Any Estate Agents out there?

[ijustwanttobeme]

Have a flat that has been rented out to the same person for the last eight years.

Am debating selling the property, but should I ask my tenant to leave prior to putting it on the market, or can it be marketed with her in situ and then give her notice when it sells?

The area that the flat is in is full of rented properties, so it may be that it may be bought by a prospective landlord anyway.

All advice appreciated.

If she keeps the place nice I would sell while she's in it - I would do the initial marketing aimed at an investor, stating 'good tennant, willing to say, but not sitting'.

(I'm not an EA though!!)

say stay

Thanks chippingIn, but to everyone else:

bump

I have just sold my flat. (currently going through) My tenant was still in there when it was marketed. Had an offer but it fell through. Was thinking to break the contract and get him out before continuing to market it as could make it cleaner/tidier.

However, he gave notice (one month) and when he did move out, did a quick clean job and got another offer within a couple of days.

It's better if they are not there as my flat was unfurnished as made all the rooms look bigger and cleaner and let the prospective buyer visualise how to furnish it to their taste.

bump

My flat is currently tenanted and we have just accepted an asking price offer. We'd discussed it with the tenant and given him his two month's notice before putting the flat on the market but we're letting him live there until exchange.

However, on the property information form we have had to give all his details and he has had to say he is willing to sign the sale contract etc so that will all need to be checked.

Partly it will depend how your tenant keeps the flat and whether they're likely to be helpful about viewings etc.

I would either aim to sell as a btl with ready made tenant or give her notice now. You won't be in a very good position if you have to delay completion of your sale for 2 months to serve the notices and ask the tenant to leave.