Key benefits
- If you are based overseas, far away or have little time, a relocation agent makes sense. Properties go quickly. Some landlords and estate agents will not rent to tenants who have not personally visited the property or had a representative. We recently had a landlord who insisted on interviewing our client via zoom in the US. That was despite the fact we had viewed the property.
- If you don’t know the UK rental market or where you want to live, then a relocation agent or broker will advise you. A lot will depend on the budget. Also, which areas are more pet friendly, near green spaces, if you want to walk the dog.
- They will find off-market opportunities. Just like in the case study below. Getting in first is half the ‘battle’.
- You are taken more seriously being represented by a professional.
- They negotiate on your behalf. You want walls to be painted, gardens cleared up, furniture removed, they will sort that out for you.
- Deposits, references, tenancy agreements. They will advise you. Take out the stress so you can move in.
For the benefit of people relocating from the US. White goods, such as fridges, freezer, washing machines are included in a property. Also electricity, gas, water will not be cut off when you move in. As long as you have the meter readings, you can do it once settled.
Recent case study
US veteran relocating to London with a cat. Had issues with stairs and needed close proximity to the underground and shops.
He was staying in a London Airbnb. I would pick him up to view ‘hand-picked’ pet friendly properties in West London near his friends. As the search was specific, it took a little longer. In the meantime, I found another Airbnb for the client, under his budget, for a further week, with the ability to extend.
We saw a few options that could work. Most had stairs or were a bit further from transport. Luckily, through a contact, I found a garden flat in West Ealing near the shops plus transport and was unfurnished. I got us a quick last-minute viewing. My client was due to be away that day. He cancelled. We had it agreed in a few hours.
Tenants were moving out that week. Within a week he had moved in. Property was not yet listed on the portals.
"Prior to working with Pets Lets, we were struggling to find a landlord that would consider allowing pets. Our assistance from Pets Lets was the key to finding a "cat flat". Russell listens to your parameters, gives you realistic feedback, and couldn't be friendlier or more professional. He clearly has established strong relationships with property managers and landlords as well. We feel fortunate to have worked with Pets Lets."
We have even found lovely flats for clients with 4 & 5 cats as well as 2 dogs, a cat and a hedgehog. That was more time consuming though.
Summary
Do not leave the property finding to the last minute. I would allow at least 3 months. Especially if you are unsure where you want to live or don’t know the UK well.
Preparation is key so you can move quickly for the right property. That is something we work on with our clients.
It is not just about finding a property and ‘goodbye’. There is so much more to the relocation service.
Relocating is stressful enough. Makes sense to have a professional guide you.
This article was written by Russell Hunt, Founder of Pets Lets. Feel free to book a call with me. With over 25 years as a London estate agent and London property search agent covering London and the home counties, as well as a dog owner with a basset/ beagle, setting up the Pets Lets Relocation Service made complete sense. We work with clients from all over the world. Pets are our four-legged children, aka ‘fur-babies’.