Chris Chalmers
‘Working with Whitman & Co was a positive experience from start to finish. The team was responsive and thoughtful, which made all the difference during what can be a stressful process. We felt in very good hands.’ – Marko Ponti
‘It’s been an unusually busy Summer for us,’ says Chris Chalmers, Sales Director at Whitman & Co. ‘In July and August we agreed 29 sales and the flats sector has been particularly active. With a relatively small gap between high rental rates and mortgage repayments, first-time buyers with deposits are making a move, and at the moment it is definitely a buyer’s market.
‘The implications of the imminent Renters’ Rights Bill together with the recent decision to include pensions in estates have prompted many landlords, and especially those with one or two properties, to review their position and sell. The inevitable result has been an
over-supply of flats in the £400-700,000 range. Of course, the current environment also presents ex-landlords with the opportunity to return at an exceptionally competitive price point and benefit from the large increase in rental returns over the last few years.’
One other consequence of the Bill – it had been expected to become law this Autumn but now looks like being pushed back to the New Year – is that more landlords have been talking to the Whitman & Co team about switching to a Fully Managed Lettings service. ‘The new legislation will undoubtedly make the rental process more complex and demanding and could leave landlords exposed if they handle every element themselves,’ explains Chris.
‘We have specialists with a detailed knowledge of how to navigate the immediate changes and anticipate those that are coming down the line. For example, it is likely that EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) will need to increase to a minimum C-rating over the next five or six years. Some properties currently on the market are D-rated at best, so they will probably require investment in double glazing, a new boiler and improved roof insulation.
‘Our charges are very competitive. The small, incremental percentage cost of employing us as a Managing Agent could be the 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 all the administration, such as drawing up contracts, verifying references and organising check-ins and check-outs, and we become the first point of contact in an emergency. We can immediately call on tried and trusted tradesmen to fix any problem.’
Chris and his sales colleagues are always looking at ways to refine their approach and this Autumn they are increasingly focusing on an off-market strategy for homes valued at over £2 million.
‘Off-market simply means that we don’t advertise a property openly, so there is no digital footprint on the usual portals. Instead, we market for a set period solely through our extensive database. It’s a property matchmaking method that appeals to buyers – there’s an incentive to make an offer before anyone else – and also to vendors who wish to be discreet about their plans.
‘The approach has been proving very successful. So, if you are interested in a high value property, or need any advice about buying, selling or letting in Chiswick and the surrounding area, do get in touch directly with us.
‘We don’t use minimum-term contracts or notice periods and our valuations are realistic. We like to build long-term relationships: we’re here when people need us and they’ll see a familiar face and receive a friendly, trustworthy service.’
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
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