Connecting South West London
South West London’s Leading Estate Agent
Offices Balham 132 Balham High Road London SW12 9AA 020 8673 6111 balham@aspire.co.uk
Fulham Central 226 Munster Road London SW6 6AZ 020 7381 7381 c.fulham@aspire.co.uk
Battersea 242 Battersea Bridge Road London SW11 3AA 020 7801 3400 battersea@aspire.co.uk
Fulham South 122 Wandsworth Bridge Road London SW6 2TF 020 7736 6110 fulham@aspire.co.uk
Clapham High Street 44 Clapham High Street London SW4 7UR 020 7840 3700 hs.clapham@aspire.co.uk
Head Office The Studio 1A Abercrombie Street London SW11 2JB 020 7228 1111 headoffice@aspire.co.uk
Clapham South 53 Abbeville Road London SW4 9JX 020 8675 1222 s.clapham@aspire.co.uk Furzedown/Tooting 58 Moyser Road London SW16 6SQ 020 8769 7900 furzedown@aspire.co.uk
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Aspire Riverside Upper Floor 242 Battersea Bridge Road London SW11 3AA 020 7801 3404 riverside@aspire.co.uk
aspire estate agents
Welcome to the autumn edition of the Aspire magazine... Estate Agency has always been about local knowledge and service in the pursuit of achieving what the client wants, usually the sale or letting of their home or property in a timescale that suits them. Competition in our industry increases every year and, whilst this is not completely unwelcome as it ensures we strive to remain at the top of our game, the business of buying and selling a home is much more than simply putting a price on the bricks and mortar - it is a highly personal and emotional experience. You will have noticed that during 2015 we have been running a marketing campaign highlighting the small things that we as a company regularly do for our clients, small things which very often make a big and sometimes key difference to them. This month we are extending our #smallthingsbigdifferences campaign but with a `tongue firmly in cheek’ twist. Please see pages 6 and 7 for further information. In this edition of the magazine our strong belief in supporting other local businesses continues and we again have some excellent features for you to read. Lots Road Auctions is situated in the heart of Chelsea and provides a unique and ever-changing collection of both contemporary and antique items; Kitchenhaus, a Battersea-based kitchen company, specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of modern bespoke kitchens; and, for interior design, Velvet Orange, based in Abbeville Village and founded by ex-accountant and interior designer Dee Gibson, her sole aim to create living spaces that her clients can feel ‘incredibly special in’. On the food and drink front we have an array of wonderful suppliers. Since establishing Bloom in 2011, Nigel and Elma Duncan have been seeing out their passion for fine food and drink at their Fulham-based ‘café, bar and kitchen’. Over in Clapham we have a wine shop with a difference, suitable for both novices and seasoned tipplers. Bottle Apostle first opened its doors in 2009 in London’s East End, the Clapham branch (one of five) opening in 2014. Fancy some caviar, then you need to look online! From their Battersea base London Fine Foods have become online specialists in the supply of high quality luxury foods at very competitive prices. And last but by no means least we are delighted to include an exciting new Home Staging business, Yohan May Design. From Fulham’s Munster Road Michele Lomax, an ex-investment bank graduate programme manager, and Amber Friederichs, a project manager for house refurbishments, provide stylish furniture and furnishings for rent by those wishing to sell their property faster and for possibly more than the asking price. Our latest ‘Agent profile’ features Alastair Hutchinson, a Lettings Valuer at our Fulham Central office, and in ‘Ask the expert’ Lorna Evans, Associate Director of our Balham office, highlights the benefits of using a Property Management agent. Finally, as well as the usual update on what we have been doing to support our local community, you will find some of the very best property we are currently handling across South West London. We hope you enjoy reading this magazine but as always we couldn’t produce it without your help. If you are a local producer, retailer, artist etc and with a story to tell, then please do get in touch. Equally, if you would like to see your property featured in our next edition, the team at your local Aspire office will be delighted to help. © Aspire 2015. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be copied, imitated or reproduced without the prior consent of the Publisher. The content of this magazine is believed to be correct but its accuracy is not guaranteed and it does not form part of any offer or contract. Responsibility cannot be accepted for any omissions or errors. Please recycle this magazine.
Contents
Market report 4 City level house price inflation picks up #smallthingsbigdifferences 6 Graham Rawle’s Lost Consonants text and image word play series Aspire in the community 8 News and events in your area All things authentic, alternative, eclectic 9 and magnificent Situated in the heart of Chelsea, Lots Road Auctions provides a unique, ever-changing collection of both contemporary and antique items Beautiful kitchens to suit contemporary living 12 Patrick Byrne, owner of Kitchenhaus, discusses his approach to creating beautiful kitchens to suit contemporary living For wine novices and seasoned tipplers 14 Bottle Apostle, a wine shop for customers to explore wine without intimidation Gloriously sensual spaces 16 Dee Gibson, owner of Velvet Orange, tells us how a favourite cushion led to gloriously sensual living spaces A relaxing neighbourhood rendezvous 18 Nigel Duncan lives out his passion for fine food and drink at ‘Bloom’, his Fulham Palace Road café, bar and kitchen The most luxurious food 20 Ken Benning, managing director of London Fine Foods, talks about his original online UK fine foods service which supplies the highest quality luxury foods An exciting new home staging service 22 Amber Friederichs, director of Yohan May Design, tells us how to transform a property ready for the real estate market Agent profile 24 Alastair Hutchinson, Lettings Valuer of Aspire’s Fulham Central office, talks about his dreams of having a property portfolio and being a landlord Property 26 Aspire’s guide to the finest homes in South West London Ask the expert 58 Lorna Evans, Associate Director of Aspire’s Balham office, highlights the benefits of using a Property Management agent New luxury townhouses in Parsons Green 64 Seven luxury townhouses, located amidst the setting of a new members-only sports and leisure club
Market report
Market report SALES The latest research by property analysts Hometrack shows that city level house price inflation has picked up pace with annual growth running at 8.5%. Indeed growth over the last 3 months [+4.3%] is at the fastest rate for 11 years. In London the annual growth has been 9.4% with the average 4.3% increase in the last 3 months. Hometrack further reported that low mortgage rates, economic growth and rising earnings will continue to stimulate demand and put an upward push on house prices across most cities. As an international city, London is out on its own setting new highs for prices with only Cambridge and Oxford outperforming the capital year on year. How long this can be sustained is down to the prospects for the different segments of demand, specifically international buyers, domestic investors and domestic home owners. Overall they expected city level house price inflation to remain on course to end the year at 10% year on year.
2%
0%
-2%
4-5
Southampton Sheffield
UK
Nottingham Newcastle
Manchester
Liverpool
Leicester
Leeds
Glasgow
Aberdeen
4%
Cardiff
6%
Bournemouth
Belfast
8%
Birmingham
Bristol
10%
Edinburgh
12%
London
Cambridge
House prices inflation year on year
Oxford
After a slow start to the year our offices across South West London have experienced a definite post election boost and a busier summer period than might have been expected but with transaction levels still well below the average of the last couple of years.
