Buy-to-let firm Assetz registers as estate agent

Assetz, a buy-to-let investment company with noticeable rosy views on the property market, has launched into the home-buyer sector.

A new division, Assetz Homes, has registered with The Property Ombudsman scheme.

It describes its aims as helping home buyers access the best deals on the market.

It says: “The unique service will deliver a vital new sales avenue to developers, assisting home buyers, and first-time-buyers in particular, in sourcing, financing and buying properties.

“Using its existing contacts and reputation, Assetz will negotiate the best purchase prices and mortgage deals for home buyers. Registered users will receive advance notice of properties coming up for sale in their preferred areas and regular free workshops to learn about the latest mortgage finance, interest rates and insurance.

“To help them get on the property ladder, Assetz will also provide independent regulated mortgage advice, free of charge, through its FSA-regulated broker Assetz Finance, including many exclusive finance deals with competitive interest rates and low deposit levels.”

Stuart Law, managing director of Assetz, said the new business would “revolutionise the way developers and homebuyers interact”.

He went on: “There is a huge pent-up demand from first-time buyers in particular who want to buy. We aim to educate potential buyers and guide them into home ownership, giving housebuilders much-needed extra sales.”

Ann Lever has been recruited to head up Assetz Homes, following a lengthy career at Barratt Homes, Miller Homes and Countryside Properties.

A spokeswoman said that Assetz Homes was neither a buying agency nor a selling agency, but a ‘service agency’, although she said that it would be the sellers paying the firm its fees.

She also clarified that whilst it primarily sources new homes from developers, it is also the agent for second-hand homes, which may not necessarily be part-exchanges.

She said: “Assetz Homes hasn’t limited the category of homes being offered to our buyers. Our relationships with developers will bring a broad base of opportunity to the market. We want to ensure that each property offers value to all parties concerned.”