The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Right time for Louise to open letting agency
After working in letting agents for the last decade, a Dundee woman has taken the plunge to set up her own business.
Louise Todd, 38, officially started her business a fortnight ago and signed up two landlords with residential portfolios on the same day.
So why is now the right time to set up Louise Todd Property Management?
Louise says: “I’ve always had a fire in my belly to do something for myself.
“Working for other people can give you a sense of achievement but doing it for yourself in your own name is an even bigger achievement.
“It’s just my time to start something for myself.”
Succeeding in business runs in the family. Louise’s mum had her own insurance business in Dundee, Spalding Insurance.
Her brother Chris heads the Dundee office of estate agents RSB Lindsays.
Louise is offering a full management service for landlords as well as bespoke packages.
She said: “I’ll do anything I can to help landlords out with a package to suit them.
“Most agents around Dundee have a good reputation. I know exactly what landlords are looking for and need. I want to give a very personal service.”
Louise feels that reform is needed for the private rented sector, with too much legislation in favour of tenants.
She hopes the current rent freeze and eviction moratorium will not be extended past March next year.
“There are a lot of restrictions and expense for landlords now – it does put some people off investing,” she said.
“Rents have been going up in Dundee – but my view is that if you want a long-term tenant you have to be reasonable with the rent.”
Louise intends to focus on Dundee, but would cover the area from Perth to Arbroath.
She plans to move into offices next year and hopes to start employing staff as her business grows.
“I know the business, I’m very good at what I do and now the time’s to do it under my own name.”
“It’s just my time to start something for myself