New branch of national letting agents opens in town
Date published: 23 March 2007
Letting agents, Martin & Co
Renting is becoming more popular as mainland Europe’s lifestyle approach and the soaring costs of mortgages facing homeseekers here. Now people looking to rent in Rochdale are being offered the services of the UK’s largest network of letting agents, Martin amp; Co, who have offices throughout the UK and Ireland.
Former RAF man Phil Watson has become proprietor of the latest branch of Martin amp; Co, who provide a complete service to landlords and tenants. He has opened offices in Cheetham Street in Rochdale town centre.
Phil Watson, aged 36 and married with two sons, was born in Rochdale, and began his working life with eight years in the RAF. He explained: “This was how in 1992 I first entered the buy to let market, becoming a landlord. I had bought a home but was then posted to the Falklands. I rented out the house and when I came back after four months I decided to expand my interest in lettings.” (After leaving the RAF Phil worked as a corporate account manager in the telecomms business.)
Phil is now a qualified member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA). Therefore ensuring best practise and service when dealing with both landlords and tenants. He has also successfully completed the ARLA Technical Award in Residential Letting and Property Management.
In his new career as the Rochdale Managing Director of Martin amp; Co Phil will be assisted by Greg Conibear, who has a wealth of experience in the research of local property markets on behalf of property professionals. The Rochdale office is able to offer a range of services to suit landlords including tenant finding, rent processing, fully managed and investment amp; management.
Phil said: “Being part of the Martin and Co network assists us with keeping abreast of the changing legislation affecting landlords and tenants and gives us credibility. Rochdale has a tremendous future and the need for rental properties is rising because of the forecast growth in the population. The position of the town, the motorway network and the planned extension of the tramway system will all help attract newcomers.”
Rochdale is following the national trend in expanding its interest in private renting. According to the Department for Communities and Local Government from 1993 to 2005, the proportion of people aged 25 to 29 who were private renters rose from 19 per cent to 34 per cent. Over the same period the proportion that were owner occupiers fell from 60 per cent to 50 per cent, according to the Housing in England 2004-05 report published recently.
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