Source: Hometrack House Price Indices
LETTINGS Despite all our offices reporting rent continuing to increase the usually buoyant summer market appeared to start slowly with the usual surge in activity for this time of year taking longer than usual to appear. However by the end of July and during August the market was firmly picking up with all our offices seeing a significant upswing in demand and viewings are up by an average 51% in relation to July. Year on year the prime South West region has seen moderate growth of almost 2% but has been level quarter on quarter. However with the increase in demand and a notable drop in rental stock we are starting to see prices shift upwards again. This is reflected in the various predictions which have been published which see a growth in rental prices over the next year by 2.5% and as much as 12% over the next 5 years. In terms of the types of tenants we are still finding a large influx of professional sharers and couples coming forward where the house prices are too high for them to afford to get on the ladder. Further price rises will lead to even more demand coming forward and rental prices continuing their upward path.
Viewings in proportion
Anticipated increase in rent 12%
June
July
August
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0% 2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
There have been all sorts of differing opinions on the effect of the impending tax changes for buy to let investors with many pundits warning that the impact could mean some investors decide to sell their properties and others raising rents to cover the possible drop in net income. However speaking to a good number of local South West London investors we get the impression that these changes, whilst unwelcome, will not be as damaging as certainly some think. There are some excellent investment opportunities across South West London, with just a handful listed within this magazine and our more professional landlords still very much see this market as something that they wish to continue to invest in.Â
#smallthingsbigdifferences
#smallthings bigdifferences From the start of 2015 we have been running our #smallthingsbigdifferences campaign to help highlight some of the small things we do that make a big difference to the property selling or letting process. The business of buying and selling a home is much more than simply putting a price on the bricks and mortar - it is a highly skilled, personal and often emotional experience. Earlier this year we came across Graham Rawle’s Lost Consonants text and image word play series that appeared in The Guardian Weekly for 15 years. We felt that this would make for a fun addition to our #smallthingsbigdifferences campaign. Welcome to a world where dogs start baking and the property surveyor comes across a rising dam. We hope this series of six will bring a smile to your face whilst reminding us all how the littlest of omissions can have the hugest consequences, which is why when you buy, sell or let property through Aspire there are no unwelcome surprises. We’ve got you covered.
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Aspire in the community | Lots Road Auctions
Aspire in the community Aspire sponsors Tooting based Saturday Soccer School and Under 11 Youth Football Team. Aspire is always keen to be involved at community level and this year they are sponsoring the London Bari Soccer School and Under 11 Bari Youth Football team, based in Tooting. Run by F.A. qualified and trained coaches London Bari Soccer School takes place every Saturday on Tooting Common, costing £3 per session and is available to both boys and girls aged between 6 and 12, where they learn different skills each week from the basics of the game and ball skills to interacting socially with others. The Under 11 Bari Youth Team, also based in Tooting, has just started its new season and is playing in the Tandridge league. Jeremy Owen, Branch Manager at Aspire’s office in Tooting comments; “We are delighted to be sponsoring this local team and provide much needed
A
spire continues to support Parsons Green music school with an annual scholarship.
As part of an ongoing programme of support to Music’all – a dynamic music school and registered charity, which runs every Saturday in Parsons Green – Aspire in Fulham will once again be offering a scholarship to a pupil who requires financial assistance. Music’all’s overall aim is to be able to provide a musical experience to as many children as it can in the local community and in particular attract students from more disadvantaged backgrounds who would not otherwise be able to access or afford music tuition. Tom Ward, director of
equipment for the recently launched Soccer School. Sport is an important part of everyday life and not only gives children a great deal of pleasure and an opportunity to mix with others but also keeps them fit and healthy.” Jamie Milton, Manager of the Under 11 Youth Team and Soccer School comments; “We are so grateful for Aspire’s generous donation. The Soccer School is still in its infancy, as it was only set up eight weeks ago, but it has already proved very popular with local youngsters and we are seeing newcomers each week.” London Bari Under 11 Youth Team and Soccer School londonbari11@hotmail.com facebook/londonbari11
Aspire’s office in Fulham comments; “We are proud to continue to offer a scholarship to a Music’all pupil for whom the money will help towards instrument rental and ensemble participations as well as lessons. We are always keen to support local organisations and we believe Music’all is a very worthy cause and benefits local children enormously.” Principal, Natalie Lindsay comments; “We are thrilled Aspire will again be funding a pupil who will benefit in every sense. We believe that for children to thrive in music requires not only mastering an instrument, but also the experience of making music communally through choirs, ensembles and orchestras.” Aspire is the only local estate agent to be offering such a scholarship giving an underprivileged family the chance to bring music to a child’s life. Music’all Lady Margaret School Parsons Green SW6 4UN T0759 069 1265 info@musicall.org.uk musicall.org.uk
If you would like Aspire to support your event in 2015/2016, please contact us to make enquiries. Many of our staff live locally and supporting both local schools and charities is, we believe, a vital part of the role we play in the community as a significant local business.
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All things authentic, alternative, eclectic and magnificent... Every Sunday, since 1979, Lots Road Auctions, situated in the heart of Chelsea, has allowed its visitors the chance to escape from everyday life into an extensive collection of modern day and historical wonders. Whether you are interested in filling your home with magnificent antique trunks to hide all your hoardings, or contributing to your own art collection to show off your knowledgeable taste, Lots Road Auctions offers both contemporary and antique artefacts alongside many other desirable items.
Lots Road Auctions
N
ick Carter, Senior Auctioneer, a self-confessed workaholic who has been with the company for 20 years, comments; “37 years ago Lots Road was just a warehouse with no roof doing house clearance sales.” Over the years it has grown to offer a wide range of antiques and contemporary pieces from its two vast sales rooms and is well known also for its Channel 4 programme, ‘The Auction House’. “The market is constantly changing which keeps us very much on our toes. A couple of years ago antique furniture was not popular at all and modern/contemporary pieces were flying high. Now people prefer an eclectic mix with the current contemporary look being a combination of modern and antique furniture – a clean look and no longer minimalist. So, for instance, people will come looking for a modern chest of drawers but with a 16th century statuette to go on top.” Every Sunday, including all bank holidays, the Contemporary and Traditional Furnishings and Decorative Items sale kicks off from 12pm in the ground floor auction Room and followed by, at 3pm, the upstairs auction of Over the years Lots Antique Furniture, Paintings, Carpets Road has grown and Works of Art.
to offer a wide range of antiques and contemporary pieces from its two vast sales rooms and is well known also for its Channel 4 programme, ‘The Auction House’.
