Questions and Answers

  1. How often is rent paid by tenants and when is it paid to me?
  2. How do you obtain the highest rents and ensure maximum occupancy?
  3. How long, on average, does it take to let a suitable property?
  4. What is the average tenancy period?
  5. How do you select satisfactory tenants and are student suitable tenants?
  6. How easy is it to obtain possession?
  7. Who pays Council Tax?
  8. Do you advise letting furnished or unfurnished?
  9. Is it easy to sell my property and can Camwest assist in this?
  10. What type of people make up your existing client base?
  11. Are references available for Camwest?

1. How often is rent paid by tenants and when is it paid to me?

Rent is paid by the tenants monthly, in advance. Rent is paid by Camwest to you twenty-eight days from receipt of rent and is accompanied by your monthly statement.

2. How do you obtain the highest rents and ensure maximum occupancy?

Camwest has every incentive to ensure the highest achievable rents are paid, together with the highest possible occupancy, as management fees are calculated on rents actually received. We do not believe, however, in charging more than the true open market rental value; to do so results in dissatisfied tenants or potential voids.

3. How long, on average, does it take to let a suitable property?

For properties recommended by Camwest the property is usually fully let within 14 days of furnishing and equipping having been completed.

4. What is the average tenancy period?

For single tenancies, 12 months. For shared houses, 10 -12 months.

5. How do you select satisfactory tenants and are student suitable tenants?

Camwest has a strict vetting policy which means obtaining relevant references and meeting tenants when we show them the property. We let to professional people, academics, families and colleges. Lettings are usually on a joint and several basis. (i.e. One lease to a group of five or more individuals, with guarantees from parents/guardians being secured). Higher calibre properties naturally attract higher calibre tenants.

6. How easy is it to obtain possession?

The 1977 Rent Act and the 1988 Housing Act have between them ensured the safety of the investment because both the rental income and contractual term of letting can be set at a market rate over a short period - 6 months. So long a certain conditions are complied with at the start of the tenancy, then any problems with obtaining possession are extremely rare.

7. Who pays Council Tax?

Our leases pass the obligation of paying council tax on to the tenants. There is no council tax on houses let to students.

8. Do you advise letting furnished or unfurnished?

This will depend on the type of property purchased and prospective tenants. We can show this flexibility in our Investment Appraisals. Generally single occupancy units would be part furnished and shared occupancy units fully furnished. The nature and cost of furnishing and equipment will vary with each property, but in every case it will be of good quality, and will comply with the relevant safety legislation.

9. Is it easy to sell my property and can Camwest assist in this?

There is a strong market for fully let investment properties in both Cambridge and Exeter. Camwest will act as broker between clients for an agreed fee, or alternatively instruct estate agents on the sale of property to a third party.

10. What type of people make up your existing client base?

A wide cross section, living in many countries throughout the world and in the UK, including investment companies, colleges, family trusts, legal and financial professionals, business men and women, as well as a wide range of other private individuals.

11. Are references available for Camwest?

Yes. References are readily available from our bankers as well as from a wide range of existing clients. A high percentage of our business results from recommendations from existing clients, and we are more than happy to put a potential client in direct contact with existing clients - subject to their permission.