Q&A with Amelia Owen
In the latest in our Q&A series, we hear from Head of Residential Lettings Amelia Owen.
Amelia Owen took on the role of Head of Residential Lettings back in August 2021. We caught up with her to discuss her role, the rapid rebound in lettings activity and enduring appeal of Marylebone Village, as well as her favourite spots to visit.
Tell us about your role at The Howard de Walden Estate, what does it involve?
I have been at Howard de Walden for nearly four years and I now head up the residential new lettings and renewals team. My involvement starts with the valuation and preparation of properties for letting followed by launching the property for marketing. First impressions are key and we are always striving to show our properties in the best light. Our properties are predominately in listed period buildings, we therefore aim to combine a stylish and practical finish using well designed materials, fixtures and fittings to maximize the overall presentation. Where required we also provide furniture rental packages via Room Service and The Furniture Union, who supply a range of packages to suit all tastes. We market our properties directly via our Howard de Walden website and, in addition, we instruct several agents and directly notify relocation agents.
The lettings team manage enquiries by matching suitable properties with potential customers, this includes conducting viewings while also elaborating on our services, local knowledge and the benefits of Marylebone Village, which make it such a sought after destination to live and work. We want the process of renting to be as easy and stress free as possible so the lettings team work closely with the residential management team to ensure a smooth start for all our residents. All customers receive a meet and greet with their residential manager at the start of the tenancy to familiarise the resident with all aspects of the property.
Another aspect of the role is to assess properties between tenancies to evaluate whether a refurbishment, upgrade or reconfiguration is needed. In addition to this I also work closely with the residential management and projects team in appraising development schemes and advising on design, specification and finish, thereby ensuring a continuous turnover of properties on the estate.
How do you see Marylebone Village residential recovering from the impact of the pandemic? What trends are you seeing more widely across the market at the moment?
At the start of the pandemic there was an exodus from central London as many customers reassessed their rental options or moved back overseas. It wasn’t really until the Summer of 2021 that we saw the letting market undergo a rapid recovery. The easing of international travel restrictions, students returning to London and the return to offices meant that the market suddenly became frenzied, proving that London remains a vibrant and desirable place to live and an important hub for international business.
Many tenants are doing some form of hybrid working and have therefore put emphasis on extra space to use as an office/work area. In addition, many more tenants have pets and are looking for outside space now. Marylebone’s good connections for easy access to the City and West End appeal to residents looking for an easy commute. Furthermore in the last two years a number of new, unique, independent retailers have come to Marylebone High Street that appeal to our residents. These include coffee bars, restaurants and boutique clothing.
Who are your target residents? What is most important to them?
We aim to attract a diverse range of tenants and our mixed portfolio appeals equally to professionals, families and students. Finance and legal professionals are our biggest market but we also have many customers in the art/creative sector. Our residents are of many nationalities, predominately European but also from the United States.
The essential requirements most residents look for are high quality, professionally managed properties in a central location. Many are attracted specifically to the village community that epitomises Marylebone. The nearby green spaces of Regents Park and Hyde Park are also a big draw.
Where are your favourite spots in Marylebone Village?
There are so many wonderful places to visit in Marylebone Village. I am very excited for the opening of Lina Stores, an iconic Italian delicatessen and pasta restaurant due to open on Marylebone Lane in Spring 2022. A recent new opening to Marylebone High Street is Danish expresso bar Hagen - the perfect place on a cold winters day. Then of course there is Moxon Street which has The Ginger Pig and La Fromagerie – the queues outside are definitely worth the wait!
