Agent sees growing demand for lettings in Cambridgeshire

Growing demand from people looking to rent across Cambridgeshire has led to estate agents Harrison Murray further expanding its lettings service.

Ashley Taylor (24) has taken on the role of lettings co-ordinator for the company’s Cambridgeshire branches in March, Chatteris and Wisbech.

Ashley, who originates from Chatteris, has gained extensive experience of the lettings market through the time he spent working as a negotiator in London.

He is supported by a team of six negotiators across the three local offices.

Ashley said: “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in demand for our lettings service, particularly over the past couple of months where we have witnessed a 56 per cent rise in our managed portfolio.

“This increase in people looking to move into rented accommodation is due to a number of reasons. We are seeing more and more people ‘testing the water’ by opting for rented accommodation before they commit to living in a particular area. This is particularly relevant to people looking to move here from some of the more Southern counties.”

Ashley, who is based at the Wisbech office, added: “At the moment, the demand for rented accommodation in the county is greater than the supply we have – so we are always looking for landlords to come and talk to us if they have a property to let. We have a large applicant base, but not enough stock.

"The comprehensive and professional service that we offer means that both landlord and tenant can benefit from our commitment to provide an outstanding working partnership".

Harrison Murray’s lettings service includes full property management and rent collection services.

Development director Jackie Scotten said: “The lettings market is buoyant and we anticipate increased local interest from landlords, particularly as we are also able to include the rent collection option and offer a free rent guarantee insurance.

“As a member of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA), Harrison Murray is delighted to offer a professional local service with the backing of our central lettings headquarters.”

Jackie added: “Our experience shows that people move into rented accommodation for a variety of reasons.

'Financial constraints are one of the main reasons however some people use rented property as a stepping stone to buying their own home.

“We are delighted to say that some tenants then progress to the residential sales market or go on to buy the accommodation they are renting.”

Harrison Murray is also a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).