The Herald - The Herald Magazine
SCOTLAND’S VOICE OF PROPERTY ROUNDS UP THE WEEK’S
THIS year will see a new name in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in Scotland – “apropos”, a new property management company that aims to provide a UK-wide rental operation. It aims to combine cutting edge technology with personal service from a network of local property experts to establish new standards for the benefit of both landlords and tenants.
Behind apropos is a highly experienced property duo – brothers and joint managing directors David and John Alexander of DJ Alexander, currently based in Edinburgh and Glasgow. “Growth in the PRS has led to a significant increase in the number of small property management companies,” says David. “With no barrier to entry, and little regulation there are now over 10,000 property management companies throughout the UK and it is widely recognised that the level of service varies enormously. Our new platform uses a standardised system to ensure no matter where in the UK the service is delivered, the experience and ease of use remains the same.
“Apropos will provide 24-hour access for tenants and landlords to input and access data. Both tenant and landlord can view all relevant information and monitor responses and actions directly. This ensures that all participants know exactly what is going on at any time.” Apropos is set to launch in select cities in April/May preceding a roll out throughout the UK.
CHRISTMAS CRACKER
DECEMBER 2018 turned up trumps for many estate agents in the west. Cameron Ewer, who heads up residential sales at Savills’ Glasgow office, went as far as to say it was the best December on record – and the second best month of the year for branch sales. At Clyde Property, managing director/ owner Gary Thomson comments: “December was an unusually busy month and between Christmas and New Year, we sold 11
properties and had four closing dates with multiple offers on Christmas Eve.”
Corum also ended the year on a high. “In times when the only consistent is inconsistency, we rejoiced in a buoyant finish to 2018,” says managing partner, John Kelly. A final sanguine comment from Aberdein Considine’s Glasgow partner, Douglas Telfer: “Over the last few years business levels have been fairly constant. However, September and October were extremely busy. It’s becoming more attractive for buyers to settle their purchases shortly prior to the festive break, and it seems that clients want to use the time off to settle into their new homes.”