Efficient property management services for complete peace of mind

A reliable property management agent handles everything from collecting rent to organising repairs and offers services tailored to your needs. They should be well-versed in lettings regulations, helping you avoid fines for unintentionally breaking the law. A good agent will also follow up on late payments and have trusted contractors ready for maintenance and emergency repairs.

For landlords living overseas, as 68% of our clients do, it's helpful to have an agent with an office in your time zone. We've found that having international offices makes communication smoother, and landlords appreciate being able to meet in person. It's also important for your agent to have an office near your property to resolve issues quickly, especially in large property developments where on-site branches are available.

Landlords aiming to attract corporate tenants should note that 95% of companies only allow their executives to rent professionally managed properties. Managing a property involves more than it seems, and not having an experienced agent can be more expensive in the long run.

How do you choose a London property management agent?

Our Director of Management at Benham & Reeves, Simran Prasad, shares some tips on how landlords can make the right decision when selecting an agent to manage their London properties.

Managing rental properties requires a broad set of skills and knowledge. Agents need to be well-versed in UK lettings regulations and understand the challenges of maintaining high-value properties in London. A good property agent should have these skills, along with the common sense and tact needed to keep tenants happy. This guide will help you choose the right agent and avoid the wrong ones.

1. Check the agent’s experience: Do they specialise in property lettings, and how long have they been doing it? Some estate agents offer lettings as a side service without deep expertise. Client reviews or references can show how professional they really are – it’s best to go with experienced specialists.

2. Look for professional accreditation: In London, property leasing and management are government-regulated by ARLA Propertymark (the Association of Residential Letting Agents). Agents should also be part of opt-in schemes like The Property Ombudsman and The Dispute Service, which runs the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. A trustworthy agent will be accredited by these organisations and can provide proof of their membership.

3. Professionalism under pressure: A good agent stays calm and communicates clearly, even in stressful situations, which reassures both landlords and tenants

4. Professional qualifications are a bonus: Handling the complexities of property management in London is easier for agents with legal training. Our property management department is led by a qualified lawyer, giving us the expertise to better serve our clients.

5. Quick response to maintenance issues: Fast action on repairs is key to keeping tenants happy. A reliable agent will have an emergency repair service ready to handle problems as they arise.

6. Local presence matters: In a city as large as London, it’s important for property management agents to be based near your property for effective service and maintenance. In addition to our London branches and India offices, we also have offices in China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Middle East, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey.

For more information about our property management services and how they can benefit you, please email us or contact one of our local branches.