Paul Hanna - Q&A With Paul Hanna, Residential Lettings Manager, Lord Estates, George Street 020 7486 2321 lordestates.com Paul, how long have you been in the property industry? Six years. What areas of London have you worked in? Always central London: Marylebone, Mayfair, St John’s Wood and Kensington. What’s the most impressive property you’ve dealt […]
The post Paul Hanna, Residential Lettings Manager, Lord Estates, George Street – Q&A appeared first on London Property.
Q&A With Ben Sloane MARLA, Director, Lettings, Chestertons, St John’s Wood 020 3040 8622 www.chestertons.com Ben, how long have you been in the property industry and what areas of London have you worked in? 12 years. In Hampstead, Highgate, St John’s Wood, Maida Vale and Marylebone. What’s the most impressive property you’ve dealt with? I have […]
The post Ben Sloane – Q&A with Ben the Director of Lettings, Chestertons, St John’s Wood appeared first on London Property.
Q&A With Elias Haddad, Director, Waterbridge Estates, Portman Close 020 7487 1355 www.waterbridgeestates.com Elias, how long have you been in the property industry? Since December 1997. What areas of London have you worked in? My initiation into the property business was in Southgate, North London, where I worked for two years. Following that I worked […]
The post Q&A – With Elias Haddad, Director at Waterbridge Estates, Portman Close appeared first on London Property.
Q&A With Debra C Stroud FNAEA, Director of Sales Chestertons, Knightsbridge & Belgravia 020 7235 8090 www.chestertons.com Debra, how long have you been in the property industry? I joined Chesterons in 1975 as the office junior and I’m now the Sales Director in our Knightsbridge/Belgravia office, so I am celebrating my 40th year with the […]
The post Debra C Stroud, Director of Sales Chestertons – Q&A appeared first on London Property.
Q&A With James Altman, Lettings Director, Abacus Estates 020 7431 3777 www.abacusestates.com James, how long have you been in the property industry? 14 years. What areas of London have you worked in? Always in North West London. What’s the most impressive property you’ve dealt with? A beautiful maisonette in Hampstead. It was a newly refurbished, […]
The post James Altman, Lettings Director, Abacus Estates – Q&A appeared first on London Property.
Q&A With Caesar Matthias, Sales Manager, Abacus Estates 020 7431 3777 www.abacusestates.com Caesar, how long have you been in the property industry? 28 years. What areas of London have you worked in? Muswell Hill, Hendon, West Hampstead, Kensal Rise, Maida Vale, South Hampstead, Willesden, Harlesden, Brondesbury, Queens Park, Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, Kilburn and St John’s Wood. What’s […]
The post Caesar Matthias, Sales Manager, Abacus Estates – Q&A appeared first on London Property.
Rory Willmott – Q&A With Rory Willmott, Manager, Winkworth 020 7749 7650 winkworth.co.uk Rory, how long have you been in the property industry and what areas of London have you worked in? I have been working in residential sales for six-and-a-half years, although I don’t know where that time has gone! I have only worked […]
The post Rory Willmott – Q&A appeared first on London Property.
Estate agent – What things do I have to bear in mind while choosing an estate agent for selling my property? Selling a home is probably one of the most significant transactions you’ll ever undertake, and letting your property can be equally stressful, so how do you go about picking an estate agent you can […]
The post Estate agent – What things do I have to bear in mind while choosing an estate agent for selling my property? appeared first on London Property.
Graham Stubbs, Associate Director, Chestertons, Islington – Q&A With Graham Stubbs, Associate Director, Chestertons, Islington 020 3040 8461 www.chestertons.com Graham, how long have you been in the property industry? I started as an estate agent in 1998, amassing 17 years of experience. What areas of London have you worked in? Islington… when you’ve worked in […]
The post Graham Stubbs, Associate Director, Chestertons, Islington – Q&A appeared first on London Property.
