Potential property sellers and property landlords who fail to upgrade security arrangements on their properties will find that they will no longer get the best possible price when they sell or can no longer attract tenants, says Tony Clarke, MD of Rawson Properties.
'As we all know,' said Clarke, 'there has been a massive swing to security estates and homes and these are able to fetch over 30% more than similar homes standing on their own plots.
'If the home you are selling is not in a security estate it will pay you hands down to go the whole way on your security arrangements '“ putting in burglar bars, perimeter beams, electrified fencing and a gate intercom system. Any expenditure here will be handsomely recouped in the final selling price '“ but if the home is not well protected, it will probably not sell for its true value'
Clarke said that despite regular press reports about todays intruders being able to find their way onto the higher floors of apartment blocks and into other apparently secure accommodation, certain landlords still refuse to protect all but the ground floors of multi-unit blocks. This, he said, will lead to their losing tenants.
Also often not adequately protected, said Clarke, are garden units, formerly perhaps the most popular of all rented accommodation. Single and old people living in such units, he said, are very much at risk.
'Any review of the security situation will show that there is a tendency to complacency, an inclination to leave action until the occupants lives have become untenable. Owners have got to learn to be pro-active in these matters, to keep one jump ahead of the criminal element and there are today many reputable companies which will help them to do this. Do not begrudge the expense '“ go for maximum protection'
