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User Guide

Title

Your Local Number 1 Trusted Team

  • paragraph

    We are open from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday - Sunday
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    The 'First Step' to all your property matters

    First Step - Your Local Agent who use all the leading UK's property websites giving you the widest media coverage when buying or selling.

    First Step for:

    • Buying
    • Selling
    • Land & New Homes
    • Landlords
    • Tenants
    • Financial Advice
    • Shared Ownership


Contact us

Features

Check out our available properties

You can see the properties we're currently marketing for rent by clicking the button below:

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User Guide

Title

Refreshing approach to Lettings for Landlords

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                       Lettings - Terms and Conditions
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    First Step offer:

    • Fully Managed Service - subject to property valuation 
    • Collect and remit all rent received
    • Carry out detailed inventory
    • Agree collection of any shortfall and payment method 
    • Provide tenant with method of payment
    • Deduct any pre-tenancy invoices
    • Advise on non-resident tax status and HMRC (if relevant) 
    • Registration of deposits with DPS
    • Rent Collection
    • Check in/out appointments
    • Quarterly Inspections
    • Fully access to maintenance service
    • Allocated property manager
    • Handling deposit disputes
    • Serving appropriate legal notices
    • Re-advertising the property

    CALL NOW: 01462 659 730 or 

    Email: gaye@firststep.ltd or Yvonne@firststep.ltd

    Based on services, terms & conditions of our fully managed agency agreement. which includes but is not limited to:

    STANDARD MANAGEMENT SERVICE

    First Step provide a property management service to owners (and superior Landlords) wishing to let out their property. The standard fee for the management of the property is taken as a percentage of rent taken during the period of the tenancy.
    The standard management service includes:

    1. Advising as to the likely rental income from the property.

    2. General marketing of the property.

    3. Interviewing prospective tenants and taking up full references including employer and/or previous Landlord (excluding students).

    4. Preparing the tenancy agreement and relevant notices in order to enable the Landlord to gain protection from the relevant housing acts.

    5. Liaising with the Landlord's mortgagees where necessary.

    6. Taking a deposit from the tenant to be held by the Agent as a stakeholder until the satisfactory checking of the inventory.

    1. Collecting the rent and transferring to our Landlords (normally monthly for professionals and termly for student rentals and to be transferred by the fifteenth of the following month of rent collection) less any fees or expenses due or incurred for that period. A detailed rental statement is sent monthly/quarterly/termly (for student properties).

    2. Inspections of the property to be agreed between the Agent, tenant and Landlord.

    3. Inspections on empty property are not normally carried out and will only be carried out by special arrangement.

    4. In order to assure you security of tenure, it's our company policy to renew a fresh 6-month Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement with the existing tenant(s) should both parties wish to do so (excluding student let properties).

    1. Co-ordination of maintenance and repairs of the property and settling accounts from rent received.

    2. Carry out a detailed check of the property at the termination of the tenancy.

      Additional items and other expenses will be charged according to the scale of charges as defined below.

    •  Set up Fee for Managed Properties (Landlords Share)
    •  Fee for the whole property
    •      Agree the market rent and find a tenant in accordance with the  landlord guidelines
    •  Advise on refurbishment
    •      Provide guidance on compliance with statutory provisions and  letting consents
    •  Carry out accompanied viewings (as appropriate)
    •      Market the property and advertise on relevant portals
    •  Erect board outside property in accordance with Town and  Country planning Act 1990

    Although the aim is to take care in managing the property, First Step cannot accept responsibility for the non-payment of rent or other default in their collection. An insurance policy is however available and recommended for this eventuality.

    TERMINATION

    Either party by way of six months' written notice may terminate this agreement. A placement fee equivalent of one month's rent will be payable where the Landlord intends to continue letting to tenants introduce by the Agent after the termination of this agreement.