Private landlords – Why rent directly through a large private landlord, rather than an estate agent? Having worked within the real estate market for the past 32 years in both agency and as a landlord, I have noticed how private landlords of scale have become an essential ingredient to the property industry. It is not […]
The post Private landlords – Why rent directly through a large private landlord, rather than an estate agent? appeared first on London Property.
With James Setright, Sales & Lettings Manager, Waterbridge Estates
020 7487 1355
waterbridgeestates.com
James, how long have you been in the property industry?
Since graduating from university.
What areas of London have you worked in?
I have been fortunate enough to work in a wide variety of areas throughout London and sometimes even further afield. However, I have the most experience and knowledge in Westminster and in Kensington & Chelsea, where I was born and raised.
What’s the most impressive property you’ve dealt with?
A tough question for any property lover… however, for sheer ‘wow factor’, for a property that ticks every box and for a property that is more than just a trophy: there is a newly built house on Mayfair’s South Street that is something really special.Its highlights include: an entire floor dedicated to the master suite (with his and her’s bathrooms), an incredible media room, a gallery style living area, a substantial elevator, a glass bridge and 5,600sq ft (520sq m) of further splendour! And all this in the middle of prime Mayfair! And a new build! When I first saw this property I was completely captivated, as while it blends in perfectly to South Street’s incredible atmosphere and heritage, its bold elegance also makes it stand out from the rest.
What are the classic mistakes vendors make when trying to sell their property?
One of the core challenges a vendor faces when selling their property is striking a profitable balance between settling for less and asking for too much. In order to strike a healthy balance and achieve your goals as a vendor, you simply must have an excellent relationship with your agent. While vendors should feel free to communicate on their terms, I would think that the majority of hurdles a vendor faces in achieving success can be avoided if vendor and agent work well together and communicate.
Therefore I feel that not having the right kind of relationship with an agent is possibly the most significant mistake vendors make when selling.
What’s the best thing about being an estate agent?
Working with a variety of incredible people and properties every day.
What three tips would you give someone looking to become an estate agent?
i. Have a passion for property and know your area(s).
ii. Be good at listening and understanding people’s differing desires, needs and aspirations.
iii. Be calm, approachable and honest.
What advice do you give families when buying?
As everyone’s perfect home is different I advise families to create an informal list of things that they absolutely need, things that they would like and things that (perhaps most importantly) they would like to avoid.
However, overall I would advise:
• Location is the most important factor for a family moving. Learning and experiencing an area thoroughly is essential.
• The devil is in the detail, make sure to check everything! The last thing a family wants, is to move into a new place and find they have to install a completely new plumbing system, for example.
• Find a good agent and build a relationship to help you search. Nothing can really better the invaluable market knowledge and advice of a trusted agent.
What should a property investor know about today’s market?
The current UK property market is rife with opportunity. On the whole, in the capital, investors should expect exposure to capital appreciation, with house prices continuing to rise throughout London. While outside London, rental yields are what investors should be looking for.
However, whether an investor is looking to achieve a good yield or a good rate of appreciation, location is the most important factor. With the increasing popularity of central London to businesses and institutions, more people than
ever are living and working in prime-central London. This will cause property prices to continue rising in areas near to central business districts. Also popular commuter areas throughout London and its outskirts will also see greater than average appreciation.
Has the market changed much in the last five to ten years?
The UK market has not been as aggressive as the London market, but there have been huge changes over that time. Higher prices, new properties, new areas and new people have evolved and emerged to change the landscape of the UK property market. The market now is far more diverse and has inflated considerably over the past five-ten years. If it was not true ten years ago, it is certainly true now, that London has become one of the – if not the – most valuable and sought after residences in the world.
Why would you recommend your agency?
Waterbridge Estates are able to provide a very personalised, specific and concentrated service to their clients as we have the advantage of being a smaller boutique institution.
Favourite city?
London.
Favourite holiday destination?
The Mediterranean is always a good bet.
Favourite art gallery?
The Tate Modern.
Favourite restaurant?
Too many to choose from in London but the bar and restaurant at 190 Queen’s Gate is a great spot.
Favourite pub?
The Queen’s Arms.
Favourite book?
