Never work with children or animals? Working in the super prime central London lettings market, I beg to disagree.

While it’s true they don’t actually sign the lease, children and their education are a hugely important part of the mix. Over the past year, as well as ‘can I walk to work?’, ‘can I walk my children to school from here?’ has been a major part of the decision making process for people choosing where to set up home. In addition, London’s schools are some of the finest and are a key driver for many international tenants keen to relocate to the UK’s capital.

As for animals, we are getting an increasing number of enquiries from prospective tenants who are struggling to find somewhere suitable that will accept pets. Knowing how important this is for many of our clients, it would be great to see more landlords open to the idea. Properties could be adapted and clauses put in place if needs be.

The vast majority of tenants want properties that are furnished, and in the last few years we have seen rising expectations when it comes to the quality of the furnishings, fixtures and fittings on offer.  People are after five-star hotel surroundings but with a homely feel. Landlords have definitely taken notice of this, even down to things like scooter storage for kids and dog showers.

A lot of the conversations we are having with clients at the moment centre on how much they are looking forward to coming back to London and living the lifestyle here again.

Once international travel frees up, I’d expect an even bigger spike in activity. This means we may well see a high number of UHNWs all searching for a property at the same time. My advice to landlords is that they should start to get properties ready now so they are ‘match fit’.

And I would recommend to anyone on the hunt to get in touch with agents in order to go through what’s available off-market – an online search may not show you half of what is potentially out there.

Which areas are the most sought after?

Kensington, Notting Hill and Holland Park are places that I get asked about almost daily – they’re classic, leafy village neighbourhoods so it’s hardly surprising that they are so popular, particularly because the schooling is extremely good, too. We are seeing such high demand that tenants have to act very quickly.

Interest is also strong in Belgravia, Chelsea and South Kensington. Again, they provide that village feel, while also being in the thick of it for the social experiences London brings. And Mayfair is top of the list for many – it has such a range of properties and it’s so close to some of the best shopping, members’ clubs and restaurants.

In terms of areas to watch, W2 is definitely somewhere we’re keeping an eye on. It’s a location that doesn’t get talked about as much but it’s on the north section of Hyde Park, Mayfair is close by and it does have quite a neighbourhood feel too around Connaught Village. A variety of properties will appeal to different audiences and it’s accessible to lots of other destinations – Knightsbridge, Regents Park and Marylebone, for example.

Further information

Contact Isabella Birch Reynardson

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