Almost every month a specialist sale is held for the avid collectors and the intrigued, featuring selections of the following: Fine Antiques, Continental Furniture, Lighting and Mirrors, Silver and Vertu; Fine Carpets and Rugs; Tribal and Asian Art and Artefacts; and Russian Art Auctions three times a year. “Other than offering the antique and contemporary lines, we are also diversifying. We are going back in part to our original offering with household clearances but we are also selling designer clothes, jewellery and watches. These are items that are sought after in the Chelsea area where there is a high demand for top end designer clothes, which may have
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been only worn once, and handbags – from the likes of Dior and Christian Lacroix to Hermes, Burberry and Chanel. “July and August tend to be the quieter months but come September things become very active again and we already have plans in place to hold a number of themed sales next month – from pop, rock and sports memorabilia, which will include one of Mick Jagger’s jackets, to an African Tribal Art sale which has once again become very popular.” Highly regarded for providing an excellent service to the creative industry, Lots Road Auctions is an essential source for both trade and private collectors and interior
“The market is constantly changing which keeps us very much on our toes.“
designers thanks to the value for money and variety it offers each week. There is a 30 strong team working in the company including highly experienced auctioneers as well as vital back office staff. Idle visitors are given the opportunity to pursue and view the eclectic mix of sales items for four full days and one evening throughout the course of the week. For those who are drowning in busy schedules the fully illustrated catalogue is available online on Thursday from 6.30pm. “Our themed sales are very well attended and we are planning to offer more of these in the future. We are also looking to develop our new markets such as
the increasingly popular lifestyle items. Whilst our core customer is from the South West London area we do get people from all over the UK and we are keen to develop our brand with more exposure across the whole of London.” Lots Road Auctions is holding a Preview Evening for their upcoming Designer Fashion, Handbags and Jewellery Sale on September 24th from 6pm to 8pm. Lots Road Auctions 71-73 Lots Road Chelsea SW10 0RN T020 7376 6800 info@lotsroad.com lotsroad.com
Kitchenhaus
beautiful kitchens to suit contemporary living Kitchenhaus is a Battersea based kitchen company specialising in modern bespoke kitchens. Owner Patrick Byrne and his team of three designers not only pride themselves on designing beautiful kitchens, but also oversee the manufacture and installation of their fitted kitchens, kitchen units, kitchen cabinets and open plan kitchens. They also create contemporary and luxury designs for other residential living spaces through sister company Italigencia. Before setting up Kitchenhaus, Patrick part trained as an architect and had a business supplying a fitting service to national kitchen retailers. Patrick continues the story; “Whilst we ran a thriving business with a team of fitters, my partner at the time and I were becoming increasingly frustrated at the standard of design of many kitchens and so, we started to seriously consider setting up on our own to offer kitchen design that was more bespoke, more creative and offer something different. “We knew we had to be able to set ourselves apart in order to make the new business work. We opened for business in 1999 in Battersea in South West London and whilst we could not offer anything unique on a product level, we made sure that our differentiator would come in the design element. We bore in mind
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two things in particular; firstly, that you have to live with your kitchen for a long time and secondly, the kitchen is a major room in contemporary homes and thus forms a large part of your happiness.” Bearing these two essential elements has been the mainstay of their business and not only does Kitchenhaus design beautiful kitchens but Patrick and his team make sure they execute the overall customer experience well too. “Our focus is all about listening to people, taking a comprehensive brief, inviting ourselves into their homes, really finding out how the room would work with the rest of the house and fit in with how they want to live.” Whether you are looking for a small kitchen idea, open plan style kitchens or perhaps living and
bedroom solutions, Kitchenhaus appears to offer a magic ingredient, firmly believing that a well designed living space can enhance your physical and emotional wellbeing; providing comfort, tranquillity, visual harmony, order and piece of mind. “We pride ourselves on our reliable bespoke kitchen service and project manage the entire installation to insure a polished and impeccable end result that our clients are always pleased with.” Their USP of; “We will listen to you, we will design something specifically for you and we will come to you” has certainly paid off as most of their business now comes through referrals and recommendations from architects and designers, alongside many personal referrals. The Battersea location has been good, not only for providing for the customer who prefers to shop locally for such an important purchase, but also for those in neighbouring areas such as Chelsea who are still looking for an excellent personal service but with “We will listen something that is slightly less pricey. “Battersea to you, we is a great place to be if will design you want to run with the hare and chase with the something hounds.”
specifically for you and we will come to you.”
The Kitchenhaus service starts with an initial consultation which discusses both aesthetic and functionality of the space and the integration of all the functions, colours, textures and moods. Then the preparation begins, with drawings and ideas around finishes and materials and a key part being the viewing of all the materials together to ensure that the scheme works in the wider context. “Kitchenhaus is a specialist in its field of bespoke kitchens and we like to be involved early in the process, as a suggestion to move a door by 5cm can mean the difference between a great kitchen and a fabulous one!”
Whilst business is good Patrick has no desire to open another outlet as he considers his service proposition as unscaleable – “the pillars upon which we built the business are such that we would not be able to offer the same level of service were we to expand.” His focus on customer satisfaction and service remains at the core of the Kitchenhaus offering. With the level of dedication at Kitchenhaus one wonders whether Patrick manages to give himself time off from the business? “I have pared down my working hours and only work every third Saturday so that I can spend time with my wife and teenage children, either at home in Ealing or in our original home in Ireland. I keep a check on my work-life balance via my bald patch but as an entrepreneur it is difficult not to be a workaholic!” His commitment to the business has certainly paid off. There are plenty of case studies and testimonials on the website to confirm they do exactly what they say they do – make beautiful kitchens for contemporary living.
Kitchenhaus 304/306 Battersea Park Road London SW11 3BU T020 7350 1222 info@kitchenhaus.com kitchenhaus.com
Bottle Apostle
for wine novices and seasoned tipplers... When Bottle Apostle – the brainchild of Andrew Eakin and Naomi Murtagh – was first opened in 2009 in the East End of London, it was with the belief that customers should be able to explore wine without intimidation. This new approach to wine quickly spread, leading to four further shops with the Clapham branch opening its doors in 2014. Miranda Fong, Marketing Manager, who has been with the company for three years comments; “The whole idea behind Bottle Apostle is to provide an environment which caters just as much for the wine novice as it does for the seasoned tippler. In particular we wanted to make customers feel comfortable when considering a wine and not have an uncomfortable nor intimidating experience.” Andrew Eakin’s early appreciation of wine was a love-hate relationship. He loved the wine but hated the snobbish, intimidating atmosphere of most wine shops. If you don’t have the knowledge you are often made to feel uncomfortable rather than just excited about tasting new wines. So Andrew opened his own shop to cater to novices and aficionados alike. Since then Bottle Apostle has gone from strength to strength picking up awards for the Telegraph magazine’s ‘Britain’s Best Small Wine Shop’ in 2011 and ‘Small Independent Merchant of the Year’ in 2012 by the International Wine Challenge and ‘London Merchant of the Year’ in 2014.
