricing, we’ll deliver the right look to maximise your rental yield. All packages include delivery, assembly, and waste removal as standard.
Our Buying Services
Our experienced negotiators work diligently to secure the best terms and price for your sale, keeping your interests at the forefront.
From offer acceptance to completion, our dedicated team manages every detail, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.
Our commitment doesn't end at sale. We offer continued support to assist you with any post-sale needs, ensuring complete satisfaction.
Setting your property investment budget
- Your deposit funds
- Solicitor’s fees
- Mortgage (interest fees)
- Stamp duty
Searching for the perfect property
Finding the right solicitor
The success of your purchase could depend on the legal professional you choose; your solicitor will handle all of the legal aspects. A good solicitor is an expert in conveyancing and property law as a whole and will keep you and us up-to-date with the progress.
Thanks to our long list of industry contacts across the capital, we can help you find the right property solicitor and recommend solicitors specialising on London property.
Flexible viewing time
Making an offer
After finding your perfect property to invest in, it’s key to make an offer. We can do this on your behalf – in both writing and verbally. We take advantage of our vast knowledge of the London property market in order to negotiate the best possible terms and price for you.
Offer accepted
Exchanging contracts
After you and the seller have exchanged contracts, the sale becomes legally-binding and it’s time to sign them. Once this is done, you must then transfer your deposit (usually 10% of the agreed purchase price).
Exchanging contracts
On the date of completion, it’s time to transfer the remaining amount (usually 90% of the total purchase price). Once the transfer has been completed, you’re free to collect the keys for your new property.
Learn the true value of your assets
Before putting your property up for rent, it is always a good idea that you speak to one of our knowledgeable property consultants of its current value in the rental market. This will help you gain a strong balance between low tenant turnover and higher monthly returns.
With any large city, rental prices can vary wildly from one area to the next, this is where Ernest-Brooks International step in; our expert property consultants understand exactly which market group your property would belong under and we can help you make sense of it all, allowing you to reach your property’s full rental potential.
The benefits of corporate tenants
We boast a long list of potential corporate tenants among our client base, including some well-known blue-chip companies and high-profile foreign diplomats that trust us to find the best homes for them in the capital.
We are therefore here to help you find high calibre tenants – many of whom are willing to pay the highest prices if they happen to find the ideal property for their needs.
Managing your property
Hiring Ernest-Brooks International as your property manager is the optimum way to ensure your property is never empty. It is also a great way to attract the best tenants for your property, as we thoroughly vet our tenants during our meticulous referencing process. This is because many property owners prefer the safety and security that comes with having a property manager looking after their assets and the added convenience of saving you valuable time.
Our corporate tenants will often pay a premium to have someone cater for their precise needs. You will have a dedicated manager looking after your property and upon request, we can handle everything from maintenance, liaising with tenant, to collecting rent payments. On request, we can even organise a change in energy suppliers to anything else that comes with running a rental property.
Maintenance & Repairs
When you are looking to find a suitable tenant, it is vital to show your property at its very best to increase the chances of it being rented in the shortest possible time. Does your property need a fresh coat of paint, minor repairs or more prolonged maintenance work? If so, for your peace of mind our maintenance team are at hand to do support your requirements, ulitmately helping you attract more interest in your property.
Marketing your property
The time has arrived to advertise your buy-to-let investment to the world, we endeavour to do all we can to help you find the perfect tenant. We start by utilizing a wide range of advertising channels, including websites like Rightmove, PrimeLocation and Zoopla.
We also use Google Adwords campaigns to give your property that extra push, as well as ads in local/national newspapers, billboards, social media and email marketing. In fact, we pull out all of the stops to ensure the widest possible audience views your listing.
Viewings
Our offices are open from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm on Saturday. We also understand that some potential tenants may need us to arrange viewings out of hours. With this in mind, we will conduct late evening or weekend viewings to help you find the right tenant in the shortest possible time.
