Home | Mailing List | About Us

Preparing for Letting

Assessment of the Property

Various factors need to be taken into account when advising a Landlord on how they should best proceed with their letting. The location, condition and size of the property, standard of contents and fittings provided and prevailing market forces are all factors which must be considered.

A Property Assessment will be carried out by an experienced Castle Estates representative visiting the property to carry out an initial inspection, following which all relevant issues will be discussed in greater detail with you. This enables you to ask any questions that you may have and discuss any particular concerns. This service is provided free and with no obligation.

Should I Let Furnished or Unfurnished?

The market is generally evenly divided between demand for furnished and unfurnished properties, though most lettings to a Company as tenant will usually be on a furnished basis. If furnished then of course the better the standard and presentation of furnishings the greater the opportunity for maximising the rent achievable.

All properties should usually include carpets and curtains. Furnished properties will also include the furniture found in most homes (beds, tables, chairs, suites), cooker and fridge, kitchen crockery, cooking utensils and cutlery. Better presentation and quality of the property and furnishings will be reflected in the monthly rental achievable. Linen and towels are not normally included even in a fully furnished property, and we would strongly advise against leaving a television, video, hi-fi equipment etc., other than in executive lets. We have a list giving a suggested inventory, and you may find it useful to refer to this if you are intending to let on a fully furnished basis.

A major consideration for Landlords who have a choice whether to let a property furnished or unfurnished is that there are Regulations which must be adhered to specifically on furnished properties. This is discussed further under "Soft Furnishings - Fire Regulations".

The Inventory

As part of our comprehensive service to Landlords, we arrange an Inventory and Schedule of Condition. Even if the property is unfurnished there should be a Schedule of Condition for the property itself. Carpets and curtains can be very expensive to replace and unless the condition of these soft furnishings and interior decor is properly documented, you will be unable to claim recompense for any damage at the end of the Tenancy.

Tips on Presentation

• Neutral decor works best
• Remove all "clutter"
• Painted surfaces are easier to maintain than wallpaper
• Gardens should be neat & tidy
• Professional cleaning is recommended

« Back to the Landlords Guide

Let Your Property With Castle Estates - Glasgow

The level of service provided and relative legislation applicable may be subject to local and regional variations from that stated in the general brochure. Please contact us for full details and variations

As part of the Housing Scotland Act 2006 legislation has been introduced providing new rights for Private Sector Tenants through the Private Rented Housing Panel please click on following button for further details and information.

It is now a legal requirement to Register with your local authority as a Landlord and to avoid the neccessity of Castle Estates deducting tax from the rent received all Overseas Landlords must apply for a tax exemption certificate.

To assist you through the Overseas Tax and Landlord Registration process please follow the following Links which will allow you to either download or complete on line the necessary application forms. If you require any further assistance please contact us direct.

Click Link for Overseas Tax Information

Our Overseas Tax Number is:       NA032567