Margaret Farrell is joining Meadows Estates with a brief to expand the lettings side of the business and to work alongside the existing team on the establishment of a quality lettings service.

Owner and director Dean Meadows is delighted that Margaret is joining the Northwich company.

He said: “Margaret has many years of experience in property management and has a strong reputation as a ‘safe pair of hands’ throughout the area.

“She will bring depth and credibility to the lettings operation, and I look forward to the experience she can bring to my growing company.”

Margaret says: “There will always be a demand for rental properties. Professional property management is the key to balancing the quite different requirements of tenants and landlords.

“The housing market has undergone change during the economic downturn in recent years. Long term renting has become a common choice amid uncertainty on house prices and mortgage lending. “We now have ‘generation renters’ – i.e. those people who don’t qualify for social housing but can’t afford to buy a first property.

“A recent survey by Grainger revealed that more than half of the respondents on public attitudes believe that in 15 years’ time there will be more renters than owners in the UK.

“Reliable indicators point to the fact that returns on buy-to-let investment have historically been better than just about any other investment.

“Provided that potential void periods, maintenance and repair costs and all other expenses are taken into account, and provided the landlord can rely on a professional management service, buy-to-let investment is still an excellent option.

“In recent years we have seen the entry to the lettings market of the accidental landlord (those who have not been able to sell). Rightmove research indicated that many landlords in this category, having enjoyed the rental income, now wish to invest further.

“Another survey reports that 75 per cent of landlords believe that prospects are bright for the future, and approximately one fifth of those consulted intend to increase their portfolio.

“This is therefore an excellent time to offer the kind of quality property lettings and management service which this thriving industry deserves.

“Meadows Estates’ letting service will be driven by, and based on, client requirement.

“It will be open, flexible, cost effective and efficient, and regular communication will be one of our top priorities.

“There will be redress for non payment of rent.

“Landlords will make a choice as to the level of service they need – from let only to fully managed – and will then be charged accordingly on their bespoke package.

“Charges on a managed service therefore start from five per cent of monthly rent achieved.

“I have always been, and still am, passionate about lettings, and I have full confidence in the service we will provide here at Meadows Estates.

“There is an open invitation for landlords to come into the Northwich office at 64 High Street and hear more about this refreshingly different approach.”

To find out more about Meadows Estates, call 01606 40642.