Chris, James and Tilly
‘Whitman & Co were a true pleasure to work with. I felt incredibly well-guided and supported throughout the entire process.’ – Max Fox
The Renters’ Rights Act has loomed large over the private lettings sector for months. The new law finally comes into force on 1 May, and with it more rigorous obligations for landlords.
‘Inevitably, many have chosen to sell properties,’ explains Chris Chalmers, Sales Director at Whitman & Co. ‘That, in turn, has triggered a significant over-supply in the £400-£700,000 flats market and highly competitive price points.
‘The sweeping reforms will undoubtedly make the rental process more complex and could leave landlords exposed if they handle all elements of the compliance process. It’s essential to know the detail – or know someone who knows the detail.
Our specialists, Laura, Kat and Tom, are those people. They have researched the implications of the new regulations and, based on that knowledge, can advise landlords on how best to navigate them. And while many estate agents will simply pass on clients to the Head Office legal department, Laura, Kat and Tom are available for a face-to-face chat at any time.’
Laura, Kat and Tom
As a result of the Act more landlords have approached Whitman & Co about switching their rental stock to the company’s Fully Managed Lettings service. ‘Our charges are very competitive,’ says Chris. ‘The small, incremental percentage cost of employing us as a Managing Agent could be key to remaining compliant.
‘The service is organised on a case-by-case basis depending on the tenant and the age and condition of the property. We handle the administration – drawing up contracts, verifying references and organising check-ins and check-outs – and we can immediately call on reliable tradesmen to fix any emergency problem.’
You might expect the sales market either side of the Christmas period to be relatively quiet, but that’s definitely not been the case. ‘After the Budget was delivered in November, we became exceptionally busy, and that has continued in 2026,’ says Chris. ‘The property sector wasn’t hit as hard as perhaps had been anticipated, for example in terms of a Mansion Tax, and that has had a positive impact.
‘For example, in October a house sold with a great loft conversion at below asking price. In January we listed an un-modernised version of the property on the same side of the street. Within 10 days we had 67 viewings, 13 offers over asking price and it sold for a price close to the more attractive home. That says everything about the state of the market.’
By the end of February Whitman & Co had agreed 30 sales, with many being off market transactions. ‘That means that we don’t advertise a property openly, so there is no digital footprint on the usual portals. Instead, we market to a select group of buyers on our extensive database for a limited period.
‘It’s a property matchmaking method that appeals to buyers – there’s an incentive to make the first and best offer – and to vendors who wish to be discreet about their plans. Also, the prices achieved are very strong: one property sold for a quarter of million over asking price in a matter of days. That was confirmation of what an effective tool off-market is for higher value homes.
‘Spring and summer is the perfect window for sales, global events notwithstanding. Our philosophy is not to use minimum-term contracts or notice periods and our valuations are realistic. If you would like advice about the rental or sales sectors, just drop in and see us.’
Whitman & Co
5-7 Turnham Green Terrace
Chiswick W4 1RG
020 8747 8800
sales@whitmanandco.com
lettings@whitmanandco.com
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