How to Return Feeling Like You Never Left

As London opens in tandem with the arrival of spring, we are ready to embrace the steady return of the city we know and love with full force, and are here to remind you of the first and most crucial step in doing so: ensuring that your UK home is ready for your return.  

Having an international client base has made vacant property management an integral part of our services, which are carefully tailored to each client’s requirements – from security checks, to payment of household bills, to emergency repairs, to stocking fridges. From our experienced team delivering our prime property management services across London and its surrounding counties, we’re here to make your trip back to London as smooth as possible with the following services – and more. 

For us, our attention is always in the detail, giving peace of mind to our clients, wherever they are in the world. 

• There’s nothing better than stepping into a hot shower after a long flight or drive, but when bathrooms and kitchens are not regularly used, bacteria can easily build up within water outlets and be harmful if ingested. Our team is here to flush your taps and outlets on a regular basis, which is easily completed during our routine property checks.
• Ensuring that you don’t come home to any unpleasant surprises is of utmost importance, and by providing thorough seasonal upkeep and preventing any damages due to factors such as temperature change allows you to return home stress-free. We make sure the air conditioning is perfectly running and underfloor heating has been tested.
• Security and protection come first and foremost, and while our team will frequently oversee that your security tech is up-to-date and running, our in-person visits leading up to your return hold the purpose of making you feel safe at all times. 
• Sometimes it’s the little things. From making sure your room is heated to your ideal temperature, to running errands, to organising and supervising cleaning, to stocking your fridge with your favourite food and drink, to preparing your home comforts, we’ll make your return as comforting as can be. 

Our team at Somerset Estates is here for you any day and at any time. Above all, we look forward to welcoming you back to London, and to ensure that your return home is as smooth and happy as can be.

Contact Philippa and Rachel on info@somersetestates.com or calling +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 .

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Spending more time at home over the recent weeks has never been more important, so it’s hardly surprising that there has been a vast leap in demand for countryside living, with rural second properties and metropolitan homes with outside spaces becoming more sought after.

Last week we listened to the Knight Frank podcast, ‘Flight to the Country’, where industry professionals discussed the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, and its significant contribution to the rise in these figures.

As discussed in the podcast, demand for rural homes has rapidly increased due to the shifting of opinions, lifestyle habits and lockdown-dictated working routines. A lack of travel and life as we knew it before, has forced us all to spend more time analysing our own home environments.

As viewed by Knight Frank, London buyers are looking at surrounding counties for purchases. As the property world reopened in the middle of May, rambling land and picturesque gardens have seen a stark rise in viewings and offers.

Data is showing that Londoners expressing an interest are either considering moving to idyllic countryside towns, (that are still convenient and commutable), such as Cobham and Sevenoaks, or keeping their London-property-base and searching for a second home in locations such as the Cotswolds.

Naturally, prime London owners will be in more of a position to look afield for second homes or relocating main residencies, which is coupled with locations where there are good schools.
It’s not surprising that homes finished to very high standards and ready to move into are being snapped up at a rapid rate. These properties are also more likely to achieve higher than the listed guide price.

Across the market we are seeing the desire for inner-city roof gardens and terraces and more room internally – particularly additional space needed for home-working and playrooms, as we pay more attention to valuing home life.

With a greater demand for properties to buy, coupled with fierce competition, it appears to be an ideal opportunity for a sellers’ market. As diverse buyers show interest together with international buyers returning, this makes for a really interesting and exciting period for many. Overseas buyers are still continuing to view and purchase properties using 3D virtual viewing tours, which is becoming more popular as digital technology provides more of an honest and real-time snapshot, compared with that of a photograph which can be edited.

Whether this trend will continue remains uncertain.However, creating home sanctuaries and making improvements to our surrounding environments seem here to stay for the foreseeable future. Equally as important is that homes (particularly high-end properties) are looked after to keep their value, whether used as main residences or a UK base.

At Somerset Estates we are dedicated to the management of luxury residences in London and surrounding counties. We take care of every part of an estate, property and home, whether occupied or vacant, to maintain, protect and improve residencies.

To find out more and to get in touch with one of the team, please contact us by calling +44 (0) 7904 607136 or emailing info@somersetestates.com

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Protective Measures We’re Taking

The UK outlook and property landscape is starting to change, as the measures imposed to control the coronavirus crisis are being eased.
Over the past two weeks some restrictions have been lifted gradually, giving us hope of moving onto the next stage of recovery. Properties will begin to re-open, so if you require the best possible advice on how to manage them as effectively as possible, we are only a phone call away.

We’re looking forward to being back in full swing of what we do best – running households, managing properties and giving our clients complete peace of mind, whether they’ve been experiencing lockdown in London or overseas.

Where our clients, staff, contractors and suppliers are concerned, safety is paramount. So whilst Government guidelines have encouraged many to return to work, we are remaining cautious and following all necessary protocols. The safety measures and processes we’re taking are outlined below.

Our Contractors

Prior to any works taking place, we will carry out all necessary Covid-19 risk assessments. All our contractors will follow social distancing rules whilst in the property, and will wear appropriate PPE whilst on site. Our engineers will be working in isolation (unless an emergency prevents this) and following health and safety protocol.

