The Country House Company has always been passionate about the importance of regulating the industry. Therefore it came as a relief to hear that Housing Minister, Heather Wheeler has announced that a new working group will be set up, tasked with raising standards across the housing sector; taking us a step closer to full regulation of the industry.
The working group will be headed up by Lord Best, an independent cross bencher and supported by professional bodies including ARLA Propertymark and consumer groups such as Citizens Advice. The group will look at ways to improve standards for home buyers, sellers, tenants, landlords and leaseholders.
At the moment anyone can operate as a property agent, although lettings professionals can set themselves apart from the competition, as The Country House Company years ago, by joining a membership organisation such as ARLA Propertymark. In doing so, they agree to abide by a Code of Practice and provide greater protection for tenants and landlords, including Client Money Protection and belonging to a redress scheme.
The Regulating Property Agents Working Group will be tasked with considering the case for a fully regulated industry, including mandatory qualifications for all property agents and will work towards a new framework which will be consistent across letting agents, managing agents and estate agents. Full regulation would bring the industry up to the standards already attained by ARLA Propertymark Members, making it easier for the public to understand the level of professionalism and protection offered by those working in the housing sector. This would bring increased confidence among consumers and a boost the reputation of the industry, making it more akin to the legal or accounting professions.
The introduction of mandatory qualifications, greater transparency and more accountability is to be encouraged and supported across the industry. We are professional, qualified and are members of ARLA Propertymark, and looking forward to other agents having to reach the same standard.
Marishelle Gibson
The Country House Company has always been passionate about the importance of regulating the industry, so it came as a relief to hear that Housing Minister, Heather Wheeler has announced that a new working group will be set up, tasked with raising standards across the housing sector.
The working group will be headed up by Lord Best, an independent cross bencher, supported by professional bodies including ARLA Propertymark and consumer groups such as Citizens Advice. The group will look at ways to improve standards for home buyers, sellers, tenants, landlords and leaseholders.
At the moment anyone can operate as a property agent, although lettings professionals can set themselves apart from the competition by joining a membership organisation such as ARLA Propertymark. In doing so, they agree to abide by a Code of Practice and provide greater protection for tenants and landlords, including Client Money Protection and belonging to a redress scheme.
The Regulating Property Agents Working Group will be tasked with considering the case for a fully regulated industry, including mandatory qualifications for all property agents and will work towards a new framework which will be consistent across letting agents, managing agents and estate agents. Full regulation would bring the industry up to the standards already attained by ARLA Propertymark Members, making it easier for the public to understand the level of professionalism and protection offered by those working in the housing sector. This would bring increased confidence among consumers and a boost the reputation of the industry, making it more akin to the legal or accounting professions.
The Country House Company is a member of ARLA Propertymark and NAEA Propertymark which have been lobbying Government for years for a fully regulated industry and have been instrumental in persuading the Government to take action.
The working group will look at:
- a model for an independent property-agent regulator, including how it will operate and how it will enforce compliance.
- a single, mandatory and legally-enforceable Code of Practice for letting and managing agents, and whether similar could be provided for estate agents.
- a system of minimum entry requirements and continuing professional development for letting, managing and estate agents.
- a standardised approach for presenting transparent service charges?to leaseholders and freeholders.
- an easier statutory-backed process for consumers to challenge unfair service charges.
- whether other fees and charges which affect both leaseholders and freeholders are justified; should be capped or banned.
- further measures to professionalise estate agency.
Mark Hayward, Chief Executive of NAEA Propertymark said: “We have been working closely with government since the announcement of the Regulating Property Agents Working Group. We are pleased to see that this has been now set up and look forward to progressing this in the interests of all parties”.
Sue Crossley, founding partner of The Country House Company commented: “There is a considerable amount of legislation that has to be dealt with by landlords and agents. Some of this legislation is for the good of the industry and the introduction of mandatory qualifications, greater transparency and more accountability is to be encouraged and supported across the industry. We are professional, qualified and are members of ARLA Propertymark, and looking forward to other agents having to reach the same standard.”