Negotiating the best rental prices
We take advantage of our vast knowledge of the London property market in order to negotiate the best possible terms and prices. We will act on your behalf with a potential tenant, keeping you updated regarding all enquiries, viewings and offers we receive related to your property. As soon as we receive an offer that suits your needs, we act quickly in order to secure the deal.
When you accept an offer
Once the offer is accepted, we start the referencing process; we will perform credit, address and identity checks to ensure maximum safety and security. We can help you make your transaction as smooth as possible – including the preparation of your tenancy agreement and overseeing its signing. We will then collect the deposit and first month’s rent from your new tenant.
After all has been done, it’s time for your tenant to move in. An inventory clerk will be ready to greet your tenant after the arrival and help with everything they can, including an inventory list that helps describe the condition of the property in detail to protect your interests in the event of damage for which the tenant was at fault.
Protecting your vacant property
Whether your property is empty or you simply don’t have enough time to manage it due to work or study, we will gladly help you manage it. As your property managers, we hold a spare set of keys for your comfort and safety. A trusted member of our team will carry out routine checks to make sure your property is in the best condition.
We can design a custom process for this service in order to fit your needs, however, the normal process involves the following:
- Regular cleaning and maintenance
- Protection against severe weather conditions
- Collecting any post from the property and arranging redirection (if needed)
- Taking frequent meter readings and paying bills
- Emergency call-outs
Refer your friends and get rewards
We believe you would like your friends and family members to find property managers they can trust. Now, you can tell them about your great experience with Ernest-Brooks International.
You will be rewarded for every successful referral.
To find out more about the Ernest-Brooks International referral scheme, talk to one of our team now on 0203 621 8881 or email info@ernest-brooks.com quoting ‘refer a friend’.
Inventory
We offer a professional inventory service, allowing us to deal with your inventory checklists, check-ins and check-outs, quickly and effectively, while keeping the costs low. At the beginning of the tenancy, it’s key to create a new inventory. This acts as a record of the items in the property and of their condition.
The tenant must read through the inventory checklist and sign it to show their approval at check-in; this ensures maximum security against disputes that may arise at the end of the tenancy.
During the check-in process, we hand over the keys, take meter readings and guide the tenant through the appliances and how to use them, including the central heating. We are ready to answer any questions your tenant may have.
While checking out, the tenant must return the keys. We then refer to the inventory and compare the condition of the property with that at the start of the tenancy, allowing us to help you recoup any money needed to repair any potential damage caused by the tenant.
Furniture packs and dressing service
Our furniture packs service is a quick, easy and affordable way to furnish your property and to make it even more attractive to potential clients.
We can provide any type of furniture you need, from robust furniture for student lets, to stylish pieces for luxury homes.
We will also design, install and dress your property to give it an individual and unique look, regardless of the shape or size of the room. A careful selection of furniture means maximised space and functionality.
We can handle this process from start to finish – including project management to final installation – so you can enjoy a hassle-free experience. Our furniture packages are designed to help you make the most of your investment. All the essential items required to get your property in shape are included.
You don’t have to worry about the budget, either, as we can tailor a design based on how much you would like to spend. Our service will identify your needs, whether it be a quicker sale or let, or a more homely feel.
Overview
Do you own a new build property? If so, it is important that you assess the condition of the property with a critical eye, because even minor faults can lead to more complicated and serious issues in the future. The process of fixing such problems in the future can be both expensive and time-consuming.
Developers will request a report to assess the condition of your property before they commence any required remedial work.
Ernest-Brooks International offers a specialist snagging inspection service. With expert knowledge and experienced inspectors who hold NAEA and NFOPP qualifications, we leave no stone unturned. So if there any issues with your property, you can be rest assured we will find them and ensure any defects or issues with the property are corrected.
We would highly recommend that you arrange a snagging inspection report with Ernest Brooks International as close to completion of your development, subject to the consent of the developer.
The Inspection
During the snagging inspection, we will inspect as much of your property as safety will allow us to do so. This will include all accessible surface areas and floors. We will not assess areas which are unreachable or undercover.