    The Landlord shall provide the Agent with any requirements for return and repossession of the property at the earliest opportunity. Landlords should be aware that any tenancy agreement entered into on the Landlords behalf is a binding legal agreement for the term agreed. Details of any tenancy agreement being entered into will be communicated onto the Landlord as soon as possible. Landlords should be aware that the legal minimum notice period to tenants under assured tenancies is generally two months (should the contract allow for early termination) and this needs to be given even if the case of a fixed term tenancy which is due to expire.

    www.firststep.ltd/lettings

    Updated 26 - 8 - 19

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User Guide

Title

TENANTS

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    Fastest growing Letting Agent in the local area
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    As the Number 1 Letting Agent in our local area, we offer a refreshing approach to lettings for landlords and tenants alike.

    • Our unmatched knowledge of the local area paired with our expertise in lettings makes for a simple, transparent and positive experience that helps tenants find the right home with ease.
    • Anyone's welcome to pop in and discuss their requirements further in the peaceful and professional surroundings of our modern, Stotfold based office.
    • At First Step, our focus is on finding tenants their perfect home and making the experience as stress free as possible.
    • We're a dedicated and approachable team, offering a friendly approach and can guide you through the renting process.

    With customer service at our forefront, we go above and beyond to fulfill your property needs.

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    Our minimum Tenancy Term is 6 months
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    If you are looking to rent a particular property call our offices to discuss your requirements.

    We work with properties of all sizes in the local area.
    T:01462 659730
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User Guide

Title

First Step Lettings

  • Introduction

    First Step - Number 1 local Letting Service
    We are very proud to announce that First Step are now the
    Number 1 Lettings Agent in our local area.

    Our Lettings Team continually strive to make renting your property easier for you. Whether you are a landlord with a property to let, or a tenant looking to rent your next home, we are here to help make the process as stress free as possible.

    Our Lettings Team have a great background with great organisational skills, knowledge and are very customer focused.

    • We offer competitive letting rates for a complete managed service. Alternatively we can find a tenant for a fixed fee.
    • We take professional photos
    • Undertake all viewings
    • All prospective tenants are reference checked
    • We can arrange an optional checking inventory.
    • Giving you the widest media coverage
    • First Step are the only local agent to use all of the UK's leading property websites
    • We handle the entire process for you.

    Call us now to discuss your Lettings requirements.
Contact us
    User Guide

    Title

    Lettings Testimonials

    • Introduction

      Thank you for stopping by....
      We are very proud to announce that First Step are now the 
      Number 1 Lettings Agent in our local area.  

      We offer competitive letting rates for a complete managed service. Alternatively we can find a tenant for a fixed fee. Please do call us to discuss how we can help you.

      First Step have a strong professional team covering all aspects of their services. With solid industry and local area knowledge First Step will work with you to find a new rental or as a Landlord a new tenant.

      We are independent, experienced and up to date with all new housing matters which may affect you. We work with buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants to achieve the goals required by each client.

      With great local area knowledge we always take into consideration the amenities and facilities you require when selling or letting.

      We are the only local agent to use all the leading UK's property websites giving you the widest media coverage!

      Call us now to discuss your property requirements.

      Gaye & Yvonne


    Testimonials from Landlords

    • Landlord Testimonial

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      Great working with you - Our Pleasure - First Step
      We chose First Step to market and manage our one bedroom flat for rent. 

      This was initially due to the good reputation they had built with some of our neighbors. First Step replied to our emails immediately with all of the information we required in order to make a quick decision to go with First Step.

      Their terms seemed reasonable and uncomplicated. We met with the Lettings Team to discuss the letting where they answered all of our questions and additionally gave us some very useful hints and tips with dealing with the developer (it was a new build) to maximise our rental return and ensure we had a timely completion and a tenant moving in. 

       As soon as we advised First Step that the flat was ready for occupancy, they provided us with three candidates and a brief description of their status and preferred payment schedule. After we chose our preferred candidate, First Step provided the contract for their fully managed service. 

