I just came across Walkscore.It's a new site that allows potential buyers to research what amenities are within walking distance of a property they are interested in renting or buying.It lists transport links, restaurants, bars, shops, schools etc. and the distance to walk to them.

It also has an augmented reality app. although I am not sure if this is available in the U.K. yet.Whilst this tool is mainly for estate agents to capture data, I think it could be a handy due diligence tool for investors.Just put in the postcode of the property, and you will see all the data come up, along with a map.More information >>> here.Nifty and simple!

Vanessa,

 

Maybe I am too tired to see something right in front of me.

 

Is there a link that takes you to the tool/app? The link above seems to land on a page of a blog that provides some background. I did not see any links to the actual tool. 

 

For everyone who goes to the site, remember that an apartment is generally meant to be a building where there is a freehold and no leaseholds. Lots of rental units but one owner. With the properties that are bigger than say 20-50 units you would expect on-site management plus full time staff. This means the marketing and the vendor-client relationship is more professional. Service levels should be higher so providing useful information is expected.

 

In the UK the asset class almost does not exist. In the US there is a specific planning class that in effect blocks the releasing of the equity value triggered by creating salable units by breaking up the freehold.

 

John CoreyFollow me on Twitter-> http://www.twitter.com/john_coreyhttp://www.ChelseaPrivateEquity.com/blog

John: I believe you are referring to condominiums which are essentially slices of freehold. From what I understand, properties across the border have similar set up, but are called flats v. condominiums. The leasehold/freehold is a very English concept. I believe Irish and Scottish properties have more in common with the Anglo-American system.

Hi John,If you go to the link highlighted WalkScore, then you can put in a post code of a property that interests you and see what comes up.  :)It lists all the local amenities and how far away they are.  It also lists local transport links and how long a commute would take by walking, bike, car etc.It gives the location a "WalkScore" which is how walkable it is to most amenities.I think it's brilliant!We can not only use it for research, but also when renting or selling our properties.

Hi V, are there plans to incorporate Walkscore into the Yulpa package?Vanessa said:

Hi John,If you go to the link highlighted WalkScore, then you can put in a post code of a property that interests you and see what comes up.  :)It lists all the local amenities and how far away they are.  It also lists local transport links and how long a commute would take by walking, bike, car etc.It gives the location a "WalkScore" which is how walkable it is to most amenities.I think it's brilliant!We can not only use it for research, but also when renting or selling our properties.

Funny you should say that Rob ... we are already on the case organising that.

Nice one - me like - easy to use, clear and concise with lots of uses -

might even  tempt me out of my car once in a while!

I think it's great and will start to you this. It will be helpfull to show that you are giving a honest account of the local area and how far places really are.

Rob, walkscore will be part of yulpa and integrated into the DD end of acquisition, much like the mapping system and the ability to "walk around" an area on-line.

 

We have many other cool apps coming to.

 

N

Fab!nick tadd said:

Rob, walkscore will be part of yulpa and integrated into the DD end of acquisition, much like the mapping system and the ability to "walk around" an area on-line.

 

We have many other cool apps coming to.

 

N