The Wharf: Home Front – July 17, 2008

Q. I have cash in the bank and am looking to purchase a buy to let property for investment. Can you give me some guidance on A) what sort of property I should buy and B) is it worth going the extra mile to furnish it nicely rather than doing it on the cheap?

A. Purchasing a buy to let property within canary wharf is without doubt securing a property in an already booming area for rentals, despite the uncertainty of the current climate rentals are up 50% on this time last year. Buying the ‘right‘property is paramount as with everything in life given a choice the best is always first to go. Both 1 and 2 beds offer equally good investment, but things like proximity to transport, views, parking, 24 hour concierge and leisure facilities will always entice tenants to choose your property over a property that doesn’t offer such facilities. In respect to furnishing again, good quality contemporary styled apartments with wood flooring seem to be the first to go and achieve the highest rental yield so spending a little extra at the onset could be worthwhile long term.

“I have known Dawn in a professional capacity for a very long time, as we used to work together for a number of years. She has a comprehensive knowledge of the Docklands real estate market, but this is not her strongest point. What makes Dawn stand out as an agent is the effort she puts into every deal, the relationships she builds with everyone and the passion she has for what she does. Dawn and Gabriella have been managing my investment property for more than 3 years. I now live overseas and I feel so comfortable knowing they are really looking after my interest, whilst at the same time always being fair and transparent with the tenants. Nothing is big enough job for those ladies and everytime I say ‘thank you – I am so grateful for what you do’, the reply is ‘It’s my job’. I really cannot recommend this wonderful team enough!”

Daniela WeatherillOverseas Landlord

“We are incredibly happy with the service that Dawn Sandoval Residential provide. They offer a personal but very professional service, and we feel secure and confident with their management which is key when letting out a property.”

Amy Facey

“Dawn Sandoval Residential and associates have managed several transactions on our behalf, and each time they have gone above and beyond our expectations. We trust the team highly, and I honestly couldn’t recommend them enough.”

Neil Chinniah

“The Dawn Sandoval Residential team took the time to properly understand what I was looking for. At every stage of the process, I knew they were doing their best for me and valued me as a customer. I have no hesitation in recommending their services in the highest possible terms.”

Andrew Simmonds – Management Consultant

“Dawn Sandoval Residential offer a real personal service. Their response rates are excellent, and we have a sense that they care about our tenants and properties. We cannot recommend them highly enough.”

Cathy & Paul Betts

“Dawn Sandoval Residential have great insights into the property market in London and especially around Canary Wharf. They work very hard to understand their clients’ requirements, and we would highly recommend them.”

David & Ginette Marks