“We strive to bring an eclectic selection of wines with an informative service paired with a friendly approachable environment.”
All the wines sold in Bottle Apostle shops are colour coded, food matched and concisely described. Miranda continues; “A lot of wine labels can be pretty vague so we have made a real effort in our labelling to include as much detail as possible. We have found this really helps.” But most of all, we encourage visitors to have an interactive experience. As with all our shops, Clapham is equipped with two Enomatic sampling machines carrying 16 wines, with a tasting card which allows you to pay as you taste - a bit like an Oyster card – so you can
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try before you buy and sample wines at any time. The idea behind this is that you can try on your own and explore at your own pace. If you still have trouble deciding, then our qualified winos are on hand to share their knowledge – with none of the attitude.” Miranda’s own love of the grape developed naturally as she was always immersed in a foodie family. She handles all marketing, events and wholesale aspects for Bottle Apostle and is justifiably proud of its popularity and growth. “We are delighted to call Abbeville Road home to one of our shops and Clapham has a strong community focused on supporting its local independents which we are ecstatic about. We strive to bring an eclectic selection of wines with an informative service paired with a friendly approachable environment.” The Clapham shop is also home to The Brew Testament – a Bottle Apostle spin-off which proudly stocks a unique range of craft beers and ciders. “A lot of people think we only sell wine but we also offer the best range of craft beers in the area and a lot of beer connoisseurs pass through our doors.” Bottle Apostle also offers regular wine tasting events and courses as well as supper clubs featuring award-winning chefs and free tastings every Friday evening between 4-8pm highlighting unique wines and new additions to our range. “These events are also very popular as they are always friendly, informal and a great way to meet other wine lovers. They are certainly not a lecture environment so people feel very at ease when they come in. It’s a great way for locals to pop in and kill a bit of time with us when they’re waiting for their Friday night fish and chips from Kerbisher and Malt.” The typical Bottle Apostle customer can be a young professional to those with families but all have one thing in common – a curiosity about wine. “Our customers show a serious interest in wine but not necessarily at the super premium end and we find the Enomatic machines help feed their curiosity by letting them to explore a wider range of wines. I think the overall experience builds very local customers. For instance one of our customers who recently moved from Hackney to Clapham was very pleased to see we had one here too!” So what does the future hold? “In Clapham we are concentrating on building our reputation and we are looking to offer more in the way of events and to working in partnership with local restaurants and businesses. We carefully select our locations because of the thriving communities that they exist in and we are keen to reward our customers by offering Bottle Apostle loyalty cards which offer a discount of 15% after you have collected nine stamps. Who ever thought you would be rewarded for your wine drinking? Bottle Apostle 59 Abbeville Road Clapham SW4 9JW T020 3376 1447 info@bottleapostle.com bottleapostle.com
Velvet Orange
Gloriously sensual spaces Velvet Orange – based in Abbeville Village – was founded by ex-accountant and interior designer Dee Gibson, whose sole aim is to create living spaces that her clients feel ‘incredibly special in’. Dee heads up a professional team of designers and contractors who are not only dedicated to design, but who enjoy working with dynamic and energetic clients who are equally passionate about turning their living spaces into a home. Dee comments; “I worked for many years as an accountant in the City and, in many ways, during that time I was a frustrated architect.” A redundancy one summer led her to taking some time off, before starting a new role, and gave her valuable time for reflection and re-evaluation. “I researched design courses and spotted one that looked interesting at the Interior Design School in north London, which offered a great blend of interior design and architecture and just seemed to be made for me!” Dee enrolled on the course and never took up that new accountancy position and has also never looked back. “I loved the course and gained so much experience and plenty of encouragement from my teachers. I set up Velvet Orange after graduating and retraining and it certainly helped that I already had
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a business background. Velvet Orange – named after a favourite cushion which always made me want to touch its gloriously sensual material and stare at the reflective, ethereal colour – aims to reflect the needs of our clients and create serene environments important for emotional well being.” Dee is a straight thinker and talker and her clients trust her professionalism to such a degree that 90% of new business comes from client referrals. An abundance of positive testimonials that can be viewed on the website, is a reflection on the high standards Dee and her team of designers set themselves for each of
“Velvet Orange – named after a favourite cushion which always made me want to touch its gloriously sensual material and stare at the reflective, ethereal colour – aims to reflect the needs of our clients and create serene environments important for emotional well being.” their projects. They claim not to make any compromise and are selective in who they work with. Velvet Orange is now a thriving concern serving customers in the Clapham and surrounding areas, although business has taken her as far out as Surrey too. “Abbeville is a great place to work and be. I have seen many changes over the years and the area now has a real buzz with loads of interesting cafes, restaurants and shops.” Keen to emphasise that Velvet Orange has no particular style, Dee comments; “Our style comes from who we work with and every client is a unique proposition. We do not prescribe to a formula – at the heart is creating a beautiful interior that people love and thrive in. I am a huge believer in interior affecting mood – so we make sure we get to know our clients before we design for them. Whilst we love bold and striking colours, our aim is to create interiors that reflect a client’s need. They are often time poor and as London can be a total onslaught on the senses we really want to create something that helps them. The nicest thing is when I hear ‘I feel happy’ or ‘I love being here and living in this space’.” The change of career has been life enhancing for Dee too. “It is so different to accounting which is process driven. With an interior – there is a beginning, middle and end – it is a bit like a piece of art.” Since starting the business Dee has had two children, moved house and now lives close to Velvet Orange. Being based near
the kids school and the business has allowed Dee the time to do the afternoon pick-ups and spend time with the children. Her husband is also very hands on and is very happy to share the load. “Now that the children are a bit older I am able to concentrate on growing the business – my vision is to continue to work very closely with each client so that each and every project is a collaboration.” ‘We care about our clients is the Velvet Orange claim. Customer feedback such as; ‘using a designer and project manager like Dee saves money – it’s an economic decision rather than a luxury’ to ‘I absolutely loved how Velvet Orange has transformed my home’, shows that the Velvet Orange team walks the talk and looks after its clients ‘long after leaving the building.’ Velvet Orange T020 7884 0530 studio@velvetorange.co.uk velvetorange.co.uk
Bloom
A relaxing neighbourhood rendezvous Since establishing Bloom in 2011, leaving behind careers in teaching and accounting, Nigel and Elma Duncan have been living out their passion for fine food and drink at their Fulham Palace Road ‘café, bar and kitchen’.
a great interest in food and international cuisine and we have enjoyed travelling, whenever the opportunity arose, to sample international cuisine and then come back and cook the dishes at home. Over time we knew this is what we really wanted to do – pursue our passion and leave the “rat race” behind.” The couple tentatively started out by offering their food at a few festivals but when dropping the kids off at school one day they saw a for sale sign opposite, took a look and “just felt it was the right time and opportunity for us to live out the dream.”
