Concierge or porter services:
Concierge services have been common in certain parts of the world for many years especially in the Middle East, America and Far East. Nearer to home the French concierge has been a long-standing fixture in communal buildings. They have become an almost fabled literary figure – a cross between caretaker, nosy neighbour and guard-dog.
The costs of running a concierge or porter service is added to the service charge, which is paid by the Landlord. However these properties can command a higher rent. Britain is beginning to catch on to the idea of concierge services, and most new developments in London, of any scale, provide one.
Why is a concierge facility becoming so popular?
One of the main reasons is security of course. Having a person in the building at all times of the day (and possibly night) helps to make residents feel secure. This is particularly important for single women and for people who spend a lot of time away from their property.
Tenants also like concierge services is that as residents they have someone to complain to if things are not working properly within the building, which means they feel they have some control over the place where they are living. Many concierges adopt a proprietary manner and will go above and beyond their brief to make sure that buildings are kept clean, tidy, and in good working order.
Another convenient benefit to landlords and tenants in property with Concierge facilities is when work needs doing there is someone on site to hold a key and grant access to workmen. In fact the porter/concierge will often have their own list of reliable tradesmen for the job. They soon get to know who is good and who is not.
Unlike the stereotype of the European ‘live in’ concierge most London concierges are smartly uniformed, professional and they definitely take a pride in what they do.
Tenants appreciate the ’little touches’
Many concierges will organise laundry services, booking travel, taxis and theatre tickets, making restaurant reservations, and carrying luggage. Some concierges in more exclusive developments may even go so far as to stock the fridge, regulate the heating, and water the plants for residents while they are away.
The smaller services such as having someone to take in mail which saves all that hassle of calling into the (not necessarily very) local sorting office to collect, can make life so much easier for the busy professional.
Tenants like the convenience of having a concierge service with their local information and their practical knowledge of the building. It is amazing how many tenants do not have a practical nature and so it is handy for them to have someone able to change a lightbulb just down the stairs.
As experienced letting agents we have noticed that if there is a choice between a property with or without concierge services tenants will often opt for the one with the added benefit, even if the rent is slightly higher.
Landlords also benefit from concierge services
For landlords having a concierge on site offers another level of protection to their property. They will usually keep an eye on empty property for absentee landlords.
Letting agents soon get to know the concierges in their area and they will be tipped off if any of their tenants are not behaving in a proper ‘tenant-like’ manner. This enables the managing agent to intervene before costly problems occur.
If you like the sound of investing in property with concierge services talk to us about which are best. We always make a point of knowing which developments have the best porters.
Philippa Edwards blogging for Riley Marshall Limited - a dynamic sales and letting agency which provides a personal, professional and considerate service, with pride and integrity as driving principles. Based in Surrey Quays, covering South East London and Docklands.
Filed under: Landlords information, Property market
