Branch spotlight - Downend
We caught up with Mark Jervis, our Downend Hub Lettings Manager to hear all about the rental opportunities in this popular North Bristol suburb.
We have been operating in the Downend, Bristol since 1987. Our Current patch for lettings covers, North and East Bristol, to include areas such as Downend, Hanham, Longwell Green, Bradley Stoke, Winterbourne and Yate.
Downend is a vibrant suburb located in the northern part of Bristol, England. It strikes a unique balance between a quiet residential atmosphere and accessibility to the amenities of a larger city.
Tell us about Downend?
Downend offers a variety of properties to suit different preferences and lifestyles. You'll find a mix of housing options from detached homes to studio apartments and cottages, also including a variety of Student Accommodation.
The area is known for its quiet, family-friendly atmosphere, making it a good option for those seeking a quieter, residential home. The community is well established and welcoming, and it benefits from good local amenities, including shops, parks, and schools.
Despite being part of a larger city, Downend maintains a close-knit, friendly community feel. Residents often engage in various activities and events that promote a sense of belonging. The Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council plays a significant role in fostering this community spirit.
Education:
Downend is home to several well-regarded schools, including Downend School, Bromley Heath and Christchurch Primary School. These schools are known for their high academic standards and strong community involvement. Parents in the area often appreciate the quality of education available to their children.
Restaurants:
The dining scene in Downend offers a diverse range of options to suit various tastes. From cozy family-run establishments to modern eateries, you'll find a mix of traditional British fare, international cuisines, and trendy cafes. Local favourites include The Horseshoe, a traditional pub with a warm atmosphere, Italb, an Italian restaurant known for its authentic dishes and Mokka for Tapas and Cocktails.
And what about the team?
Currently the team comprises of 7 skilled professionals each committed to providing exceptional service in lettings and property management. As a team we oversee a diverse portfolio of circa 230 managed units.
Mark Jervis is our Downend Lettings Manager. With nearly 15 years of experience in the property industry, 12 of which have been specifically in Lettings, Mark brings a real depth of experience to the branch, especially considering as he has been a landlord himself for the past 7 years. While he has been an integral part of Andrews for the past three and a half years, Mark also embarked on a 10-month sabbatical to explore the world - if you pop into the branch, ask him all about it!
Mark works with a great team of Lettings experts in the branch; Senior Lettings Consultant Elizabeth Davies and Lettings Consultant Shannon Bird as well as a team of brilliant Property Managers, Leanne Harris, Kelly Hamilton, Joe Fairman and Melanie Whitehead who deal with all maintenance, renewing of safety certificates and the end of a tenancy process.
Day to day life as an agent
A lettings agent's day-to-day life is dynamic and multifaceted, revolving around the lettings and management of rental properties along with maintaining relationships between landlords and tenants.
Mornings often start with a morning meeting, reviewing emails and inquiries, promptly addressing any urgent matters. A significant portion of the day is also spent conducting property viewings, showcasing available rentals to prospective tenants, and highlighting key features that align with their needs and preferences.
Negotiation skills are crucial, as we negotiate tenancy terms and rental prices on behalf of both parties.
We also handle administrative tasks such as drafting contracts, organising property inspections, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Communication is paramount, as we mediate between landlords and tenants, addressing concerns, coordinating repairs, and facilitating a smooth living experience.
Additionally, we are constantly adapting to market trends, staying informed about rental values and property demand to provide accurate advice to their clients. In essence, our role is a blend of customer service, lettings expertise, and administrative finesse, all aimed at creating harmonious and mutually beneficial tenancy agreements.
Downend is known for its stable and desirable rental market. Here are some key points if you are looking to rent in this area:
Strong Rental Demand: Downend is a popular suburb with a strong demand for rental properties. Its proximity to Bristol city centre and local amenities makes it an attractive choice for renters.
Variety of Tenant Profiles: Downend caters to a diverse range of tenants, including families, professionals, and students from the nearby University of the West of England (UWE).
Steady Rental Yields: The area traditionally offers steady rental yields circa 5%, making it appealing for long-term investment.
Local knowledge – The Downend team is deeply rooted in the local community, with each member not only working here but also living, shopping, dining, and socialising in the area. This allows us to serve our clients with a unique understanding and a personal touch.
For property owners looking to let their homes in Downend there’s a high demand for rental properties, particularly for family homes and apartments. Engaging with Andrews as a Trusted and Admired letting agency can only be a helpful way to navigate this.
If you are interested in a buy-to-let property in this area, here are a few we have currently available across North Bristol:
32 Arthurs Close – A 2 bed apartment on at £190K but could achieve £1000 - £1100pcm meaning a 7% Yield.
141 Thicket Avenue – A 3 Bed end of terrace on for auction starting at £250K – could achieve £1400pcm meaning a 6.5% Yield
47 Slade Baker Way – A 2 bed apartment near UWE on at £270K, could achieve £1600pcm if open to students, meaning a 7% Yield
8 The rosary – 3 bed mid terrace on at 350k, could achieve 1400pcm – 4.4% yield
17 Rodway Road – A 3 bed end terrace on at 310k, could achieve £1300pcm – 5.5% Yield
4 Over drive – A 4 bed town house, which could achieve £1350pcm – circa 5% yield