“Recreating tasty dishes is our passion and those from far afield feature on the Bloom menu regularly.”
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he concept was originally borne out of the couple’s love for travel and sampling dishes from all over the world. Now a thriving business, Bloom offers mouth-watering imaginative, colourful dishes, many with an international influence against a bright and minimalist backdrop. Keeping it in the family, Elma’s sister – Selma – is the manager of Bloom and shares the Duncans’ passion for a fresh style and interesting cuisine. Nigel is clearly enthusiastic about the business and comments; “Both my wife and I have always had
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The Duncans gave up their jobs and, once the refurbishment had taken place with the challenging conversion of the basement to a usable kitchen, the business was ready to open its doors. Not sure if they would get the full licence for cooking on the premises or serving alcohol, they initially thought they would open as a café and florist – hence the name Bloom. But with both licences granted, Bloom café, bar and kitchen is now open from early morning to late evening for breakfast, all day dining, dinner, afternoon tea, cocktails and wine. Providing a mid-week refuge and weekend wind-down, Bloom caters for all tastes and needs, attracting young professionals and many families from the local Fulham area. “We offer a wide range of dishes and foods – from jerk chicken with sweet potato mash to Moroccan couscous with roasted vegetables.” Inspired by some of the journeys they have made, these dishes are now firm favourites amongst the local clientele. “Our
weekend signature brunch is particularly popular and we offer our own homemade baked beans with our traditional English breakfast or pancakes with streaky bacon and maple syrup.” Elma is the creative cake baker and so afternoon tea or desserts take on an extra attraction. The ambience is very welcoming too and manages to take you seamlessly from brunch to dinner, transforming from a relaxing café feel into a more seductive, low-lit dining destination while retaining its friendly personal style. Meticulous ingredient selection includes bacon and charcuterie from Trealy Farm which was awarded Best UK Food Producer 2010 Observer Food Monthly Awards. Bloom seats 40 with a spacious front terrace for 30 and a ‘discreet’ separate indoor playroom for children. Nigel adds; “Bloom is all about delighting the senses and the soul and we offer simple dishes featuring high quality seasonal ingredients with a creative flourish from the Bloom chef. Our aim is to nourish the body, spirit and the local community.” Born and brought up in Fulham, Nigel is very happy to have established a business in an area he has known and loved for so many years. With the children at school in Fulham and the family home so close, they feel the quality of their life has improved, despite the continuing long hours. With Selma overseeing the business at weekends, Nigel and Elma are, however, able to spend time with their family and take the children to their activities. They continue to enjoy their trips abroad and the children have acquired their love of trying out new foods and seeing different places, with favourites being Thailand, Morocco and Italy.
“Recreating tasty dishes is our passion and those from far afield feature on the Bloom menu regularly.” The food and ambience of Bloom completely reflect their style and ethos – stylishly simple and honest. And the couple are not averse to setting up another ‘Bloom’ – providing it is “the right location and fits in with us”. Bloom 399 Fulham Palace Road London SW6 6TA T020 7371 0662 nigelduncan524@yahoo.com mybloom.co.uk
London Fine Foods Group
The most luxurious food... London Fine Foods Group is the original online UK fine foods service that has been supplying the highest quality luxury foods via the web since 2003. Set up by Kenneth Benning, and run with his wife Jemima and ‘right hand man’ Harry Ferguson, the company has grown to be experts – notably in caviar – in providing high quality luxury food with an exceptional food knowledge service at very competitive prices. Kenneth comments; “We were hosting a New Year’s Eve Party about 15 years ago and went to a major luxury retailer for beluga caviar. The prices were incredibly high and a friend told us about a wholesaler whose prices were considerably less, yet the quality was still excellent. It set me thinking. Some six months later I was visiting my mother and opened her fridge to find two 500g tins of belugia caviar and I knew I was looking at something
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Kenneth is now well known for his expert eye for quality in caviar and has not only appeared on TV and in the press but is regularly invited to host talks on the varieties of old and new world caviar, caviar farming and global caviar industry as a whole.
very expensive! My mother had received the caviar as a thank you for looking after the daughter of a Ukrainian couple and when I spoke to the girl I found it had been bought for a fraction of the price it would be sold at in the UK. For me that was the light bulb moment. I wanted to be able to offer something here in the UK to those lovers of caviar.” In 2002 London Fine Foods launched its website (just as Google was coming live) and using Google adwords, but no method for online purchasing at that stage, they started selling caviar sourced from the original wholesaler they visited that New Year’s Eve. With the help of one of the UK’s first cloud business in 2004, they had the platform for online sales and for controlling, managing and extending their product offering. The excellent range of caviars is still the mainstay of their business today but their range now includes other luxury fine foods such as truffles, wagyu beef and foie gras. “Through our core network of key suppliers that form the supply line into every Michelin starred restaurant in the UK, we are able to supply the finest, highest quality food produce at prices that are simply unobtainable elsewhere, taking quality and freshness into account.”
Whilst the business is year round supplying to 300 restaurants in London but also on a worldwide basis, their busiest time is in the weeks leading up to Christmas, where much of their sales go to private users. “We enable our customers to buy those exact same products and ingredients that a Michelin starred restaurant would serve to its customers.” Caviar continues to be a passion for Kenneth, so much so that he established Exmoor Caviar in 2010. Originally a trout farm from the 1950’s and adapted as an ornamental sturgeon farm in the 1990’s it now produces the UK’s first and only caviar as well as beautiful fresh and smoked sturgeon meats. Kenneth is now well known for his expert eye for quality in caviar and has not only appeared on TV and in the press but is regularly invited to host talks on the varieties of old and new world caviar, caviar “We enable our farming and global caviar industry as a whole. As the only caviar customers to farmer, retailer and wholesaler in the UK Kenneth laughingly tells us that “they don’t call me caviar Ken for nothing!” buy those exact And if that is not enough to keep him busy, Kenneth has just finished writing a novel which is shortly to be published. “I am really not that good at taking time out as I love what I do and am always looking for new openings and challenges.” With a family of five children too – ranging in age from two to 15 – family life is also busy. “I like to get things going, put my full weight into something and get it off the ground – in that way I am what you might describe as a typical entrepreneur. We are a small company but with great ideas!
London Fine Foods Group 563-565 Battersea Park Road London SW11 3BL T020 7223 3677 shahcaviar@londonfinefoods.co.uk londonfinefoods.co.uk
same products and ingredients that a Michelin starred restaurant would serve to its customers.”