For full details on The Country House Company please call Marishelle Gibson on 02392 632275. For full details on ARLA Propertymark see www.arla.co.uk .
Following last years success Bedales runners are again entering the Great South Run on 21st October and as a few members of The Country House Company team run to keep fit, we are excited to be a sponsor and member of the Bedales Great South Run Team.
The Country House Company and Pledgit are helping the team to raise money for two Bedales Charities, John Badley Foundation and Cecily’s Fund.
The John Badley Foundation provides life changing opportunities by funding 100% bursaries to Bedales Senior and Prep Schools for talented new students whose family circumstances mean that a Bedales education would otherwise be completely out of reach. Cecily’s Fund is an international development charity, enabling orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia to gain an education so that they are able to reach their true potential and have better futures.
The Bedales Great South Run Team includes pupils, old Bedalians, teachers, support staff, parents, former parents, other supporters of Bedales and Marishelle from The Country House Company! They are currently at 27 team members and hoping for more so anyone with a connection to Bedales can come forward and join the team.
Further updates to follow…………….
Following last years success Bedales runners are again entering the Great South Run on 21st October and as a few members of The Country House Company team run to keep fit, we are excited to be a sponsor and member of the Bedales Great South Run Team.
The Country House Company and Pledgit are helping the team to raise money for two Bedales Charities, John Badley Foundation and Cecily’s Fund.
The John Badley Foundation provides life changing opportunities by funding 100% bursaries to Bedales Senior and Prep Schools for talented new students whose family circumstances mean that a Bedales education would otherwise be completely out of reach. Cecily’s Fund is an international development charity, enabling orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia to gain an education so that they are able to reach their true potential and have better futures.
The Bedales Great South Run Team includes pupils, old Bedalians, teachers, support staff, parents, former parents, other supporters of Bedales and Marishelle from The Country House Company! They are currently at 27 team members and hoping for more so anyone with a connection to Bedales can come forward and join the team.
Further updates to follow…………….
Always keen to endorse campaigns that raise public awareness of safety issues, here at The Country House Company we are fully supportive of Gas Safety Week which takes place this week 17th – 23rd September.
This is the eighth annual Gas Safety Week and will involve organisations raising awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
To help keep the nation gas safe, Gas Safe Register is calling for people to get their gas appliances safety checked by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer if it’s been a year or more since they were last looked at.
Gas Safe itself is using the week to address issues including tackling illegal gas work to reminding people to avoid DIY when it comes to gas appliances and instead leave it to the experts – registered engineers who are legally qualified to make sure appliances are working safely and efficiently.
A survey of more than 2,000 UK adults conducted for Gas Safe found that 19 per cent would only consider getting their gas appliances checked if they stopped working.
Gas Safe says unsafe gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning and resulted in 201 call outs from the fire and rescue services last year.
To help keep the nation gas safe, Gas Safe Register is calling for people to get their gas appliances safety checked by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer if it’s been a year or more since they were last looked at.
Gas Safety is particularly important for the private rented sector where the safety of gas appliances is often out of tenants’ hands. This is a prime example of the importance of using a professional Lettings Agency such as The Country House Company who will ensure that a valid gas safety certificate is issued at the start of a tenancy
It is a legal requirement for landlords to provide a valid gas safety certificate, if applicable, and to have it renewed annually. For all properties fully managed by The Country House Company we ensure that all the safety certificates are up to date.
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For further information on all Residential Letting Services offered by the Country House Company please contact Kate Morton on 02392 633020 or email kate@countryhousecomany.co.uk
Always keen to endorse campaigns that raise public awareness of safety issues, here at The Country House Company we are fully supportive of Gas Safety Week which takes place this week 17th – 23rd September.
This is the eighth annual Gas Safety Week and will involve organisations raising awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
To help keep the nation gas safe, Gas Safe Register is calling for people to get their gas appliances safety checked by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer if it’s been a year or more since they were last looked at.
It is a legal requirement for landlords to provide a valid gas safety certificate, if applicable, and to have it renewed annually. For all properties fully managed by The Country House Company we ensure that all the safety certificates are up to date.
