Tell me about your role
I am the Head of Search and Acquisitions here at LCP/PrivateOffice, a London buying agency established in 1989. I started my property career in 2000, in Prime Central London, and have worked across the industry including sales, lettings and residential property auctions. I have been at the company for over 5 years and I help our UK and international clients find the best property for their needs, whether it is their first home, a family house or buy to let in London.
What does a typical day look like for you?
As a buying agent, a lot of my day involves travelling around Central London, searching and identifying properties that I believe fulfil my clients search briefs. I might be looking at an unmodernised one-bedroom apartment in Bayswater for a sophisticated investor or an immaculate 12,000 sq ft townhouse in Chelsea for a UHNW family with a budget of £30 million. I thoroughly enjoy taking our clients on property tours, this usually involves viewing 5 properties in total that I have handpicked specifically for them. Since many of our clients aren’t familiar with London, these tours often entail driving around neighbourhoods, allowing them to get a feel for the surroundings before stopping for lunch or coffee to discuss their initial thoughts. When I’m not organising or hosting property tours you will likely find me on a plane to the Channel Islands meeting up with banks, family offices, clients and longstanding partners.
Tell us about interesting client instructions.
We recently acted on behalf of a UHNW American buyer who wanted a large family home with a separate house next door for their staff.
I have also bought and sold the same property three times, it was one of the original farm houses in Chelsea.
Which location in Prime Central London would you recommend for a buy-to-let investor?
Bayswater has been pinpointed as the next best investment hotspot as apartment values stand -10.0% below the 2015 peak and -1.1% against the previous year. It has benefitted from some much-needed regeneration in recent years making it a good place for investors to keep an eye on. It has excellent transport links and is right by the Royal Park, Hyde Park. Exciting developments such as the Six Senses Hotel and Spa at Whiteleys are helping to enhance the appeal of the area by bringing in new amenities and visitors. What once was a rundown high street filled with low class hotels is now filled with high-end developments with restaurants, bars and spas.
Property prices have historically been lower than some of its prime neighbours (Hyde Park, Notting Hill and Kensington Gardens) but the ongoing regeneration will undoubtedly have a positive impact on property values in the long-term. Investors therefore have an opportunity to purchase a buy-to-let in Bayswater at a discount, whilst taking advantage of the strong rental yields.
What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?
Many of our clients approach us after trying to find something themselves and realising the complexities of the buying process. London is made up of about 32 boroughs, so for many buyers who don’t know London or the property market that well need expert advice and guidance on finding the right property at the right price.
For our investors, particularly those residing abroad, having a trustworthy local presence to act on their behalf is crucial when they are not physically present in London. In numerous instances, I’ve purchased properties for clients who haven’t had the opportunity to see the properties themselves.
First-time buyers often require more guidance throughout the purchasing process, and leveraging our decades of experience, we not only identify the optimal property for their needs but also negotiate the best price on their behalf.
Additionally, we have developed a proprietary financial model that provides our clients with a comprehensive investment appraisal for every presented property, adding an extra layer of value to our services.
Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?
Last summer I travelled to Portugal with my family for a close friends wedding, we love the Algarve and often head there every summer. I am currently planning a trip to the Channel Islands with our Managing Director, Liam Monaghan.
If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
I started my career in the restaurant and hospitality industry which I thoroughly enjoyed. I quite liked the idea of owning a superb gastropub in the countryside with a great menu and even better wine list!
How do you relax after a long day?
I am kept quite busy in the evenings with both a four-year-old and a six-month-old Labrador at home. Fortunately, living in Marlow provides me with plenty of options for leisurely walks, often passing by various local pubs. When in London, you’ll likely find me enjoying a negroni at the Langham.