Yohan May Design
An exciting new home staging service Yohan May Design – based on Munster Road in Fulham – was set up just over two months ago by ex-investment bank graduate programme manager, Michele Lomax and Amber Friederichs, who worked as a project manager in house refurbishments. The main focus of this new business is ‘Home Staging’, providing quality furnishings at competitive prices, but also on offer is an interior design and styling service. Still in its infancy, but already with a few projects under their belts, Amber and Michele are keen to make Home Staging a more accessible offering for those either in the business of selling property or individuals wishing to make a move. Amber comments; “Whilst a big industry in the US, Home Staging is still a fairly new concept in the UK that many are not familiar with. It is used when properties go on the market – either when new, empty or in need of a new image – and that is where Yohan May comes in - to provide stylish furniture and furnishings that can be rented for the period in which it is required. I came upon the business idea when I was selling my own apartment and was “Whilst a big industry in looking for a home staging agency to help with extra furniture the US, Home Staging is and furnishings to make it ready for sale. I found the prices to be quite high and the quality of the furniture relatively low still a fairly new concept in and, as property is expensive in London, you need to put the UK that many are not quality furniture in a property in order for it to live up to its familiar with. It is used when selling price. I was also aware of the positive impact staging has in terms of selling a property faster and for higher than properties go on the market the asking price.”
– either when new, empty or in need of a new image – and that is where Yohan May comes in - to provide stylish furniture and furnishings that can be rented for the period in which it is required.”
Amber and Michele have been friends for a long time and often spoke about their common interest in interiors and design when getting together. For Michele it had always been a passion and hobby and something completely different to her day job, whereas Amber was already in the business and looking for her next challenge. It was on one of their many ‘get togethers’ that the idea for Yohan May Design was born and came at a time when Michele was looking for a change in career and Amber fortunately already had good contacts. “One night we were talking about our hopes and dreams and we started to seriously discuss actually working together and how best to bring about a business which incorporated what we both loved doing but which would also offer something slightly different.”
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“you certainly increase the potential for selling as people are able to imagine how the space could work for them and their lifestyle.” Shortly after that conversation, Michele enrolled on an interior styling course at Central Saint Martins to help her make the move to something she loved and wanted to work on full time. Both of them set about researching the market potential as they wanted to be sure that there was a real opportunity for what they had in mind. “We spoke with many real estate agents and we were met with overwhelmingly positive responses and feedback, so much so that we saw a real need and opportunity for a Home Staging service – particularly in areas such as Fulham, Chelsea and Kensington where there is much high end property development. We also decided that we didn’t want to save on quality and knew that we need to be competitive in our pricing and we hope this will make the business a sustainable proposition.” Almost immediately after launch Yohan May Design had several enquiries and the business partners have just completed the home staging of a penthouse flat in Fulham and are about to embark on a mews house project in Notting Hill. “We are really pleased with how well it is going already. Our plan is not only to work with property developers but to offer a service to those clients who are selling their property and are looking for a bit of extra help or particular items of furniture. I think the kind of service we are offering is particularly valuable in London where interior space is relatively small and where people can’t always envisage how eight people can fit around a table in a dining area or whether a living room can accommodate a certain size of sofa. “If you can show how this works then you certainly increase the potential for selling as people are able to imagine how the space could work for them and their lifestyle. And if potential buyers really like what they see the furniture will also be available to purchase – a buyer can acquire a completely furnished property!” Yohan May Design T07545 128 559 michele@yohanmay.com T07805 801 181 amber@yohanmay.com yohanmay.com
Agent profile
A
lastair Hutchinson joined the growing Lettings team at Aspire just over a year ago, and already in the short time he has been working at the company’s Fulham Central office, Alastair has used his knowledge and understanding of the rental market to his full advantage. Whilst he had an interest in a career in property from a young age, it was during his university years that Alastair developed a real desire for a career in property and, whilst his own degree was in Anthropology, many of his friends were studying property related degrees and he is sure this contributed to fuelling his interest. Alastair spent a very happy childhood with his parents and two sisters growing up in Shropshire and equally happy days attending Shrewsbury School where he believes he made lifelong friends – some of whom he now lives with in Brixton - and readily admits that he “would go back there tomorrow”. After leaving school, Alastair set out to pursue one of his childhood dreams, that of becoming a ski instructor – the other was to train as an officer at Sandhurst – and after a series of temporary summer jobs he took himself to Val d’Isere for a ski season. Realising this was perhaps not a long term sustainable career he came back to the UK and spent the next three years at University, where he opted for the experience rather than a passion for his subject, but has no regrets whatsoever and came away with many happy memories and friends. “You really don’t After graduating, he moved to London know how your and started work in day will pan out a Lettings Portfolio company where he cut and invariably you his teeth as a Lettings are thrown the negotiator. A year later odd curve ball. I he joined Aspire, and was not only pleased like dealing with to be joining a growing different people.” and dynamic South West London estate agency, but also delighted to become one of its Lettings Valuers where he says “no two days are the same.” “Whilst the main focus of my day is valuing properties and getting them listed, I also spend a lot of my time dealing with tenants and prospective tenants. Every day is different – and every day is a challenge. You really don’t know how your day will pan out and invariably you are thrown the odd curve ball. I like dealing with different people – some are easier
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than others – but it is good to have the variety and getting to speak to a range of personalities and demographics.” Alastair is now firmly established at the Fulham Central office which has been a resounding success since it opened just over seven years ago at the height of the credit crunch. Alastair is rightly proud of this success as he continues to build the company’s reputation in both Alastair decided Central Fulham and Munster earlier this year to Village.
run the Brighton Marathon. “For those who know me well this was no mean feat and I was pleased to be able to do this in aid of a charity of my choice, Scope – who offer unrivalled care to children with disabilities.”
Alastair is also quick to mention that the team at Aspire is great to work with. “There is a really nice office vibe, with all of us getting on well together and although we work hard, we all enjoy going out for drinks to a local pub after a busy day or at the end of the working week.” Meals out are also frequently organised along with the twice yearly company outings or events. Other than socialising with colleagues and friends, in his spare time Alastair is a keen sportsman and can be found on a football pitch most weekends, playing for his old boys team, also based in London. And after not getting a place in the London Marathon, he decided earlier this year to run the “more glamorous” Brighton Marathon. “For those who know me well this was no mean feat and I was pleased to be able to do this in aid of a charity of my choice, Scope – who offer unrivalled care to children with disabilities.” Property continues to be very much on the agenda for the future, not only for Alastair to help build the lettings side of the Aspire business but he is also hoping, “to pursue a long term dream of starting my own property portfolio, be a landlord myself and see where that takes me!” Alastair Hutchinson Lettings Valuer Fulham Central office alastair.hutchinson@aspire.co.uk
Agent profile Alastair Hutchinson talks about his dreams of having a property portfolio and being a landlord
Property
Bovingdon Road SW6 This imposing five bedroom Victorian ‘Lion’ house, located just off the popular Wandsworth Bridge Road, has been fully and impeccably extended and refurbished in recent years, offering practical space as well as a generous 19 ft south east facing garden.
