Running a Chichester housing business

I started my career in lettings in 2000 as a trainee negotiator in a small Chichester independent.  I have worked in the area ever since and now run one of the largest letting and holiday cottage companies in the area. 

What are the qualities needed?

Patience, definitely, but mostly you just need to be a people person. Modern systems are great, but the challenge is to maintain the personal touch and traditional service values. You can’t convey a tone of voice in an email.

What types of properties do you look after?

We are lucky enough to cover the whole market from studio apartments to large country houses. We also get some really great properties like Emsworth Deck houses and beautiful period properties owned by Chichester Cathedral and stunning luxury apartments in Chichester Marina.

Any that you have fallen in love with?

Oh yes! My wife and I are suckers for pool properties. And I especially love doing viewings at beach houses. They look different depending on the weather or time of year, but they always look beautiful.

Is there a trend for more staycations within holiday lets?

Bookings seem to go from strength to strength and that seems to be a national picture. A recent report highlighted huge growth in the short-term lets sector, with the number of active listings on Airbnb in the UK in 2018 rising by a third from 2017.

Is this driven by Brexit?

The popularity has certainly increased since the Brexit vote – the value of the pound has probably been a factor. We also see a lot of families preferring to avoid airport hassle and delays. Our pet-friendly properties are a real pull too. But our area has so much to offer throughout the year.

What other trends are there in the holiday let market?

Definitely we are much more last minute, probably matching society in general these days. More and more guests like to book last minute perhaps on the spur of the moment, although those attending big local events like Goodwood Revival and Festival of Speed book well in advance. 

Any funny anecdotes or horror stories you can recall from your career?

One of my first viewings involved explaining to the police why my viewers had set off the burglar alarm. Another time I touched a plug socket and ended up on the opposite side of the room! Suffice to say we recommended a full electrics review to the client. Another time I was showing a young couple around a property. I opened the bathroom door to reveal a man in the shower. He didn’t seem too bothered and although he didn’t make it on to the inventory, the couple took the property.

More information: www.henryadams.co.uk