      All the credit and background checks were completed within a week and a week after that the tenant moved in. The whole process was stress free and swift. Thee First Step team have provided a tailored and personal service to us with which we are very happy. 

      On the couple of occasions we visited their nearby offices, we were made to feel very relaxed in amongst their friendly welcoming team. 

      Mark & Elaine Mundy
      Landlords

    • Landlord Testimonial

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      It was our pleasure - First Step Lettings Team
      First Step did an excellent job in finding a suitable tenant for me. 

      They were in constant communication and are clearly experts at what they do. It took only 3 weeks from beginning to end before I had new tenants in the property. 

      I don't see how anybody could have done a better job. I could not have asked for a more knowledgeable, more competent or more efficient team and would recommend their services unreservedly. JS

    • Landlord Testimonial

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      It was a pleasure Dan - Gaye
      Just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and your team managing to get my empty flat let in this very difficult time.  I really appreciate your efforts and am kicking myself that I did not get in contact with First Step earlier.

       Stay safe and well.

    Testimonials from Tenants

    • Tenant Testimonial

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      Thank you Jack - Gaye
      "we had a fantastic experience with the First Step Lettings team who successfully found us the perfect home for our young family.

      We were new to the area and really felt they went above and beyond to help us get a feel for the local amenities which gave us great confidence that we were making the right decision. From viewing the property to getting the keys First Step were always available and helpful at each stage making the process as smooth as possible. We would definitely recommend  First Step they have left a positive lasting impression with us".

      Jack 

    • Tenant Testimonial

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      You are very welcome Lauren - Gaye
      "First Step Lettings are extremely helpful. They kept me updated throughout which was really appreciated. Thank you so much".

      Lauren

    • Tenant Testimonial

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      Thank you it's appreciated - Gaye
      Thank you First Step, you have been amazing during our stay. We've really appreciated your help and professionalism and you have made the entire process very very easy"

      Laura and David 

    • Tenant Testimonial

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      Always happy to help Daniel :) - First Step Team
      "I have found First Step Lettings Team to be highly efficient and professional in what they do. They managed my property expertly from the minute the purchase completed until a tenant moved in 4 weeks later. During that time, they handled every aspect of preparing my property for the rental market including overseeing a complete repaint and the laying of new carpet. Your website says that you are the number 1 lettings team in the local area and from my experience I can only agree with that statement. Thank you for all your help" Daniel 

    • Tenant Testimonial

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      Happy you are happy Bethany :)
      "Having asked First Step to manage my rental property, I have been delighted with the results. Their team are not only friendly and approachable but highly professional too. From the moment I signed with First Step to new tenants moving in took less than three weeks. They made sure that the whole process was simple and entirely stress free for me, so I cannot recommend them highly enough." Bethany

    • Tenant Testimonial

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      It was a pleasure working with you - Gaye
      "The Lettings team at First Step were an absolute star in finding us a home. They were dedicated to the search for us and was a pleasure to deal with every step of the way. Kind, thoughtful, professional and supportive in our very stressful search during acrazy time for Tenants seeking homes. First Step Lettings found us the perfect place and we are so happy with our new place. They even recommended a moving company who were brilliant too! Cannot express just how good First Step are to deal with - everyone is courteous and friendly. Thank you First Step!"

    • Tenant Testimonial

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      Such lovely feedback - thank you Lianne - Gaye
      We recently had the pleasure of working with First Step, they found us a lovely property to let. A lovely, genuine company who is one in a million and cannot thank you enough.
      Very professional and dedicated to their job, nothing was too much trouble and we would highly recommend.
      If I could give more stars I really would - thank you for everything you have done for us!
    Contact us

    Disclaimer

    The content on this Microsite has been uploaded by First Step, Stotfold. Rightmove Group Limited makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the content, any queries should be sent directly to First Step, Stotfold. Where properties are displayed on a page, this comprises a property advertisement. Rightmove Group Limited who operate the website Rightmove.co.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the advertisement or any linked or associated information, and Rightmove has no control over the content. These property advertisements do not constitute property particulars. The information is provided and maintained by First Step, Stotfold. Please contact the agent directly to obtain any information which may be available under the terms of The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 or the Home Report if in relation to a residential property in Scotland and if you have any query over the content.