One of the many advantages of using our Full Management Service – why lose sleep when we can take the responsibility?
Marishelle Gibson
The Country House Company are delighted to offer for sale this impressive detached residence, positioned at the edge of the popular village of Houghton with far reaching views over The River Test.
Constructed to an exacting standard by the current owners in 2009 the property showcases superb oak beams, multiple glazed panels and vaulted ceilings plus additional features including ‘Ice Energy’ ground source heat pump with underfloor heating, rainwater harvesting for garden use, Smart Vac Central Vacuum System and Clipsal Smart Home Technology, plus Cat 5 wiring throughout.
The accommodation is arranged over two levels and includes, on the ground floor, a welcoming reception hall, inner hall with full height glazed panels and oak staircase, spacious open plan kitchen/dining/living room which has a bespoke fitted kitchen with stainless steel Cornife Range Cooker, electric Aga and doors to the garden. Leading off this room is a large dual aspect sitting room with open fireplace, log burning stove and also doors outside. In addition, there is a study/bedroom 5, utility and cloakroom.
On the second floor is a galleried landing with seating area, a master bedroom suite with bathroom, dressing room and private balcony. A guest bedroom with contemporary wet room, two further double bedrooms and stylish bathroom complete the accommodation.
The property is elevated with magnificent views from most aspects and is approached via a driveway which rises to an area for parking to the rear with garden shed and log store. To the front is an attractive sun terrace with lawn and stepped terrace and a stunning view across The River Test and countryside beyond. Also, to the side is a pretty Summer House and to the rear of the house is a further area of garden which adjoins paddock land and benefits from a sunny aspect and superb outlook. The grounds total approximately 0.42 acres.
Positioned on the edge of Houghton the property is within walking distance of The Boot Inn which is renowned for its restaurant and garden.
Stockbridge itself is within approximately 2.0 miles and offers an eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants and shopping facilities with extensive amenities at Romsey, Winchester and Salisbury. For road and rail Grateley, Salisbury and Winchester are easily accessible with the A303 and A36 within a short drive.
For full details on this and other properties available through The Country House Company please call Kate Porter on 02392 632275 or see www.countryhousecomany.co.uk
Petersfield Youth Theatre September production
Guys and Dolls
The Country House Company are delighted to be the production sponsors for The Petersfield Youth Theatres presentation of Frank Loesser’s celebrated musical comedy Guys and Dolls. This sizzling, New York tale of gamblers, gangsters and nightclub singers – plus one missionary – features some of Broadway’s greatest show-stoppers, including Luck Be a Lady, Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat and My Time of Day.
Join the teenagers of PYT as they roll the dice and fall in love under the bright lights of Broadway. They will take you on a toe-tapping journey, through cafes of Havana, via Salvation Army meetings and even into the sewers of New York City, to discover if gambling on love really does pay off.
Performances: 18-23 September
Venue: The Festival Hall, Petersfield
Box Office: One Tree Books from Friday 24 August
Online: http://ticketsource.co.uk/petersfieldyouththeatre
Long established independent property agency The Country House Company have appointed Kate Porter as Head of Sales to further advance their successful brand that has become synonymous with the sale, letting and management of properties across the South.
Kate comes with over 16 years’ experience of property sales in both the country house and urban markets throughout the region.
Sue Crossley, co founder with her husband Robert, has long emphasised the importance of sales in the growth of the business. Proud of the reputation that The Country House Company has established as a highly professional property agency, Sue commented:
“The Country House Company has built a reputation of offering a high quality individual service operating with integrity and professionalism at all times for our lettings, sales and management clients. We are confident that Kate, with her extensive knowledge of sales in the south will carry this ethos forward and take the sales side of our business up to the next level.”
Kate Says:
“I am excited to be working with such an established and experienced team and for a brand that is respected throughout the region. Buying and selling a home is a personal and often emotional experience and it is important to me to be able to provide a bespoke service, working closely with the client to ensure the very best outcome is achieved.”
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