The Mark of Distinction

The Mark of Distinction

Penny Black is an independent, boutique, property buying agency based in London. We offer unrivalled expertise in the complex central London property market.

Established in 2008, we have built steadily on positive client referrals. We operate at the highest, and ultra-discreet, levels of the central London scene with a similar service in Paris. Every client is assured the personal services of one of our directors.

We are successful because we are trusted, knowledgeable, tenacious, pro-active and realistic. We open doors thanks to our extensive contacts. We know of very private off-market forthcoming sales, and we enjoy close relationships with London’s key estate

agents and other professionals at the top end of the market. Critically, our advice is research based and constantly updated in an ever-changing market. This helps us obtain the best value for our client’s money. Confidentiality is our watchword.

A great number of our clients are international buyers. We have a keen appreciation of their wide-ranging but specific preferences.

We act only for property buyers. We do not act for property sellers.

Our terms are competitive. Our loyalty is guaranteed. We regard our work as a pleasure, which is why we are dedicated 24/7 to each one of our clients.

Acquiring property ....................................................................................................How we work ....................................................................................................Other Services ....................................................................................................Hotels - investing in hospitality ....................................................................................................The Penny Black team ....................................................................................................

Contents

Acquiring property

Central London

The central London property scene is huge and complicated; full of housing gems and investment opportunities as well as pitfalls for the unwary. Our skill is in understanding the complexities of this international market. We find, assess and negotiate the purchase of choice properties in the most sought-after areas. We search for properties priced from £1 million across a wide section of central London. Additionally, we advise on post-purchase issues as they may arise, saving clients both time and money.

“We had in mind a particular specification and location for a London flat. After months of frustration with viewings that did not hit the mark and with estate agents who were interested, perhaps understandably, in selling us what was on their books rather than finding us what we were searching for, we turned to Penny Black.

Suddenly, everything changed. Viewings became relevant because Penny Black understood our preferences. More significantly, Penny Black took the initiative and directly approached the owners of relevant flats where the property was not on the market. Hey presto! The ideal flat appeared and we exchanged and completed within two months. Brilliant service from real professionals.”

DT - CEO of Large Retailer

The Mark of Distinction

Our extremely comprehensive database covers a wide range of houses and apartments, particularly those that will never reach or are not yet on the open market, as well as the most prestigious properties selected from estate agents and other sources.

How we work Initial consultation

We discuss your buying criteria to form a clear picture of your ideal requirements and where you are flexible. We explain trends in the current market and if you are not sure where you wish to purchase, we can offer a familiarisation tour. Both services are free.

The property search

We visit, appraise and then shortlist both available properties and those soon to enter the market using our extensive private contacts and market intelligence. The great majority of our purchases involve properties that never reach the open market. We accompany you to visit as many of the properties as you wish, taking perhaps a few hours, and seldom more than a day.

Because our preliminary work is so thorough, this final stage is the only extended time you have to dedicate personally to the process. Many clients, particularly those based abroad or outside London, find this aspect of our service especially welcome.

If none of our first selection is right, we search again, and we keep on searching until you are satisfied. We will continue this process for twelve months from being engaged.

Selection, negotiation and completion

Once a property is selected, we negotiate on your behalf to secure the best price.

After your offer is accepted, we oversee the entire transaction by dealing with the vendor or their representatives. We can also liaise with your own legal and financial advisors.

Our expertise in dealing with a range of property and financial professionals and potentially complex legal issues ensures that the sale is concluded to your best advantage.

‘We spent three days trekking round estate agents in Mayfair without finding anything that felt right, and went back to the States disappointed. A colleague suggested Penny Black, and after an exchange of e-mails and one phone call they sent us a selection that showed they’d really been listening. One was just perfect, and because it hadn’t gone on the market yet, Christopher was able to negotiate a quick deal. Now, we’re actually glad we didn’t find anything in the estate agents lists.’

DN and VN, New York

The Mark of Distinction

Other Services

Identifying development opportunitiesIdentifying development and refurbishment opportunities, including a full appraisal of the costs and timescale involved, plus due diligence to allow an accurate and informed decision.Project managementPlanning and supervision of property refurbishment and renovation projects, using skilled tradespeople experienced in working in period or listed buildings as necessary, and ensuring the highest quality materials and finishes are used throughout.

Over the many years our team has been involved in the property market, we have accrued a great deal of specialist knowledge and expertise. The ancillary services we offer, either as stand-alone services or as part of a package tailored to specific requirements, include:

‘On the day we were due to fly home, we fell in love with a house that was already under offer and due to exchange contracts in days. It seemed to be beyond our reach, but Chantel and Christopher guided us through the steps required to buy it. They knew the selling agent involved and were able to emphasise that our offer was serious. They put us in touch with a bank and a lawyer, and contracts were exchanged by 6.30pm.’