Safeguarding and Management

We’re here to manage and safeguard all our clients’ residences, whether in full occupancy or vacant various measures are undertaken to ensure that vulnerable properties are being monitored and are secure, including preparing them for the time when our clients return to life after lockdown (link to previous article). Our head office is still continuing to work from home, but our staff are available around the clock for any issues and queries you may have. Where possible, we are reducing unnecessary travel and arranging online meetings.

Cleaning Standards

Our cleaning protocol has increased across all areas. We actively encourage using the same cleaning personnel on a regular basis. This familiarity ensures the importance of using products that will sterilise the property, without damaging furnishings. This includes higher vigilance on the cleaning of contact-points, such as touch panels, lift buttons and door handles.

We’re Realistic

Whilst we are all adapting to a new ‘normality’, we are fully transparent in our approach to advising our clients. We are honest about the fact that, due to social distancing and reduced travel restrictions, time frames may be affected. However, we endeavour to manage our clients’ expectations at all times. We act as a client representative in all property and lifestyle matters – our sound, trusted and professional advice and reassurance, is the reason why we exist today.

Let us look after your most important asset. You can contact us by emailing: info@somersetestates.com or calling +44 (0) 20 3457 2857.

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Returning to London after lockdown – Is your home ready?

As measures are starting to become eased and the return to metropolitan areas are looking more likely, is your London residence ready for your return?

Like the rest of the nation, we’re looking forward to the lockdown restrictions easing in line with the Government’s strategy. After announcements over the past week, engineers, builders and construction workers are all being encouraged to actively return to work providing that social distancing measures and other protocols are upheld.

Since lockdown restrictions started in the UK two months ago, our services were limited to a reactive and vacancy management service, which included monitoring the security and vulnerability of properties.

Although our lives may still be very much in lockdown, it is important to look ahead and plan for a return to a more normal way of life, following lockdown. With this in mind, we’ve put together our property management recommendations for individuals and families returning to their prime London property.

Maintenance

It’s normal practice for vacant properties to run heating and cooling systems on a reduced but steady mode (often called ‘holiday mode’), which keeps the property running efficiently throughout the year. We would always advise this, as the effects of making drastic temperature changes to heating and cooling systems can create problems which may not always be easy to resolve. Similarly, some properties may have had heating systems turned off altogether. In both instances, the systems will require maintenance before they are completely reinstated. This also coincides with seasonal upkeep as we enter the warmer months of the year, such as maintenance of outdoor kitchen appliances and swimming pool chlorination.

Flushing taps and water outlets to prevent water bacteria developing is essential, if kitchens and bathrooms are not used on a regular basis. Our advice is, please take this seriously. Ask household staff and cleaners to do this on a weekly basis. It’s not just a threat to health but costly and a pain to eradicate.

Security and Safeguarding Measures

Whilst crime rates have naturally decreased in most areas, this is not the time for complacency. On the contrary, it is now more important than ever to ensure that security and safeguarding measures are put in place.

Use this time to check that all your insurances and affairs are in place and up to date, such as car, contents, building, life, fine art, jewellery and any other policies.

At Somerset Estates, we would always complete a full background check on insurance statuses and insist that all covers are in place for all clients. We leave nothing to chance, the risks are simply far too high for an “i” not to be dotted, or a “t” not to be crossed.

Cleaning Standards

Naturally, there is an emphasis on increased cleaning standards in all settings. Employing the same cleaner on a regular basis who understands the importance of using products that kill bacteria without damaging furnishings and materials is paramount.

In communal areas, building management companies have a responsibility to communicate new behaviours around regular and deep cleaning as they will have an increased duty of care to ensure hygiene standards meet health and safety guidance legislation. Measures already in force will depend upon the type of activity and the level of traffic within the building.
Emphasis will be placed on the frequent cleaning of touch points such as lift buttons and door handles, the provision of adequate hand sanitisers for use in communal areas and for concierge staff when handling postal and parcel deliveries.

Service Charges

Whilst residential apartment buildings may have reduced staff and maintenance over the past few weeks, service charge costs, by and large, are likely to remain the same.
In some cases, however, this should not be the case. Prime residential properties located within a commercial setting, such as part of a hotel which has been closed, should not be liable for full service charge costs, due to the building operating in a limited capacity. We would always advise clients to have a conversation early on with the other party, to try and agree a fair and reasonable charge for the affected period.

Be aware of contractual obligations

As builders and other trades are encouraged to return to work, renovations to homes and properties can re-start, providing new safety guidelines are strictly followed.
Whilst there is a collaborative effort for construction companies to get back to work, we recommend reviewing all contracts with respective contractors in detail before works re-commence. This will help to ensure that each party is aware of their contractual obligations, particularly in light of Covid-19 social distancing measures and other restrictions that could cause delays to projects. For larger development projects, new clauses may have to be written into contracts to protect and support both parties.

Your home, your space

Whilst Covid-19 is a new global health phenomenon, we should not assume that this won’t happen again or that we are suddenly going to return to normal life, as we knew it before.

Whether lockdown has meant spending the period oversees, or in a London penthouse, or at a countryside retreat – being at home has become more important than ever. Many of us will have had time to address our main priorities and desired changes to home living environments – whether it’s increased privacy, more outside space, less city living, more features to aid relaxation or adaptations to make working life at home more comfortable.

If you would like to discuss how we can help with any of the above, please get in touch with us by emailing info@somersetestates.com or calling +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 .

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