As a result, we will not attempt to raise carpets, floorboards or move any furniture. However, we will lift loose coverings as long as we are sure that doing so will not cause any damage.
- The inspectors main objective is to give the client professional advice which will enable the property owner to agree with the Developer or Builders, works which are to be rectified as a condition of the purchase.
- In the event of a post-purchase snagging inspection being carried out to provide the client with a list of works that require remediation.
The Service
The services will be inspected visually and manually where possible, the inspector will not carry out further testing. Nor will he or she assess the efficiency of the gas, plumbing, heating, electric or drainage systems. The developer should be able to provide a relevant Building Regulation and Compliance Certification in respect of these services.
The Report
We will provide you with a detailed report on our findings within 48 hours of the inspection. This will recommend the best course of action to take in order to fix any issues before you sell, let, or move into the property. We will also send you one copy of the report and the other to the developer. When the process of fixing any issues begins, we will be on hand to provide any support and advice that you need.
Fees
The fee you pay will depend on the size of the property.
The fee should be paid before an inspection so that funds have cleared into our account and we are able to proceed with your instruction
The agreed fee includes one site inspection by a registered professional (NFOPP and or NAEA Property Mark registered surveyor). Additional site inspections can be charged at an additional agreed rate. Payment for the service will be required prior to the inspection being carried out.
Should you choose to make use of our agency services in order to sell or rent your property, the inspection fee will be refunded on the successful completion of a sale of on the day that your tenant moves into the property.
Cancellation
The client will be entitled to cancel the inspection by notifying the inspector by email or telephone, 24 hours prior to the inspection booking. In the case of cancellation the inspector shall refund any amount paid for the service. If the cancellation falls within the 24 hours of the inspection date 90% will be refunded allowing for reasonably incurred costs.
Why should you furnish your property?
According to statistics, UK landlords could have collected over £300 million of additional rental income in 2015 by selectively furnishing rental properties that were let unfurnished.
Appropriately furnishing a rental property can increase your yields by as much as 60%, that’s a significant amount for any landlord not to take seriously.
At Ernest Brooks, we have years of experience and industry contacts who specialise in furnishing rental properties. With our rental management service, you can be rest assured that your property would be furnished with the right items that have a higher conversion rate when you put it on the rental market.
Make data driven decisions
We’ve built an extensive database in-house using the most comprehensive data sources, which allows us to provide a unique and detailed understanding and of the types of furnishings and uplifts that would be appropriate for our clients target market.
When to furnish?
All landlords should be aware and take advantage of furnishing appropriately to maximise on their rental income. Our property managers can assess each property’s individual requirements and make the most suitable suggestions that will be cost-effective and make a substantial return on their investment.
Targeting the right tenants
At Ernest Brooks, we provide valuable insights and recommendations to help you furnish your property to attract the best tenants. Every landlord wants to have a reliable tenant that will not only pay timely rents but also take pride in their rental home. We help attract the right calibre tenants that will help you increase your rental investment.
Rental furniture for property professionals
Ernest Brooks rental packages have been tailored with relocation professionals in mind, and make the process of securing furniture for any property on a rental basis quick and efficiently, with everything delivered, assembled, installed by our furniture professionals.
We provide three different standard package levels; essential, definitive and prime. All of our rental furniture packages include furniture for living and dining areas, as well as all bedrooms, with the option to add furnishing accessories. Should you wish for a more personalised service our team are happy to help you build a bespoke furniture package that suits your specific requirements.
Interior Design Service
At Ernest Brooks, we help properties to reach their maximum investment potential by creating bespoke show homes, home staging and interior design. Our interior design service offers a tailored, flexible solution to creating impressive interiors; an expert interior designer will assist from initial conceptual stage through to the final design and installation.
We also offer a variety of furniture packages that are strategically tailored for the London property market, as well as a furniture rental service, interiors for property developers and private landlords.
