Giving your property global appeal

Tue 15 Oct 2019

Paul Bennett, Director

With sterling on the back foot, moving to the UK from foreign shores is at its most achievable for many years. St John’s Wood and the surrounding areas have an unrivalled reputation for attracting international tenants and with some astute choices, you can capitalise on the global crowd.

Knowing the four cornerstones of international lettings in London is an essential place to start your lettings journey. Have a read of the below and contact Behr & Butchoff to start the marketing of your property.

Location, location, location reigns supreme

Relocating to London often means a desire to be at the centre of the action and what our corner of the capital does well is mix a true village-like vibe, family-focused amenities and pockets of green space with excellent transport links, close proximity to business districts and the ability to walk to the West End. With international tenants in mind, the marketing of your property should be on what’s in the immediate vicinity. The American School in London or L ’Ecole International a five minute walk? Make that clear. Three Tube stations within a mile of your front door? Be sure to include this fact.

Security is a high priority

International tenants often lead busy lives and that may mean jetting off to different counties or flitting between other homes on a regular basis. With the possibility of leaving a property empty for extended periods, security is often a top consideration. Safety is also high on the list for parents of international undergraduates who rent a property on their child’s behalf. For a student, perhaps living alone in London for the first time, a secure property is paramount. Apartments with on-site porters or concierges, monitored CCTV and video door entry will always tick the security box, as do houses with burglar alarms, security lighting, a smart doorbell and CCTV.

Attracting the right tenant

If you’re unsure of the type of international tenant that would find your property appealing, ask Behr & Butchoff for advice. We’ll use your location and the size of your property to narrow down your target audience. For example, if your property is in the heart of a business district, a corporate let may be appropriate. If you are close to a university, then targeting overseas undergraduates makes sense.

Your property should be staged to reflect the audience. Professionals and students will expect a degree of furniture provided – large items and white goods as a minimum. They may also look for a cleaning service included in the monthly rent. Families may ship furniture with them but the interior design and fixtures within the property should reflect the clientele - modern and neutral colour with an emphasis on quality.

Choosing the best agent

An established local agent with an office in the community should always be your first port of call. Using an agent who already works with international tenants is also offers an advantage. Here at Behr & Butchoff, we have taken our global relationships to the next level, forging links with numerous multi-national companies, banks and embassies over the years to ensure a constant stream of tenants.

If you’d like to market your property on the global lettings stage, contact Behr & Butchoff. We receive weekly enquiries from international tenants and worldwide companies looking for a property to rent in and around St John’s Wood. Perhaps your property is the perfect fit?