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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We all know the value and utmost importance of regular servicing from cars and motorcycles to private jets and super yachts. This is completely necessary to keep them in good working condition, prevent problems arising and ensure they are safe to operate. Homes, particularly luxury residences, should be cared for in the same way. Here are our 5 reasons why prime estates need dedicated maintenance.

1. Safeguarding and Security

Part of our service for international clients, whether they are based overseas or here permanently, is to safeguard their properties and make sure their homes are safe and secure and not vulnerable to threats. Having in place a security management package, which includes regular security checks, can reduce insurance premiums significantly.

Similar to preventive maintenance, we frequently review security measures and perform regular operational checks and planned servicing to make sure that everything is in order.

2. Regular maintenance protects against damage

It can be all too easy to overlook routine servicing when time is short and nothing seems wrong. However, some issues might not be visible to the untrained eye.
Whilst maintaining a property can seem time consuming and costly, a regular maintenance plan can prevent damage and reduce costs. As technology has evolved, there are now more things that can go wrong within a property. Issues such as leaks, and faulty heating and cooling systems, can cause a huge amount of damage if left undetected, not to mention the unnecessary cost and inconvenience when they fail to perform. For example, the regular cleaning of fan coil filters will help keep air conditioning units running at their best for longer, rather like changing the oil regularly in a car. In essence, planned maintenance can save expensive repairs and replacement.

Each property and client will have different requirements, which is why we offer a complete bespoke service. No two properties are the same and will require a tailored maintenance plan.

3. Vacant homes also need management

Frequent maintenance ensures that properties are kept in good working order so they aren’t affected by seasonal changes, especially if they are not a main residency.
We attach the same level of importance to a client’s second home as if it were their main residency and our experience of vacancy management ensures we’re well aware of potential issues. For example, taps and water outlets need to be flushed if not regularly used, as bacteria can build up within pipes which can be harmful if ingested.

4. Home ‘log book’

Just like a car and other vehicles will have a full service history, we make sure the same applies to our clients’ homes. We build a comprehensive file and portfolio for all properties which include building and design drawings, system documentation and warranties and appliance information. This is clearly important to maintain effective management and provides valuable provenance if a client wishes to sell or let their property in the future.

5. Peace of Mind

Giving our clients peace of mind is at the heart of everything we stand for.

We take away the hassle and stress of maintaining a home and property. We’re here to take care of all aspects, whether it’s a main residency or a second home. We ensure that each aspect is taken care of by professionals so that everything is looked after to the highest standards. We specialise in providing a complete management service for our clients from day to day tasks, maintenance requirements, emergency call outs and weekly operational inspections.

To find out more and to get in touch with one of the team, please contact us by calling +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 or emailing info@somersetestates.com

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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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How is London’s Prime Property Market Adapting in the Midst of the Coronavirus?

Across the globe, we are all experiencing the rapid acceleration of the coronavirus outbreak.

Whether your UK home is your main residency, second home or a pied-à-terre, we’re taking a look at how the luxury property market is adapting in the wake of covid-19 and the predicted situation in the aftermath of the crisis.

In the past few months, the property world has experienced a mixed wave of trends, from the broadly flat 2019, post-election increased certainty, to a worldwide ‘hiatus’.

The country’s predicted quarantine measures a few weeks ago saw a rush in tenants securing high end residential rentals as the lockdown became more stringent, and spending time at home became more important than ever before. Whilst property sales have naturally slumped (70% according to some experts), other firms are advising that the prime London ‘market is not dead’. This mirrors a small portfolio of luxury prime London homes, all carrying an asking price of circa £25m, which are now available and ready to view, but from afar of course.

Virtual viewings though are not a new idea and have been available for years. Sophisticated prop tech has seen innovative advancements with 360 viewing, previously and mainly used for overseas clients. We’re now in the cusp of seeing virtual viewings available on many platforms as the industry adapts to the new world of quarantining. Of absolute necessity is the relationship developed with the agent, viewers and potential buyers will trust their judgement when remote viewing is the only option. Many buyers will find this concept unfamiliar but it’s an opportunity to keep interest alive and the cogs turning, albeit slowly.

