Any constructive advice, we've run out of ideas!

kandg

I put my apartment on the market with a local EA about 18 months ago as I needed to move closer to work. Before the board went up I had an offer 10k under the asking price which I didnt accept ( in hindsight I should have!). After that there was an offer 15k under th asking price which I accepted but then it fell through as did another offer a couple of months later.
This summer we tried to part exchange but the property we wanted to buy was valued at 15k under the asking price and Barratts wouldn't reduce the asking price so that fell through.
I applied for a 2yr consent to let through my current mortgage which was agreed. I then put it up for rent at £695 PCM. There have been 2 applicants who both pulled out at very short notice due to change in circumstances.
We have tried ' sell your propery quick' sites but I need 150k as that's what's outstanding on my mortgage and their offers were less than that.
Does anyone have any other ideas? Stick it on at 150k and accept I'll break even, hold out for a tennant or anyone have experience of any other above board companies that can help?
Everyone who views it loves it but as its an apartment the EA say it's really difficult to get people to look. My maintenance fee of £160 PCM also puts people off!
Sorry this is so long but I feel we have tried everything.
It's on rental on rightmove hd9 at £695 PCM with cornerstones.
Thanks in advance

Fire_Fox

Have you researched land registry sold prices for the block and area? Have you formally queried the service charges? Have you decluttered, spring cleaned, finished all the little DIY tasks, neutralised the decor? Have you considered dropping the rent for a quick let of at least a year fixed term? Have you researched the reams of legislation attached to landlording or are you relying on the agent?

ETA This one?
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-35627443.html

Fire_Fox

Are you letting fully furnished, if so is that what tenants in the area want?
Get rid of all the personal photos and handbags
Have a floorplan added
Why have you got two dining rooms?
Shower room looks tiny, is it?
Where are the photos of the communal gardens? Water is beautiful but it might put families off for safety reasons.

kandg

Yes, that's it.
Thanks for the feedback. I shall remove some of the personal items and get new photos done before it turns wintry! Hadn't noticed the floor plan wasn't on there, they did do one. I will also get a photo of the private garage and grounds. We manage our own grounds and buildings as a residents association, the price will not go down. There is a reduction for a longer let. Furniture is negotiable. The shower room is small but there is a large bathroom.
Thanks again

Fire_Fox

IMO drop the rent but insist on a longer let because this will save you money on voids and letting agents finders fees, if it is too expensive you are only going to attract families and many of those will be looking at houses.

Right now it's only dressed as a two bedroom so could suit professional sharers wanting more luxury or space than average, especially since you have two bath/ showers. Make the third bedroom into a bedroom OR dining room OR office, it's confusing.

SuzieSue

Agree with FF. See if you can get 2 sharers as it's got 2 bathrooms. Try Spareroom and Easyroommates.

kandg

I hadn't really thought of sharers being interested as its in a quite rural location ( if that isn't a too odd a statement!!) . Useful info to speak to the EA about. The 3rd bedroom is a double and I currently use it as a dressing room so we will re arrange that. Cheers

Nan_Dingle

1st thoughts -

No floorplan
Flood risk - a river runs through it!
Kitchen - black rug isnt' helping
Family Bathroom - no shower there.
Bedrooms - tiny, what storage space
No bedrooms are en-suite

Is it really three bed? 'Currently used as a dressing room'

Pic 11 - which room is that?

Renting unfurnished, but picture furnished. COnfusing.

Not clear how many stairs up it is, needing the lift suggests plenty!

It's a long drive into Sheffield or Huddersfield

I'm perplexed about what the target market is for renters. Young singles would probably want mill conversion ("loft space") in the town, not up in t'hills, but IMHO it would be tricky for a young family.

lessonlearned

It's a lovely apartment in a very nice setting. It is beautifully presented with good quality furniture. It would make a good executive let. The two bathrooms make it excellent for a couple of single professionals.

Two professionals sharing a rent of £695 make it a very attractive proposition.

Who are your nearest big large employers. It might be worth contacting them. Any large hospitals nearby.

I live near to several large employers who need to place visiting executives and personnel from overseas. The hospital is always on the lookout for good accommodation for visiting locums, junior doctors etc. They look for good quality accommodation which is decorated and furnished to a high standard - just like yours.

Also how near are you to any universities for visiting lecturers etc.

I would suggest you contact all these institutions direct - you estate agent doesn't seem to be very pro-active.

Just edited to add some second thoughts.

I agree the decor whilst charming is a little personal. Not everyone likes all that flowered wall paper, especially if you were looking at male professionals. The brown wallpaper in the lounge is particularly dark.

I would lose the brown wallpaper, photos personal mementoes etc, Put the black rug in the lounge and make it look a bit more "chic". Again the wallpaper in the bedrooms do make them look a bit "girly". You need to make it a bit more gender neutral. People can add their own bits and pieces to personalise it.

Second thing I noticed - it's near Holmfirth. So it's a good tourist location, ie The Peak District, Chatsworth etc.

How would a holiday let work. It would need to be managed properly, ie laundry and handover cleans etc. but it might work for you.

kandg

Morning
The other flats are owned by professional couples or people who have retired and downsized or who own property abroad and split their time. Its very safe and secure. Its 20mins to Huddersfield and 40mins to Sheff/Leeds. I will try Hudd hospital, didnt think of that!
The river has never flooded. As I used the thrid double as a dressing room we dont have wardrobes in the other bedrooms. We have moved the large dining table from the lounge into the kitchen and moved the sofa from the kitchen into the lounge. The smaller table that was in the kitchen has been given away. I am contacting the EA to get the floor plan put on and new photos done. Its second floor so about 20 steps up on the non lift side if you prefer not to use it. I will take out the rug too! Looking at the area other apartments are generally smaller for roughly the same price. I still cant decide whether we should continue to try to rent it or put it on at a realistic selling price!

lessonlearned

Hi sorry I added a bit to my post whilst you were posting.

Hope it helps.

FWIW I think your flat is lovely, the rent is very fair.