Delhi-based client looking for a long-term investment and, eventually, a home in London

The Mark of Distinction

Investment in hotels requires highly detailed knowledge and continuing day-to-day involvement. Our extremely experienced specialist, Simon Gordon-Smith, provides expert guidance in every aspect of the process.

Following an initial consultation designed to build a full understanding of the areas and scale of your interest – whether a boutique hotel or alarge international chain - we canpresent a portfolio of opportunities.These will normally include several

not yet on the open market. We make detailed and informed recommendations, and if required, we act on your behalf throughout the negotiations. Our reputation is second to none in this field.

Hotels - investing in hospitality

‘When I wanted a property in Kensington, a friend suggested Penny Black, who had just helped her with a buy-to-rent investment in the area. At the time there was a real shortage of properties. Everything seemed to be snapped up before it was even advertised. But Penny Black found an ideal place that wasn’t going public for another week. I secured it before it reached the open market. I can’t thank them enough.’

Mr A Gupta, Mumbai

The Mark of Distinction

The Penny Black team Chantel Halai started Penny Black after working with one of the world’s largest real estate firms specialising in acquisitions. She has over a decade of experience in the residential property business, acting for some of the world’s highest net worth families, and has won a fine reputation throughout the international high-value property sector for her interpretation of clients’ needs. Her wide knowledge and principled dedication to her clients’ best interests has led them to insist that she alone acts on their behalf in the Prime Central London real estate market.

Christopher Proctor, also a founding partner of Penny Black, has a vast knowledge of London’s prime property market, particularly its most prestigious areas. He has established a level of trust with agents and property portfolio owners that affords him access to the most advantageous opportunities. His easy, approachable personality and enduring commitment to openness and value have led to many lasting client friendships. Having lived and worked in India for two years, he has established a strong client base there.

Simon Gordon-Smith has over 25 years experience in the hospitality industry, covering operational management and strategic consultancy. A graduate of the Savoy Hotel Management Scheme, he has held pivotal roles in prestigious institutions and has invaluable expertise in hotel and leisure complexes. As well as acting for private clients purchasing hotels, he has advised international branded groups. He is also retained as a consultant by a number of property agencies, where his meticulous attention to detail and quality is held in high regard.

Stella Telaw began working at the highest levels of the central London property market over eight years ago, before establishing the Penny Black Paris office. She brings an incisive knowledge of the premium property market in central Paris. With her extensive contacts, she frequently has access to properties before they reach the open market. Her discretion, rational approach and thorough understanding of the buying process has been employed on behalf of clients from the Middle East, Russia and the USA as well as Europe. The astute judgement she shares with clients has enabled her to consistently add value on their behalf.

Charles Fletcher joined Penny Black with over ten years of invaluable property experience. After his BSc in Land Management, he joined one of the world’s leading real estate firms before branching into recruitment, placing senior real estate executives into London’s largest property and financial institutions. He then worked for a niche City-based property investment firm specialising in high net-worth clients. His professional and friendly manner and in-depth knowledge of investment and financial analysis adds real value to Penny Black’s Investment Division.

Jagdeep Sidhu has recently joined us with over 12 years of property experience. He demonstrated his business acumen by starting his own successful company, now run by his family. He then joined one of London’s most prolific Real Estate firms, based in Mayfair. Having gained invaluable knowledge there, he branched out to become one of Marylebone’s most well known Senior Negotiators, acting on behalf of internationally based clients. Jag is renowned for his professional, yet personable manner. His in-depth knowledge of the local market and ability to adapt to the different needs of every client adds real value to Penny Black.

Chantel Halaichantel@pennyblackgroup.com

Simon Gordon-Smithsimon@pennyblackgroup.com

Charles Fletchercharles@pennyblackgroup.com

Christopher Proctorchristopher@pennyblackgroup.com

Stella Teclawstella@pennyblackgroup.com

Jagdeep Sidhujag@pennyblackgroup.com

The Mark of Distinction

P E N N Y B L A C K

The Mark of Distinction

‘I wasn’t keen to use a property buying agency, because I thought it would just be another level of administration, more time-consuming phone calls and e-mails from people who were just throwing pictures of houses at us. But time was short, and I was persuaded. In fact, Penny Black has saved us a huge amount of time by taking a clear instruction, making sure they understood what I wanted, and then only getting in touch when they needed to.’

AE, downsizing in Belgravia, London

For more information, or to arrange an initial consultation, please contact us at:

London Office

84 Brook Street, Mayfair, London, United Kingdom W1K 5EH

T: +44 (0)207 183 0043F: +44 (0)207 183 0373E: london@pennyblackgroup.com