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FOR SALE ÂŁ2,400,000 020 7736 6110 fulham@aspire.co.uk EPC - D
FOR SALE ÂŁ1,625,000 020 7736 6110 fulham@aspire.co.uk EPC - D
Stephendale Road SW6 This spectacular and substantial family home in the popular Sands End area has been beautifully extended and fully refurbished to an outstandingly high standard to provide an extensive living area for any family, with four bedrooms and two reception rooms.
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FOR SALE ÂŁ900,000 020 7736 6110 fulham@aspire.co.uk EPC - C
Wandsworth Bridge Road SW6 An especially large and stunningly finished two bedroom flat set on the Wandsworth Bridge Road. Only minutes from the leafy spaces of South Park and Eel Brook Common, it has recently been refurbished to give comfortable modern living in this sumptuous property.
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Althea Street SW6 This exceptional two bedroom garden flat set on, arguably, one of the most desirable streets in the popular Sands End area of Fulham South. The flat offers excellent living accommodation throughout with two double bedrooms, a separate shower room and bathroom.
FOR LET ÂŁ550 PW tenant fees apply 020 7736 6110 fulham@aspire.co.uk EPC - C
Rosebury Road SW6 A fabulous five bedroom house set over four floors to provide extensive living space. The property has just been fully refurbished to boast a beautiful and large contemporary kitchen and a large reception room in the basement leading out onto a private patio garden. LET AGREED ÂŁ1,100 PW tenant fees apply 020 7736 6110 fulham@aspire.co.uk EPC - D
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FOR SALE ÂŁ589,950 020 7381 7381 c.fulham@aspire.co.uk EPC - D
Allestree Road SW6 This charming, one bedroom flat located on a pretty tree lined road in the Munster Village offers potential to extend. Brought to market in great condition throughout there is a generous reception room, separate kitchen, a large double bedroom and access to the larger than average garden.
Munster Road SW6 Situated in the heart of Munster Village is this larger than average, bright, beautifully designed and spacious three double bedroom maisonette. Arranged over three floors the property offers wonderful living and entertaining space, including a fabulous master suite at the top of the property. FOR SALE ÂŁ1,425,000 020 7381 7381 c.fulham@aspire.co.uk EPC - D
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LET AGREED ÂŁ500 PW tenant fees apply 020 7381 7381 c.fulham@aspire.co.uk EPC - D
Bloom Park Road SW6 A unique and beautifully presented two double bedroom split level flat, situated a short walk from both Parsons Green and Fulham Broadway stations. The property benefits from plenty of natural light and an extremely large roof terrace. This is not one to be missed.
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Shuttleworth Road SW11 This spacious four bedroom, two bathroom house briefly comprises large double reception, downstairs W/C, modern kitchen and garden. On the first floor there are three bedrooms including a spacious master bedroom and separate bathroom. On the top floor is a spacious double bedroom with impressive en-suite shower room. FOR SALE ÂŁ1,150,000 020 7801 3400 battersea@aspire.co.uk EPC - D
Balfern Street SW11 An extensively refurbished three double bedroom house briefly comprising a double reception, modern kitchen and utility room with downstairs toilet and pantry. On the second floor there is a master bedroom with en-suite, two further double bedrooms and separate bathroom. The property further benefits from a rear paved garden. FOR LET ÂŁ675 PW tenant fees apply 020 7801 3400 battersea@aspire.co.uk EPC - C
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FOR LET ÂŁ530 PW tenant fees apply 020 7801 3400 battersea@aspire.co.uk EPC - D
York Mansions SW11 A spacious and well-proportioned ground floor apartment comprising two generous double bedrooms with ample wardrobe space and a separate bathroom. There is a fantastic kitchen with plenty of space to dine and a lovely reception room which leads out to a large patio complete with outdoor furniture.
FOR SALE ÂŁ725,000 020 7801 3404 riverside@aspire.co.uk EPC - D
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Mendip Court SW11 A completely renovated two double bedroom river facing apartment which briefly comprises spacious reception, high specification open plan kitchen and balcony with spectacular direct river views, separate shower room and two double bedrooms, one with en-suite. The property further benefits from underground parking and private porterage.
FOR SALE £1,050,000 020 8675 1222 s.clapham@aspire.co.uk EPC - C
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Northbourne Lofts SW4 This is a truly magnificent two double bedroom two bathroom property ideal for a young professional or someone after a pied-Ă -terre. It is finished to the highest of standards and comes with a state-of-the-art SONOS sound system.
Manchuria Road SW11 The property has an exceptional finish throughout and is perfectly situated. Manchuria Road is located within easy reach to Clapham Common along with the popular Northcote Road where you will find the local schools, shops, bars and restaurants.
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LET ÂŁ1,100 PW tenant fees apply 020 8675 1222 s.clapham@aspire.co.uk EPC - E
FOR SALE £1,950,000 020 7840 3700 hs.clapham@aspire.co.uk EPC - F
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St Saviour’s Road SW2 A magnificent five-bedroom late Victorian House with a beautiful 65 ft south facing garden, located on a quiet residential road just off Brixton Hill. These superb detached houses rarely come to the market, this example boasting just over 3,100 sq ft of accommodation arranged over three floors and retaining many of its original features.
FOR SALE ÂŁ650,000 020 7840 3700 hs.clapham@aspire.co.uk EPC - C
Ferndale Road SW4 This is a newly refurbished two bedroom garden flat on the highly sought-after Ferndale Road. The wellproportioned flat is situated within a few minutes’ walk of Clapham High Street with its numerous shops, wine bars and restaurants together with Clapham North underground station and Clapham High Street British Rail.
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FOR LET ÂŁ715 PW tenant fees apply 020 7840 3700 hs.clapham@aspire.co.uk EPC - D
Brudenell Road SW17 Aspire are pleased to offer this well-proportioned four bed period home to the market, situated on a sought-after tree lined road, close to Tooting Bec underground station, and all local amenities.
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FOR LET ÂŁ600 PW tenant fees apply 020 7840 3700 hs.clapham@aspire.co.uk EPC - D
Trinity Gardens SW9 Located within Brixton’s most desirable garden square is this beautifully maintained three bedroom house. Trinity Gardens is a stunning square of Georgian terraced houses, and this is one of the best examples.
Dinsmore Road SW12 Perfectly situated between Balham and Clapham South is this quite superb four bedroom family home with a great contemporary feel.
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FOR SALE ÂŁ1,150,000 020 8673 6111 balham@aspire.co.uk EPC - D
FOR SALE ÂŁ649,950 020 8673 6111 balham@aspire.co.uk EPC - C
Fontenoy Road SW12 A fabulous raised ground floor south-facing flat, finished to a wonderfully high standard throughout. Located in a lovely tree lined road and set within a period building close to Tooting Bec Common and Balham High Road.
