Navigating the London property market with Benham and Reeves’s China Desk

Created with a profound understanding of the unique needs and preferences of Chinese property investors, landlords, and the BNO community, our China Desk emerges as a bridge connecting East to West in London’s dynamic property market. At the helm of our China Desk is the accomplished Penny Cheung, whose vision and expertise have been pivotal in curating services that resonate with authenticity and excellence.

Supported by a robust team, proficient in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, Penny ensures that communication flows seamlessly, fostering a climate of understanding and mutual respect. This dedicated team offers an array of services, from negotiation to property management and marketing to finance, ensuring a smooth journey for all their clients. One of the standout features is their focus on lettings. Their undivided attention is directed towards helping tenants find the perfect home and ensuring a seamless transition into their new life in London.

Additionally, the China Desk also fully manages two-thirds of the properties they let, allowing them to swiftly address and resolve maintenance issues. Even for non-managed properties, they act as intermediaries to ensure hassle-free tenancies. Their established connections with London’s top developers give clients access to the cream of the crop when it comes to new property developments in the city.

Covering the entire London rental market through Benham and Reeves’ extensive network of 21 branches ensures clients have a wide range of options. But what truly sets the China Desk apart is its ‘One Stop’ 10-point plan, designed to make the process of acquiring a London property as easy as possible for Chinese and Hong Kong-based investors. Let’s break down the 10 key points:

1. Dedicated account manager: Clients are assigned a dedicated account manager from the start, walking them through the entire process.

2. Initial consultation before arrival: Important parameters are set before arriving in London, including location, property type, budget, commuter times, school preferences, and local amenities.

3. Property search and viewings: The team narrows down the search using the established criteria and provides a list of suitable properties for viewing, even escorting clients to viewings.

4. Negotiation and tenancy management: The China Desk negotiates the best terms and handles necessary documentation, including the tenancy agreement and deposit registration.

5. Move and pre-move guidance and support: The team assists with inventory checks and setting up utilities, including electricity, gas, and Council Tax accounts.

6. Property management: Opting for a fully managed property minimises maintenance issues and ensures problem-free tenancies.

7. Contactable throughout the tenancy period: Clients have their dedicated account manager just a call or email away.

8. Tenancy renewal: As tenancy periods end, clients can renew agreements with the China Desk’s assistance.

9. Moving out assistance: The team recommends professional cleaners and can attend inventory checks for a smooth transition.

10. Deposit resolution: The China Desk ensures reasonable deductions are made by the landlord (if any) after the inventory check-out, returning the client’s deposit as soon as possible.

In a city as dynamic and diverse as London, navigating the property market can be a daunting task. Whether you’re a seasoned investor eyeing lucrative opportunities, a landlord seeking optimum returns, or a member of the BNO community looking to find a foothold in London’s vibrant landscape, our China Desk is crafted to meet your unique needs with tailored solutions.

As the head of the China Desk, Penny is passionate about her team’s mission, stating, “The Benham and Reeves China Desk is not your typical property service; it’s a hub of support and expertise designed to cater to the specific needs of the Chinese community. What sets this team apart from its competitors are several unique benefits that ensure clients receive top-notch service and support every step of the way.”

If you would like to know more about our China Desk and the service it provides, please get in touch.