Tapping into the migrant market

By Heather Rose
Posted: 2007/11/30

AN Edinburgh-based residential letting company is taking steps to make life easier for the growing number of eastern Europeans wanting to rent property in the capital.

Braemore Property Management, based in the city's Dundas Street and which has clocked up 15 years in the rental sector and currently manages about 800 properties in the area, has taken steps to simplify and fast track procedures for people from eastern Europe seeking a home in Edinburgh.

Clinton Joubert, sales manager with Braemore, explained: "People new to Scotland need to ensure that they are adequately prepared for renting. At Braemore we understand what these struggles can be and how they can be easily overcome. We are happy to sit down with people and help them through the process.

"Renting a home in Scotland is very simple - if someone can just take the time to explain it through." Language is one of the main hurdles these new arrivals often have to face.

"The solution is an interpreter so the agency can obtain the necessary information. Should there be no interpreter available the agency writes down the details required so the would-be tenant can take the list away for completion.

"Obtaining references can be another difficulty. Again the agency can contact a former employer, landlord or a professional person to assist. Other problems can occur when three or more people, who are not related, want to live together because of HMO licences. The costs involved in renting can also cause confusion so, again, the agency has measures in place to let newcomers understand what is required."

It is believed there are about 35,000 people from eastern Europe working in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Clinton Joubert said: "This is a market which cannot be ignored and property companies need to simplify procedures to ensure the challenge faced by migrant workers is kept as hassle free as possible while ensuring security for landlords."

INFORMATION:

0131 624 6666; www. braemore. co. uk