A buying agency says it’s seen what it calls “a huge uptake in furnished lettings requests” following recent floods in London, with homes going above asking rent.
Plum Fenton, London specialist at Haringtons, comments: “The recent flooding in London has pushed many homeowners out of their home due to havoc created by recent flooding. We’re seeing a huge influx of demand from homeowners joining the letting market, as they find homes to stay in whilst insurance works take place.
“The areas most affected are Notting Hill, Belsize, Hampstead and Hammersmith & Fulham – so we’re largely talking about family sized homes which are already a rarity as stock levels are so low. These clients are looking for homes fully furnished due to the damage to their furniture, which are even harder to find as families usually come with their own possessions unlike young professionals.
“However, as a consequence we are advising clients to rent furnishing packs to cater for this demand.
“I’ve seen a number of homes rent for 25 per cent above asking price, and I know of over 100 new leases in London that have gone to flood victims, and with more rain expected this will increase.
“August is usually a quiet month, but the pandemic and now this, its is keeping the property market afloat.”