DJC Lettings Relocates to Prime High Street Spot

A new business arrived on Cheadle High Street last month. DJC Lettings, a well-known local letting agency, has set up shop at the upper end of the High Street. We met with owner Debbie Coates to learn more about this all-female enterprise.

Debbie told our reporter that they have been in business for eleven years, and she finds the most rewarding aspect of her job is offering beautiful homes for tenants. "Once people join us, they tend to stay. Someone might live in a two-bedroom property for five years and then seek something larger. They then turn to Debbie and her team for assistance in finding a bigger place. It's wonderful to be part of this community," said Debbie.

"A lot of people can't afford to buy a house because mortgage conditions are really tight; they need a big deposit and good jobs. Many people haven't got that stability in their work life and so need to rent. It's so lovely that they can have these gorgeous properties, which is their home. Although they are renting, it is still very much their home. We say to people, make it your home and be happy here."

DJC manages the properties on behalf of landlords, who employ Debbie and her team to find tenants and look after the property for them so that they don't have to. DJC handles all the legalities and practicalities, so the landlords don't have to worry about the paperwork. "It's nice for the landlords to know that we are looking after their properties and they have nice tenants in there. Everybody's happy. Happy Landlord, Happy Tenant," continued Debbie.

Since the recent changes in property law, Debbie told us that she's not really seen big changes. "Some landlords got out of the market a little bit earlier before the changes came in, maybe landlords who wanted to retire and sell, but the majority of landlords have stayed in the rental market because we look after all of the legalities. The landlords aren't really affected; they know we are doing it all for them."

I asked Debbie if she had a favourite property at the moment and she couldn't choose - "I love them all." Debbie explained that renting is very fast-paced, unlike buying a property. Debbie told us that a cottage had come in this morning and she knows that in a week to 10 days that will be let. "It's a much easier process than buying a house. The other thing I always say is renting is a bit like applying for a job; there might be one job available but 30 people that want the job. The home rental market is just the same; there is only one house but there might be between 20/30 people who want it, because there is a lack of properties, not just locally but nationally too. That's hard because we are trying to accommodate everybody who needs a house but we haven't always got what people are looking for in the moment, but she keeps the details and is optimistic that she can find them the right property in weeks rather than months."

If you want to get in touch with Debbie and the team, they have a website djclettings.co.uk. You can find their properties on Zoopla, and people are welcome to pop into their new High Street store or ring 01538 752232.

We asked Debbie what the most important things are if you're looking to rent. She said, "You've got to make sure it's affordable; the landlord may review the rent each year and may increase it a little bit. Also, the location should be considered carefully. If you have children, is it convenient for schools? Is it convenient for work? If someone doesn't drive, is the property close enough to walk to the things you need?"

We wish Debbie and her team our very best wishes in their new High Street Home.

DJC Lettings Relocates to Prime High Street Spot