Notably due to travel restrictions globally, most international buyers will naturally defer purchases until the covid-19 freeze has signs of thawing. Most experts are advising that we are likely to see a surplus in properties becoming available, which will drive sales prices down and could pose opportunities for foreign buyers into the market.

As to be expected in a global pandemic there will be consequences of the virus across the landscape. Evidence from the East suggests that changing family situations, such as a forecast in increased divorce proceedings and separation rates, will naturally provide more residential properties emerging on the market.

However industry leaders are expecting there to be an influx of demand at the end of the year and early 2021 as the economies across the continents recover and recoup in the wake of the effects of the coronavirus. Part of this extrapolation lies in the hike of stamp duty tax in April 2021 for international clients as announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak. We are expecting to see supply and demand increase across prime London, with foreign buyers helping kickstart ‘post corona’.

These are exceptional circumstances and buyers or sellers looking to enter the property market are advised to do their homework at this time, making necessary contact with agents whilst still remaining cautious.  The landscape will have naturally changed but adaptation in all forms will be key to progress.

Whilst many buyers and sellers will feel ‘on hold’ at this time until post lockdown, vendors in a position to defer until later in the year are advised to do so, or letting on a short hold tenancy agreement, which is still expected to see a competitive environment once lockdown measures are eased.

In the current environment, it’s not yet clear how we are going to bounce back but we will, inevitably, it will just take time to revive and restore.

To make an enquiry please call one of the team on +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 or email info@somersetestates.com

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Our Property Management Provides Complete Peace of Mind 

At Somerset Estates, we provide a personal service for clients’ individual needs and lifestyles. Our service is tailored to each client’s requirements, giving them complete peace of mind and assurance that everything is looked after to the highest standards.

Maintaining a property is time consuming and demanding. We are here to take the everyday stresses of maintaining a property away from our clients.  We’re here to take care of all aspects, whether it’s a main residency or a second home.

We specialise in providing a complete management service for our clients. From day-to-day tasks, maintenance requirements, emergency call outs, and weekly operational inspections, to undertaking risk assessments and carrying out security checks . There is nothing that we cannot facilitate.

Our directory of trusted contractors’ means we only ever use experienced, dedicated and approved professionals. This is to ensure excellent quality of service, impeccable standards and of course, complete discretion. We ensure that every contractor or supplier does the job to a premium specification, assuring our client that everything is in the best possible hands.

We have an excellent relationship with other industry professionals such as interior designers and contractors to supply a full range of services, all tailored to our clients’ exact needs.

Our dedicated team is available round the clock, in all time zones and only one phone call away to assist with any needs.

Maintenance

The Somerset Estates team is always available to assist clients with all aspects of property repair, maintenance and improvements.

We understand the amount of work and time that goes into the successful maintenance of a property, particularly if a client resides outside the UK or does not live permanently at the residence.

We are experienced in dealing with all property maintenance issues and apply our careful attention to detail with any client brief, whether it is large or small. We deal with emergencies such as water leaks and faulty air conditioning, to everyday issues such as arranging for the hallway to be repainted or for the windows to be cleaned.

We have arranged for emergency action to be taken following a leak within a London residency, and, at the other extreme, arranged for the removal of a stain from the upholstery.

We keep our clients informed at every step so they have complete control, no matter the geographical circumstances. We also ensure peace of mind for our clients by only working with trusted and experienced professionals.

Our services include:

• Maintenance works
• Emergency call outs
• Repairs and handyman tasks
• Weekly operational inspections

Home Automation and Technology 

The modern world gives us everything we need at the touch of a button. We understand the frustration when technology doesn’t work correctly, especially at home.

