Brangelina’s presence testament to US dominance of North Surrey’s Prime Rental Market in 2012
Brangelina’s presence testament to US dominance of North Surrey’s Prime Rental Market in 2012
For the second year running, North Surrey’s prime rental market was dominated by US nationals such as Hollywood A-listers Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie who rented a 6 bedroom mansion on the exclusive Wentworth Estate last year, reports local estate agent, Barton Wyatt.
Accounting for 46% of all Barton Wyatt’s tenants in 2012, US nationals were by far the largest group of prime property renters with Brits trailing in second place with 35% of tenants (although this is a rise of 11% on 2011 figures).
Commenting on the findings, Partner James Wyatt, says,
“As the US economy has started to get back on its feet over the last 12 months we have seen increasing numbers of American professionals and their families relocating to the UK and looking for prime properties to rent in our part of Surrey in particular.
“It seems that our ‘special relationship’ remains well and truly intact and with large, detached homes, open green spaces, discretion and privacy, not to mention US style schooling and easy access to Heathrow international airport, it’s no surprise that family homes in Virginia Water and the Wentworth Estate typically rented for £6,150 or more last year.”
Indeed the most popular prime rental properties were very much tailored to the family market with 62% affording 4 or 5 bedrooms and over half of children attending The American School (ACS) in nearby Egham or TASIS in Thorpe.
In contrast however to pre-recession days, the economic downturn remained evident in 2012 with a “DIY approach” to property finding very much in play. Only a third of clients used a Relocation Agent to find their rental property and 75% of tenancies were taken on privately as opposed to corporate lets indicating that companies remain cost conscious when it comes to housing.
Wentworth resident James Wyatt goes on to comment,
“The Estate and surrounding area has been an attractive spot for US expats to settle in the UK since the establishment of its two American schools nearly 40 years ago. Popular with those working in the finance, IT, pharmaceuticals, energy and beverage industries, this area of North Surrey is ideal for relocating families due to its inclusive community spirit, large homes and access to some of England’s finest countryside.”
But any old house won’t do for prime US tenants, its takes a certain type of property to get the Stars and Stripes of approval. One such home, available to rent today is Aspen Court, a superb house located on the much sought after gated community of St Ann’s Park in Virginia Water with 24 hour security and fabulous residents leisure facilities including swimming-pool, gym, and tennis courts.
Conveniently situated for both the TASIS and ACS International schools, Aspen Court comprises 5/6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, drawing room, dining room, massive playroom, a family room, top-of-the-range kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, laundry room, double garage, central hi-fi system and well landscaped gardens.
For more information on the rental market in Surrey and Aspen Court, available to rent for £6,750 pcm, contact the experts at Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.