    *Guide Price: An indication of a seller's minimum expectation at auction and given as a “Guide Price” or a range of “Guide Prices”. This is not necessarily the figure a property will sell for and is subject to change prior to the auction.

    Reserve Price: Each auction property will be subject to a “Reserve Price” below which the property cannot be sold at auction. Normally the “Reserve Price” will be set within the range of “Guide Prices” or no more than 10% above a single “Guide Price.”

    Auction Fees: The purchase of this property may include associated fees not listed here, as it is to be sold via auction. To find out more about the fees associated with this property please call First Step, Stotfold on +441462659730.


    User Guide

    Title

    Your Local No. 1 Trusted Team

    • paragraph

      We are open from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday - Sunday
      image cannot be displayed
      The 'First Step' to all your property matters

      Your Local Agent who use all the leading UK's property websites giving you the widest media coverage when buying or selling.

      First Step for:

      • Buying
      • Selling
      • Land & New Homes
      • Landlords
      • Tenants
      • Financial Advice
      • Shared Ownership

    Contact us

    Features

    Check out our available properties

    You can see the properties we're currently marketing for sale by clicking the button below:

    View properties
    User Guide

    Title

    Shared Ownership

    • service

      Shared Ownership Service
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      We are firm believers in homes for everyone and with this in mind First Step deal with Shared Ownership and Intermediate Rental Properties over the South of England.

      Basic criteria for Shared Ownership:

      The majority of our Shared Ownership properties are available to households on an income of up to £80,000 outside of the M25 and £90,000 per year in London.  There are also a few other requirements including:

      1. You do not currently own a home or are in the process of selling your home.
      2. You are able to raise a mortgage (we can help you with our knowledgeable Financial Advisers) to part      purchase a property unless in exceptional circumstances.
      3. You have a permanent contract of employment
      4. You have sufficient saving for legal fees
      5. You will need to pass a credit check
      6. If you do not hold a British or EU passport or your passport isn't stamped with either 'indefinite leave to remain', 'indefinite right to enter' or 'right of abode' you may not be able to get a mortgage.

      Talk to us on our dedicated Shared Ownership line:  01462 658 660
         
    Contact us
    User Guide

    Title

    Your First Step Team in Property

    • Introduction

      Jules & David - First Step Directors
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      First Step are continually going from strength to strength..

      The Number 1 Agency in the local area for New Homes, Residential, Lettings and Shared Ownership and backed by a professional, knowledgeable team. First Step are becoming ever more popular. With great skill sets and a unique method of buying and selling property has now propelled First Step forward without compromising on service.

      First Step are open from Monday to Sunday 9:00am to 6:00pm

      First Step are an independent flexible Estate Agent offering an all round property service to our clients.

      We are also one of the only Local Agents to offer the widest media coverage using all of the UK's leading property websites.


    Contact us
      User Guide

      Title

      Buying & Selling with First Step

      • Introduction

          The 'First Step' to all your property matters
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          First Step - Your Local Agent who use all the lading UK's property websites giving you the widest        media coverage when buying or selling.

          First Step for:

        • Buying
        • Selling
        • New Homes
        • Land
        • Landlords
        • Tenants
        • Financial Advice
        • Shared Ownership
        • Intermediate Rentals

          First Step are taking BIG STEPS in 2020. 