Evelyn Waugh’s Decline and Fall.
Favourite gadget?
My Smartphone.
Favourite Park?
Kensington Gardens.
Finally, James, what’s your guilty pleasure?
Playing poker while listening to Abba’s greatest hits…
The post James Setright – Q&A appeared first on London Property Magazine.
With Rory Willmott, Manager, Winkworth
020 7749 7650
winkworth.co.uk
Rory, how long have you been in the property industry and what areas of London have you worked in?
I have been working in residential sales for six-and-a-half years, although I don’t know where that time has gone! I have only worked in East London – covering Shoreditch, Bethnal Green, Hoxton, Old Street, Whitechapel, Aldgate and Wapping – the only place to be!
What’s the most impressive property you’ve dealt with?
There have been many over the years from large seven bed Edwardian properties with outhouses, swimming pools and gyms, to quirky one bedroom conversions in the City. One of the most recent was a lovely two bed conversion just off Bishopsgate. The vendors did the most amazing refurb – they had a real eye for detail and had imported Italian wooden flooring. There was exposed brickwork, high ceilings and a second bedroom that doubled up as a dining room. It just oozed class and style. I would have loved to have lived there myself.
What are the classic mistakes vendors make when trying to sell their property?
Some vendors go and find a property first and then are in a rush to get an offer so they don’t lose the one they want, but in doing so might not achieve the optimum price. Others don’t de-clutter their homes and so are not presenting them in the best possible light. This can have an impact on the level of offer. Also, not having a ‘For sale’ board; you would be amazed at the amount of interest you can get from just having a board up!
What’s the best thing about being an estate agent?
For me it has to be the buzz you get from agreeing to market a property and beating the competition. Also when you agree a sale and take it through to exchange and completion. The relationships you build with buyers and sellers and knowing when you have done a great job and they are happy with your efforts. Also, seeing the vast scale of different property and the different styles and tastes people have.
What three tips would you give someone looking to become an estate agent?
Be prepared to work long hours and Saturdays. You have to be a ‘people person’ if you are going to really succeed and be able to build rapport with clients is a vital quality to have. Be proactive in everything you do.
What advice do you give families when buying?
The sooner the better, as prices are only going to continue to rise. There is no such thing as a perfect property so try and find something that ticks most of the boxes. Check the electrics and make sure the boiler is in good working condition. Do your homework on the area, pricing, look at the houses next door and their gardens. You can tell a lot about a person by the way they keep their home.
What should a property investor know about today’s market?
In Shoreditch you are looking at around 4-5% yield but it’s really the Capital growth that is attractive. Demand is high. Crossrail is coming to Whitechapel in 2018, which is only going to improve the whole area.
Has the market changed much in the last five to ten years?
The landscape is always changing, especially in the Shoreditch area as it’s become an incredibly desirable place to live. There has also been huge redevelopment in the last ten years with many new developments being built and you now find a lot of young people moving into the area who work in and around the City.
Why would you recommend your agency?
Winkworth are now the biggest agent in London with more than 60 offices so we have the coverage and can offer the exposure your property needs on a much greater scale than our competitors. ‘We see things differently’ is our motto and we endeavour to see the things that others miss, and ask the questions that others don’t. To be better than the rest you have to stand out and do things better and that what we try and do – day in, day out.
Favourite holiday destination?
It has to be Vegas. I went there for a ‘stag do’ this year and it was probably four of the most enjoyable days I’ve ever had. We were there for the Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight too, so the whole place was buzzing with excitement. Some of the hotels are mind-blowing in size and the open air clubs and pool parties were insane.
Favourite city?
Rio de Janerio – it’s just such a vibrant city with so much character and charm, the people are friendly, the street food is great and the beaches are unbelievable. There is also so much going on, so it’s just a cool place to be.
Favourite pub?
Crown & Shuttle (Shoreditch). It’s a great pub for after-work drinks and has a huge outside area; perfect for those summer evenings.
Favourite restaurant?