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Mortimer Close SW16 An astonishing six bedroom semi-detached family home completely renovated to the most exacting of standards with high-end fixtures throughout. Located in a small and quiet cul-de-sac the property is within easy reach of amenities along both Balham High Road and Streatham High Road. FOR SALE ÂŁ1,675,000 020 8673 6111 balham@aspire.co.uk EPC - E
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Ask the expert
Ask the expert Lorna Evans, Associate Director, Property Management, of Aspire’s Balham office, gives us a round-up of the latest legislation affecting landlords and highlights the benefits of using a Property Management agent. Why don’t you start off by telling us what a Property Management agent does? Management agents deal directly with landlords and tenants, saving landlords time and worry over their rental properties, collecting rent, handling maintenance and repair issues, responding to tenant complaints, assisting with insurance claims and any legal issues – even pursuing evictions. Plus, a good management agent brings its know-how and experience to a property, giving landlords the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their investment is in good hands. Lettings is a front office function at Aspire whilst Property Management is a back office one – although clearly we work very closely together. One of the biggest decisions a landlord will make is whether to hire a Property Management agent. Some landlords manage properties on their own but often they need more help and that’s when a Property Management agent makes sense. Aspire pride themselves on their management knowledge, experience and expertise. What are the key things that landlords need to be aware of in the coming months? There are many changes afoot which will directly affect landlords and which are due to take effect in the Autumn of this year. Landlords are not always aware of the full legal implications or changes unless they seek them out themselves. We maintain very high professional standards and all our offices are registered with ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) and, as members, we are sent on regular training courses and are made aware of the latest legislative issues and how to implement and deal with them. The latest changes to come into effect (although not confirmed) this Autumn are: •
Landlords will be required by law to install working smoke alarms on every floor of their properties. This comes with strong support after a consultation on property conditions in the private rented sector.
• Landlords will also need to install carbon monoxide alarms in high risk rooms – such as those where a
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solid fuel heating system is installed. Those who fail to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms might face sanctions with up to a £5,000 penalty. •
Measures in a new Immigration Bill will include ordering landlords to carry out right to rent checks on tenants, as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration. The proposals will help landlords to evict illegal immigrants without having to go to court in some cases and will blacklist rogue landlords who make money out of illegal immigration. Offenders may face a fine or up to five years in jail.
•
The Deregulation Act 2015 has now introduced additional requirements for the landlord to comply with other legislation in order to serve a valid Section 21 Notice. Crucially, this relates to the condition of the property to prevent against ‘retaliatory evictions’.
We hear there has been a real shift towards more and more landlords using a property management agent. What are the real benefits of using a Property Management agent? If a property is fully managed by an agent it takes away the hassle for the landlord – particularly for those who are living abroad or those who have demanding jobs and lives. Management of a rented property is a small percentage of the rental income and can be paid in monthly instalments and yet, for this relatively small fee, it takes away the complete burden for landlords. The more rental properties a landlord owns the more they are likely to benefit from a management agent. Landlords may not have much time to devote to the hands-on management of a rental property. If this is not their prime business or if they would prefer spending the time growing their rental business, including searching for new properties, arranging financing for renovations or changing their business structure then employing a management agent could be a very prudent move. lorna.evans@aspire.co.uk
Ritherdon Road SW12 A classic Heaver family home which is finished throughout to the highest and most exacting specifications, managing to skilfully blend the best of contemporary living. The property has been in the family close to forty years and boasts accommodation approaching some 3,000 sq ft. FOR LET ÂŁ1,062 PW tenant fees apply 020 8673 6111 balham@aspire.co.uk EPC - D
FOR LET ÂŁ802 PW tenant fees apply 020 8673 6111 balham@aspire.co.uk EPC - E
Chestnut Grove SW12 A four bedroom house enviably located in the Nightingale Triangle, moments from Balham station. In superb condition throughout, this property boasts four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house has been refurbished to a contemporary style whilst retaining its period character and charm.
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Moyser Road SW16 This recently refurbished property comes complete with five bedrooms, reception room, open plan living kitchen area and two bathrooms. Ideal for the modern family and all its needs.
SOLD ÂŁ875,000 020 8769 7900 furzedown@aspire.co.uk EPC - C
LET ÂŁ658 PW tenant fees apply 020 8769 7900 furzedown@aspire.co.uk EPC - F
Pretoria Road SW16 A beautiful period family home in the heart of Furzedown. The property offers a superb double reception/dining room with feature fireplaces and wooden floors and a modern fitted eat in kitchen with patio doors leading into a private well maintained rear garden.
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Ribblesdale Road SW16 A fantastic newly refurbished garden flat in the heart of Furzedown, this property has been modernised to high standards and has superb fixtures and fittings. The flat offers an attractive spacious living room, dining area and modern kitchen.
LET ÂŁ300 PW tenant fees apply 020 8769 7900 furzedown@aspire.co.uk EPC - D
Hurlingham Terrace
New luxury townhouses in Parsons Green Launched this September in Parsons Green, a stunning new collection of just seven luxury townhouses, located amidst the setting of a new members-only sports and leisure club. The development, which is being managed by renowned luxury developer, Fusion Residential, offers buyers a very rare opportunity to secure an impressive new home, in an idyllic setting. The homes will overlook the new club’s sporting facilities, which include squash courts, a gym, outside tennis courts, a bowling green and a croquet lawn. Each property has been highly specified throughout and all enjoy their own outside space in the form of a beautifully styled rear garden and terrace. From leading brand appliances to feature staircases and intelligent lighting, at Hurlingham Terrace, attention has been paid to every detail and no expense has been spared. With carefully planned kitchen and living spaces, the addition of a further reception room, a separate study/gym and striking master suites, the homes offer flexible living accommodation, combined with elegant design. Admired for the delivery of some of London and the Home Counties’ finest new homes, Fusion Residential know how to deliver luxury – and they have certainly achieved it here. Alan Shad of Fusion Residential said: “Offering beautifully presented living accommodation with gardens by award-winning designers, the townhouses, which vary in layout and size, are perfectly suited to anyone looking for a spacious new home that successfully combines location with elegance and style.” Surrounded by green space the homes enjoy their own, quiet sanctuary, while remaining within easy reach of the area’s wide array of shops, bars and restaurants. The exclusive Hurlingham Club is just a five minute stroll away, while Parsons Green Tube station can be reached within 10 minutes on foot. Prices start from £1,899,950. For further information contact Aspire on 020 7736 6110.
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#smallthingsbigdifferences Š Graham Rawle
Every time the doorbell rang the dog started baking
Unwelcome intrusions driving you mad? When you sell your property through Aspire, we’ll schedule the viewings around the times most convenient for you, your family and even your pets. No jam tarts necessary. Because taking care of the small details like this, makes a big difference to you. Aspire.co.uk