      Testimonials from Sellers

      • Seller Testimonial

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        Our pleasure - many thanks. Jules.
        " A huge thank you to everyone at First Step who was involved with the sale of our home which was one of the largest properties on the north side of Fairfield Park. As a team you were very professional and supportive throughout our sale and your hard work and persistence was truly appreciated. You also provided significant support and invaluable advice during our selling and buying process, something that is over and above the support you may expect from and Estate Agent. 

        We have no hesitation in recommending First Step. Thank you again".

        David & Julie Jennings - Fairfield Park 

      • Seller Testimonial

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        Thank you so much - kind regards Jules.
        "Hi Jules - I just wanted to say thank you for your efforts with trying to sell my property and then being realistic enough to direct me to your lettings service when the market is clearly struggling at the very high price point properties. 

         In the meantime, I feel it is important to tell you how wonderful both Laura and Sofia in lettings have been. I don't know how anybody else could have done a better job and these ladies are clearly an asset to First Step, as I'm sure you are well aware! Thank you again and my very best wishes to you and your family!"

         JS 

      • Seller Testimonial

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        Its was great working with you Aaron - Claudia
        "Hi Claudia, All well here apart from the back breaking house move !

        Just want to say special thanks to you, you've been amazing throughout the process and made what is already stressful that much better.

        Thanks again for everything and best wishes".

        Aaron, Kings Langley

      • Seller Testimonial

        You are most welcome  Gloria - Nicola x
        "The First Step team are professional and in a class of their own. Their reputation for achieving a successful outcome for clients is well-deserved. I was provided with a great sales strategy which was then implemented with remarkable energy, enthusiasm, and attention-to-detail. My house sold to the 2nd viewer at the full asking price. I could not ask for more from Nicola and the First Step Team. If you are buying or selling a home, you can rely on First Step to get the job done professionally. I am an older lady and felt safe and comfortable in their hands with my most prized asset - a house. Thank you all again". Gloria - August 2018

      • Seller Testimonial

        All the best to you both x
        "To everyone at First Step - Just to say a massive THANK YOU to you all, especially to Nicola. You have held our hand through the entire process and nothing has been too much trouble. Even those silly questions were answered for us. We haven't had to do anything in terms of our viewings and any follow up visits. Thank you again and you even helped us find our rental home for our next chapter as we now split our life between Stotfold and Wales!!! Thank you". Kelly & Nick - August 2018

      • Seller Testimonial

        Thank you Sue :)
        "Hi Jules - A belated thank you to you and all team for all the hard work, quietly and efficiently performed, who sold my house in Bronte Avenue and enabled me to purchase the house I desired in Fairfield Gardens. Your attention to detail did not go unnoticed and your calming influence was much appreciated. I'm certainly not thinking of moving ever again but if I do I will look no further than you to sell it. With grateful thanks" Sue - August 2018

      Testimonials from Buyers

      • Buyer Testimonial

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        Such great feedback thank you Peter :) - Jules
        "If I could leave a 6 Star review I would. I've dealt with many estate agents as a tenant, buyer or seller and hands down they are the best. Not just the best but it always felt like they were doing so much more than they had to, they were not taking advantage of your and very easy to get on with. They were always in contact and working hard on your behalf. I'm not one of these gushy reviewers, but of any place I've reviewed in general First Step would be number 1."

      • Buyer Testimonial

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        You are so welcome Will - Jules
        "I would like to say thanks to the whole First Step team for all their help and hard work over the last few months. They have been excellent at staying in contact throughout the whole process and were able to give me useful advice on things I was unsure of. As a first time buyer, the experience could have been really difficult and quote daunting, but the whole team at First Step made it as easy as possible for me. I would like to say a big thank you to you all and would highly recommend the First Step team to anyone looking at buying their first place, especially if using a shared ownership scheme."

      • Buyer Testimonial

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        Great to work with you Jade - Jules
        "As a first time buyer, I was anxious and really overwhelmed by the whole process especially during the pandemic. First Step always made me feel at ease during the process and helped and supported me with answering and questions and queries. They are very professional & efficient within their roles, as well as that, they are lovely and very approachable & made my process so much easier! I cannot thank them enough & would highly recommend First Step to anyone, the team, the service they are just outstanding."

