Corporate Services

Demand generally has been much higher this Summer compared with this time last year when Covid uncertainty was still a concern. In fact, despite ongoing shortages of housing stock in London that have been widely reported in the media, we have completed around 20% more transactions this year compared to the same period last year.

This increased demand may also be due to the higher profile of Benham and Reeves amongst Japanese professionals and corporations. Our growing reputation means we are now the first choice for many Japanese professionals starting their property search when they move to London, often due to word-of-mouth recommendation from friends or colleagues. Corporate clients are confident we can help them navigate the complex London lettings market and find them the right property in the right location.

The shortage of suitable rental properties remains a challenge for all lettings agents across London and we’re working hard to overcome this – we’re currently expanding our Japan Desk team and this is helping us enhance our service further. We’ve been pleased to see our Google reviews are all 5 stars for the Shoreditch branch where our Japan Desk is stationed. This is very pleasing to me as a Manager and also for the whole team who work very hard to provide the very best service.

During our initial discussion with clients, we aim to establish their key ‘must haves’ when renting their new London home. And Japanese professionals have a number of priorities – they prefer a new-build home if possible, preferably with a parking space, close to transport links and good amenities including a Japanese supermarket. Many professionals move here with their families so proximity to good schools is often essential too.

A number of residential developments across London are particularly sought-after by Japanese expats owing to their good security and facilities, namely Dickens Yard Ealing which is at the top of many wish-lists. And now the Elizabeth Line has opened a station in Ealing, rents have jumped up making it very difficult to secure a new rental property as most people are renewing and not moving on. Fulham Reach and Sovereign Court in Hammersmith are also popular while White City Living in Shepherds Bush has also recently become a favourite since Harrods opened a store in Westfield London, Europe’s largest shopping mall. As we have branches on-site at all these property developments, it means we are the first agent landlords come to when looking to let their property out.

Closer to the City, developments such as One Tower Bridge, London Dock Wapping, Royal Mint Gardens and Goodman Fields are popular and in Canary Wharf preferred locations include South Quay Plaza, Landmark Pinnacle, One Park Drive and 10 Park Drive. Here at 250 City Road where the Japan Desk is situated, we are also very busy, but we desperately need new stock to meet the current enquiries we have from Japanese professionals and executives with small families.