The Wharf: Home Front – August 16, 2007

Q. I am currently living in Hong Kong and have been renting my apartment in the docklands out for the last 5 years. However, I hear the market is booming in the UK at the moment so I’m seriously considering selling. Is it possible to sell this without taking a trip back to the UK to organise?

A. Indeed, it is probably easier than you think. With the various methods of communication now open to us you can easily sell up out without boarding a plane. You will need the help of two reliable and trusted people though in order to carry this out smoothly. First of all appoint an Estate Agent to sell on your behalf, this could be the agent that is currently handling the management of your rental on the apartment. You will then need to appoint a solicitor, if you do not already have one this is something your Estate Agent can usually assist with and will probably be to your advantage to use their recommended solicitor as it means the transaction will be kept in house, the agent can then keep a tight reign on the file and keep you updated regularly. Most documentation and information that needs to be passed backwards and forwards can be scanned and emailed. When the time comes, you can give your solicitor power of attorney to exchange contracts on your behalf, your agent will then deal with the hand over of keys on completion.

“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