      • Buyer Testimonial

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        You are so welcome James - Jules
        "I'd like to thank you First Step for all your hard work - you've been fabulous throughout in what can only be described as trying times! You made the process as pain free as possible and have been helpful and positive at every stage. So again, big thanks!! Dealing with First Step has been great with everyone involved - helpful, responsive and proactive, especially considering the circumstances. I couldn't have asked for a better experience."

      • Buyer Testimonial

        Lovely working with you Emily - Jules
        "I recently bought my house through First Step estate agents. Covid did not make this an easy process but the team went above and beyond to help. They kept me up to date with everything. Brilliant customer service with a personal touch. Would highly recommend!"

      • Buyer Testimonial

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        Thank you Lianne - kind words appreciated - Jules
        "We had the pleasure of dealing with First Step who found us a lovely property to let. A lovely genuine company who is one in a million and we cannot thank you enough. Very professional and dedicated to their job... Nothing was too much trouble and we would highly recommend them. If I could give more stars I would. Really are one in a million. Thank you for everything you did for us."
      Contact us

      Disclaimer

      The content on this Microsite has been uploaded by First Step, Stotfold. Rightmove Group Limited makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the content, any queries should be sent directly to First Step, Stotfold. Where properties are displayed on a page, this comprises a property advertisement. Rightmove Group Limited who operate the website Rightmove.co.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the advertisement or any linked or associated information, and Rightmove has no control over the content. These property advertisements do not constitute property particulars. The information is provided and maintained by First Step, Stotfold. Please contact the agent directly to obtain any information which may be available under the terms of The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 or the Home Report if in relation to a residential property in Scotland and if you have any query over the content.

      *Guide Price: An indication of a seller's minimum expectation at auction and given as a “Guide Price” or a range of “Guide Prices”. This is not necessarily the figure a property will sell for and is subject to change prior to the auction.

      Reserve Price: Each auction property will be subject to a “Reserve Price” below which the property cannot be sold at auction. Normally the “Reserve Price” will be set within the range of “Guide Prices” or no more than 10% above a single “Guide Price.”

      Auction Fees: The purchase of this property may include associated fees not listed here, as it is to be sold via auction. To find out more about the fees associated with this property please call First Step, Stotfold on +441462659730.


      Welcome to First Step, Stotfold

      Title

      Find Us

      Branch address

      Waterloo Farm
      Stotfold Road
      Arlesey
      SG15 6XP

      Get in touch

      Buying: 01462 416014  Local call rate
      Letting: 01462 416076  Local call rate

      Disclaimer

      The content on this Microsite has been uploaded by First Step, Stotfold. Rightmove Group Limited makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the content, any queries should be sent directly to First Step, Stotfold. Where properties are displayed on a page, this comprises a property advertisement. Rightmove Group Limited who operate the website Rightmove.co.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the advertisement or any linked or associated information, and Rightmove has no control over the content. These property advertisements do not constitute property particulars. The information is provided and maintained by First Step, Stotfold. Please contact the agent directly to obtain any information which may be available under the terms of The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 or the Home Report if in relation to a residential property in Scotland and if you have any query over the content.

      *Guide Price: An indication of a seller's minimum expectation at auction and given as a “Guide Price” or a range of “Guide Prices”. This is not necessarily the figure a property will sell for and is subject to change prior to the auction.

      Reserve Price: Each auction property will be subject to a “Reserve Price” below which the property cannot be sold at auction. Normally the “Reserve Price” will be set within the range of “Guide Prices” or no more than 10% above a single “Guide Price.”

      Auction Fees: The purchase of this property may include associated fees not listed here, as it is to be sold via auction. To find out more about the fees associated with this property please call First Step, Stotfold on +441462659730.