Housing Market Vibrant, Franchise System Strong for the UK’s Belvoir Group

The Belvoir Group is the UK’s largest High Street property management franchise, with over 300 offices across the Belvoir, Northwood, Newton Fallowell and Lovelle brands.

The Belvoir Group’s central office is based in Grantham, Lincolnshire, and the company is on-target to record 24 years of unbroken turnover and profit growth, having come out of lockdown in a stronger position than ever.

The property market remains attractive for many buy-to-let landlords and investors, and the resilience of Belvoir’s franchise business model provides opportunities for growth for both parties via existing and new income streams. The continued rollout of financial services across the Belvoir Group is proving to be extremely popular, with franchisees able to grow a business-within-a-business by offering mortgages and associated practices to their clients.

While many independent agencies have not survived the financial ravages of the pandemic, many of Belvoir’s franchisees have been able to grow their businesses by acquiring competing independent businesses looking to exit the market. Some franchisees within the group are now turning over in excess of £1m per annum. Acquisition remains a key growth strategy for the Belvoir Group and in October, the company announced the successful acquisition of its 100th independent agent.

Following the recent publication of Belvoir’s Q3 rental index — and despite relatively flat rental values for the past three years — Belvoir is predicting that rents will increase in 2021. There is continued tenant demand combined with a shortage of properties. Average length of tenancies remains high, with 41 percent of tenants choosing to remain in their home for 19-24 months — and almost a quarter renting for over two years.

“Anyone who is considering entering into property investment would be well advised to contact their local Belvoir office to discuss potential property hotspots in their area,” advises Belvoir CEO, Dorian Gonsalves. “Research from our post-lockdown Q3 rental index reveals significant regional diversity, but investors can benefit from the free property advice of a local expert who will be able to advise on all aspects of their potential investment. This includes best location for investment, anticipated rental yields, tax advice and how to exit the market to the best financial advantage when the time comes.”

Belvoir’s Q3 rental index confirms that houses continue to outperform apartments. Many people came out of lockdown determined to find some outdoor space, often favouring more rural areas with a less dense population.

“We have made the Belvoir rental index freely available on our website. It is an incredibly valuable resource for landlords and investors who can see at a glance what is happening in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Importantly, they can also zone-in on how the rental market is performing in any particular region.”

For more information, visit: belvoir.co.uk/pages/rental-index