No minimum-term contracts or notice periods, access to the most extensive W4 property database, realistic valuations and in-depth local knowledge… Whitman & Co deliver an outstanding service for every client
‘The start of the year was very busy, driven significantly by activity in the flats market,’ reflects Chris Chambers, Sales Director of Whitman & Co. ‘Clients were rushing to complete up to the deadline for the change in threshold on first time buyer Stamp Duty relief.
‘Three months on, it is a different story. Many of the owners of flats left unsold now face a decision: to list them at a reduced price or return to rental. In this context accurate valuations become all the more important, and that’s a key element in the philosophy that has made us Chiswick’s No 1 sales and lettings agent.’
Whitman & Co work on a no minimum-term contract, no notice period basis and never offer artificially high valuations to secure an instruction. ‘Unhelpful advice is being given,’ says Chris. ‘Clients have come to us telling the same story: previously, they had accepted an inflated valuation and signed an extended contract, their property hadn’t sold and they were disillusioned and unsure what to do next. In fact, the market is fine – but to sell, the price must be right in the first place.’
At the same time, Chris and his colleagues have also seen a number of landlords leaving the sector, thinking that the “golden days” are over. ‘That’s not necessarily so,’ he explains. ‘Rents are rising precisely because people are selling their properties. Yes, landlords will now pay more tax and be subject to more rigorous legal responsibilities, but the returns are still good – and only improving.
‘In this current environment, informed advice is essential. It’s vital that new and experienced landlords know the implications of recent and impending legislation. While many agents pass on clients to their Head Office legal department, our lettings team is up to speed with all the regulations: if you need expert guidance, drop in for a chat and we will explain the options.’
Chiswick’s commercial property market continues to be resilient. ‘It never seems to stop on Chiswick High Road,’ says Whitman & Co Commercial Director, Jeremy Day. ‘The last quarter has finally seen the “big reveal” on Marks & Spencer’s major refurbishment, which is now underway. We transacted one of the three additional units acquired for the expansion in August last year.
‘Since then we’ve let the former Little Dobbies site to Crew Clothing. Less than a month after opening, they report extremely positive trading and we are now marketing the adjacent premises, which was formerly Paperchase (and before that who remembers it as Dixons?).
‘Together with the imminent opening of The White Company, it feels like Chiswick has turned a corner, notwithstanding difficult economic times. We work hard to bring interesting businesses to Chiswick, as well as defending it from less attractive propositions, and take some pride in having attracted companies as diverse as Pret a Manger and the Lil’ Nashville Country & Western bar.
‘Offices remain slower, although we have interest in small suites dotted around Chiswick and Kew Bridge and there is also a steady flow of enquiries for industrial property located on the Bollo Lane estate and in Acton.’
‘If you need any advice about buying, selling or letting a property in Chiswick, we would be delighted to help,’ adds Chris. ‘Do pop into the office or follow us on Social Media. We look forward to working with you.’
At the 2024 EA Masters, the UK’s leading estate agency event, Whitman & Co won Gold Awards in the Sales and Lettings categories
Whitman & Co
5-7 Turnham Green Terrace
Chiswick W4 1RG
020 8747 8800
sales@whitmanandco.com
lettings@whitmanandco.com
https://www.whitmanandco.com
https://www.whitmancommercial.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/whitmanandco
https://www.instagram.com/whitmancommercial
