International lettings team aims to woo foreign investors

High end lettings agency Hamptons has launched a new international department to woo overseas investors and tenants seeking rental properties in the UK.

The move is timed to align with the seasonal influx of corporate and international students seeking property over the summer months in preparation for the year ahead.

It’s in direct response to what Hamptons describes as “the significant increase in rental inquiries from abroad, particularly from Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Taiwan nationals all looking to live in London and the surrounding suburbs.”

The department will cater specifically for overseas students seeking accommodation; young professionals and corporate tenants in pursuits of Build To Rent options or second-hand stock in and around London; families predominantly looking for second-hand stock in Prime Central London; and international landlords who wish to hold property in the UK as an investment.

The new department will be steered by Jack Lau and six other team members.

A spokesperson for the agency says: “The creation of the division has been a pivotal development … particularly for our New Homes and Build-to-Rent (BTR) sectors, which have benefitted significantly from our connections to international purchasers and tenants.

“The recent partnership with [agency] SRI in Singapore has further strengthened these international ties and marked an increase in rental enquiries. Interest is predominantly from overseas students, professionals undergoing corporate transitions, and families contemplating long-term resettlement in the UK, all with a particular emphasis on London and the immediate surrounding areas.

“As you’d expect, most prospective tenants contact us with a modest understanding of London and the property landscape and the help available currently is limited. Our new department is perfectly positioned to provide a seamless service to the distinctive requirements of international renters – which includes pairing overseas clients with a representative who can speak the same language and help them find a home in which to live and love.”