The Blues Kitchen in Shoreditch is an American soul bar/restaurant; they play some great music and sell more than 80 different types of Bourbon and the food is pretty good too. Just a funky place to hang out with friends.
Favourite gadget?
It has to be my iPad mini.
Favourite ever album?
It’s a classic and gets better as the years go on – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication.
Favourite art gallery?
I haven’t really got one but there are plenty in Brick Lane, which I pop into and have bought a couple of nice pieces.
Favourite Park?
Clissold Park in Stoke Newington which is near to where I live, it’s got a coffee shop, tennis courts, some animals, a butterfly centre, a skate park as well as a shallow pool for kids.
Finally, Rory, what’s your guilty pleasure?
I couldn’t possibly say…!
The post Rory Willmott – Q&A appeared first on London Property Magazine.
Property auctions have changed dramatically over the last 30 years, evolving from small-scale events focused on lower-value property, to day-long sales featuring a wide, cross-section of the market. And the sector continues to grow. During 2016, Savills Auctions sold £340 million worth of property.
Over the past three decades the reasons for selling at auction have remained consistent, ranging from needing a quick sale to owning a unique property that is difficult to establish a value. Once the hammer comes down, the sale is agreed and a buyer pays a non-refundable 10% deposit there and then, with completion taking place within 20 days. This transparent process has made the auction room popular with councils, charities, probate sales and mortgage lenders.
However, the traditional profile of who the buyers and sellers are is changing. The auction room is no longer a domain for the property professionals, and a new demographic is emerging. Owner occupiers would rarely buy or sell via auction 15 years ago, and while they’re still a minority, their activity has increased by around 30% during that time.
Most types of property are suitable for auction, depending on a realistic reserve price being agreed, which also protects a property from ‘under-selling’. If a property does sell, fees are in line with what a traditional estate agent would charge, or you revert to a nominal catalogue entry fee if the property is still available at the end of the auction.
A large number of builders and developers attend auctions looking for property that is in need of modernisation and refurbishment. If your property falls into this category, you might well achieve a higher price at auction than you would if you were to sell it via private treaty.
Chris Coleman-Smith
Head of Savills Auctions
Savills
The post Why don’t more home owners use the auction room to buy and sell property? appeared first on London Property Magazine.
Using an estate agent based purely on fee is always a very strange concept. Just take a moment to consider what you are doing. The company you are instructing to represent you in the sale of what is generally the most expensive asset you own, is basically unable to negotiate their own terms of business successfully. They clearly don’t believe in the service they provide and believe that offering their services at a vastly reduced rate is the best way to attract clients. Is this really the agent you trust to secure the very best possible price on your home? They have just given their own service away at what can sometimes be a hugely discounted rate without a second thought, so why for one moment, would you consider this company to be the right agent for your home?
Selling a property in a rising market with demand outstripping supply is not exactly an arduous task but that really is missing the point. The role of an agent is to maximise its clients return. Not about simply finding a buyer and agreeing the deal as expediently as possible. A good agent will spend thousands of pounds marketing a property correctly. Professional photos, floorplans, press and internet marketing comes at a price. As does employing, educated, qualified and competent staff that will be responsible for handling the sale of your property.
The public are always the first to revel in the media coverage of the behaviour of unscrupulous estate agents and yet it is the public who create the opportunity for these people to exist. When I was actively working as an estate agent it always staggered me that the public seemed more concerned with how much discount I could offer them on my fee than they were in my credentials as an estate agent. Did they want to know about the company’s accreditations, the awards, the testimonials from previous clients, the lengths we go to, to ensure the very best marketing and presentation or our track record? I think you already know the answer to that. The secret to good estate agency is successful marketing. Attracting a variety of potential buyers that then have to enter a highly-competitive market to secure the property they desire. Is the cheapest agent the right agent to fulfil this role? Very rarely is the honest answer.
Alasdair Carpenter
Managing Director
www.lourdes-estates.com
Lourdes Estate Agents
The post Fee – Should I instruct the agent that offers me the lowest fee? appeared first on London Property Magazine.
