PROPERTY Rob Johnson owner of RJ Overseas Property Tell us about your background? Having
been in the residential & real estate industry for over 35 years we have a wealth of experience which led to us establishing our family business 12 years ago in the UK. We have provided professional consultancy services on all aspects of the housebuilding sector, including Project Management, Construction, Purchasing and Investment. Following us purchasing our own “Forever Home” in Cyprus over 10 years ago, we began offering clients and investors a high level of service in purchasing overseas, this ultimately led to us establishing a Cyprus office several years ago, and we are now only one of a few Licensed Real Estate Agents who can provide clients with a comprehensive service in both the UK & Cyprus, which sets us apart from others.
Tell us about the personal service you guarantee? Our
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approach has always been personal and professional to the individual client, this is also reflected throughout the RJ team, most of whom have been with us for several years and understand the importance of trust, professionalism, and honesty. We do on many occasions meet with clients in the UK before they even arrive in Cyprus, again
from a personal aspect this allows both us and the client to establish an early relationship which can only assist as we go through the process. Many clients will have a million and one questions not necessarily property related, again through our well-established associates and partners we are able to respond and give people piece of mind to any information they require. As owners of the company, we always make ourselves readily available to each and every client.
Has Brexit changed the property market for you? Since the UKs
withdrawal from the EU on 31st December 2020, we have been in fluxed with many questions from UK based clients covering aspects such as Immigration, Mortgages, Taxation, Pensions as well as questions regarding purchasing property and what if any impact Brexit will have on their wish to buy that holiday home, investment, or relocation/ retirement. I have visited many clients in the UK to discuss their personal requirements on a “one to one “personal basis to give them piece of mind and that the dream of owning a home in the sun can still be achieved with the right and unbiased professional advice. As we have received so many various questions, we have complied a
“What happens after Brexit “information pack which clients have found useful and provides an indication on the above issues. A copy can be requested by emailing: rob@rjoverseasproperty.com
As we go into autumn do you see any sign of sales slowing down? We
had an increase in enquiries during 2020, but the last quarter saw many UK clients delaying the decision to either purchase or view properties leading up to Brexit. This coupled with the pandemic and the impact on flights and travel saw the market slow which impacted on the Real Estate sector globally. Since the start of 2021 we have seen an increase in enquiries, and we have assisted clients with arranged video viewings and online meetings to answer their questions. From February onwards and throughout the summer months we have seen a 60/70% increase in enquiries and with the ease on travel restrictions many clients are now confirming pre-arranged viewing trips with us, through to the end of 2021 which is highly encouraging. Taking in to account the current climate and the impact over the last 18 months we see the market demand continuing to rise through in to 2022. To cater for client demand we have restructured our team to increase our personal approach, professionally led by our Senior Sales Manager Sue Hough based at our Protaras offices.