Our comprehensive maintenance services extends to working with experts, ensuring thorough  specialist aftercare of home automation systems, such as audio, lighting, home cinema, multi-room audio visual, programming and motorised blinds and curtains.

We ensure regular maintenance of systems and technology, giving you complete confidence and control of your home.

Security

At Somerset Estates our commitment is to ensure our clients’ properties are secure at all times. We work with specialist security firms to undertake risk assessments to ensure that the correct security measures are implemented.

We understand that security is paramount, therefore we treat the importance of  clients’ security as we would our own. It can be impossible for our clients to check their homes’ security on a regular basis, especially when they are not in residence.

We act as key-holders and carry out weekly security checks where we ensure that everything is in order, including fully operational alarm systems. Our keyholder status also ensures that we are available around the clock to deal with any emergencies or maintenance that the property may require.

Our services include:

• Undertaking risk assessments
• Implementing and maintaining sophisticated security systems
• Home security checks
• Key-holding

Improvements and refurbishment

At Somerset Estates we understand that our clients want to make their property a home and this often includes making it their own with a  redesign. Whether our clients want a full re-model or a small spruce, our team can help create our clients’ perfect home.

We have close relationships with interior designers, architects, audio visual specialists and contractors. These trusted contacts share our commitment to  delivering a high level of service.

Our sister company, Somerset Consult, gives us extensive knowledge of the construction and property industry and our clients are able to benefit from this.

Our services include:

•       Project Management
•       Property Improvements
•       Professional Advice

To make an enquiry please call one of the team on +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 or email info@somersetestates.com

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Our Household Management is Personal

At Somerset Estates, we provide a bespoke service for our clients’ varied needs and lifestyles. Our service is tailored to each client’s personal requirements, giving complete peace of mind and assurance that everything is looked after to the highest standards.

Running a household can be time consuming and demanding. We’re here to take care of all aspects, whether it’s a main residency, second home or a pied-à-terre.

We specialise in quite simply, a complete management service. From day-to-day tasks, maintenance requirements, vetting, hiring and managing of domestic staff, financial management, specialist cleaning, right down to stocking the fridge. There is nothing that we cannot facilitate.

Our directory of trusted contractors’ means we only ever use experienced, dedicated and approved professionals. This is to ensure excellent quality of service, impeccable standards and of course, complete discretion. We ensure that every contractor or supplier does the job to a premium specification, assuring our client that everything is in the best possible hands.

We have an excellent relationship with other industry professionals such as interior designers, lawyers and tax advisors to supply a full range of services, all fully bespoke to our clients’ exact needs.

Our dedicated team is available round the clock, in all time zones and only one phone call away.

Simply, we are the complete, personalised, trusted and discreet service, ready to look after your home.

Vacancy Management

Whether it’s a main residency or holiday home, we take care of every detail, ensuring the property is inspected on a weekly basis, ensuring everything is perfect for the arrival of our client and synchronised with their schedule.

Domestic Staff

We fully vet, hire and manage staff including butlers, housekeepers, chauffeurs, chefs, nannies and personal trainers, whether on a full- time or ad-hoc arrangement.

Property Administration

Let us take the headache away and manage all administration and paperwork, pay the bills and staff, whilst always looking after our clients’ finances and negotiating cost effectiveness.

Concierge

From preparing weekly groceries matched to dietary requirements, to organising bespoke events and arranging private jets – we adapt our services to suit our clients’ lifestyle and arrange any requests.

Insurance and Service Charges

We’re here to provide a bespoke service from arranging tailor made insurance and liaising with landlord and freeholders regarding service charges and other account management.

Client Account

At Somerset Estates, our company code of conduct and ethical values are key to establishing client relationships.

We establish (on behalf of every client) a Client Account to manage payments and every month we provide a detailed property and household update and expenditure report, ensuring clear transparency at all times.

Other Services

Our knowledge and experience in property and construction means we can recommend the best professionals, such as specialist contractors, architects and designers.

To make an enquiry please call one of the team on +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 or email info@somersetestates.com

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