Alexandre Boyes 2014 Yearbook

ALEXANDRE BOYES

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CONTENTS A HISTORY OF 04 ALEXANDRE BOYES

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OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

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BEST SALES PROPERTIES

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BEST RENTAL PROPERTIES

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ESTATES

FOCUS ON 14 TUNBRIDGE WELLS LETTINGS & 16 MANAGEMENT SERVICE

18 CHALLENGES & TRIUMPHS 20

TOP OF THE CLASS

22

Q&A WITH PETER BOYES

ALEXANDRE BOYES MONTPELIER LODGE, 48 MOUNT EPHRAIM, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT, TN4 8AU 01892 525522 PUBLISHED BY PAGETIGER

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BUILDING ON 2014 Welcome to the first edition of our yearbook, designed to showcase everything that defines Alexandre Boyes. As it is our first edition this includes an insight into the history of the company and the founding partners, as well as highlights from our departments and individuals this year.

SO, WHAT DOES 2015 HAVE IN STORE FOR ALEXANDRE BOYES? WE HAVE INVESTED HEAVILY IN NEW STAFF TO INCREASE THE KNOWLEDGE AND SERVICE LEVELS THAT THE TOWN EXPECTS OF US

2014 has seen the most buoyant Tunbridge Wells property market since pre-2007 and we have been privileged to handle the most diverse portfolio since we opened in 1998.

Our sales team has been involved in disposals of residential investments, family homes and some of the town’s finest villas, as well as residential development opportunites including a substantial nursing home. The team has offered more advice on the potential for future residential development than ever before.

This year has seen more requests for advice from locals on how to maximise capital growth in their family home, as opposed to buying smaller properties to increase their portfolio.

It has been a market of two halves; the first saw the peak of the London property market, whereby a flat could be sold to buy a substantial family home in Tunbridge Wells.

The second half toughened as people started to sit on the fence, due to the forthcoming election. Viewers on £2 million plus houses are conscious of the £2 million threshold implications of the proposed mansion tax and 2015 election.

We anticipate that next year the market will continue to be buoyant, with the Bank of England indicating that interest rates will stay low and the draw of Tunbridge Wells’ schools will continue to drive and support the market locally.

THREE

Next year we will introduce the Alexandre Boyes Property Services team to assist in maintenance and repairs for our block and lettings clients. We’re currently finalising the design for the vans that you will see around town.

With more than 15 members of staff we are rapidly outgrowing the building, which has been the home of Alexandre Boyes for 16 years. We are looking to expand with additional premises and accommodate flexible working and to offer staff opportunities to share in the growth of the firm.

2015 will also see the development of our online product Resident, which is receiving enquiries from all around the UK. Resident is the first cloud-based online solution for leaseholders who choose to self manage with a combined accounts and maintenance package. We are thrilled with the recognition that Resident has received from the industry so far, including it being shortlisted for the News on the Block Property Management Awards in December.

Notwithstanding the growth of the firm, my brother and I will always remain at the heart of the business and continue to drive Alexandre Boyes forward, maintaining our traditional family values.

KATE BOYES

DAN BOYES

MRICS Partner

Partner

A HISTORY OF ALEXANDR 1998 2002 2004 BOY Our opening party on 31 July 1998, attended by Lord Weatherall, former speaker of the House of Commons and long-standing friend of John Alexandre, stood on a desk to deliver the opening speech. John and Peter had been partners of Alan De Maid for a number of years, so when the premises became vacant they took the opportunity to open a new firm in Tunbridge Wells.

Alexandre Boyes opened offering residential sales.

The market was very different back then; there wasn’t the presence of London agents that there is now.

Kate rang Peter from a telephone box in St James’s Square and asked for a job, to which Peter replied ‘no’. Kate then asked if he could join if she established another department, having worked for Weatheralls and Nelson Bakewell (now Capita Symonds) in London, and Peter eventually agreed for Kate to join Alexandre Boyes in the summer of 2003, introducing our Residential Lettings department to the business.

2003 1999 Dan joined Alexandre Boyes in 1999 having graduated from the University of Reading.

John Alexandre retired from the partnership.

Kate passed her Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), granting her membership of the RICS and Fellowship of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).

Peter’s first grandchild was born – Gracie May Boyes.

Alexandre Boyes’ first email was sent and our first website designed.

2007 Dan and Kate became Partners.

Alexandre Boyes became accredited to train towards membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

We are the only independent residential estate agent in Tunbridge Wells to date who holds this accreditation.

Alexandre Boyes became regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

After numerous requests from existing landlord clients, Alexandre Boyes expanded to offer block management services.

FOUR

2008 The recession in 2008 saw a shift in the dynamic of the Tunbridge Wells market and our lettings portfolio trebled in size.

2009 Kate headhunted Emma, who joined the lettings team in October, having previously gained two years experience of the Tunbridge Wells lettings market with another agent. Emma successfully qualified for her ARLA membership in 2010.

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YES 2011 2010 Alexandre Boyes’ website was completely redesigned to be eye-catching, detailed and mobile-friendly.

Alexandre Boyes was extremely proud to win Lettings Office of the Year 2010 at the West Kent Property Awards, held at the Spa Hotel. The award recognised the business as the best lettings office in West Kent and East Sussex to provide consistently high performance.

The business was shortlisted for the Best Block Management Office at The Times & Sunday Times Letting Agency Of The Year awards.

Alexandre Boyes joined Twitter.

Ben joined Alexandre Boyes in 2011 and now works alongside Dan in our residential sales team.

Alexandre Boyes’ Grade II listed offices on Mount Ephraim had an extensive refurbishment.

After 12 years we had outgrown our original, and the ‘traditional’ estate agency, layout of large individual desks.

The finished product is clean and contemporary and a great space to work and meet clients.

The business was proudly appointed Managing Agents for Chancellor House, the Ferndale Estate and the Swaylands Estate.

Alexandre Boyes won the Silver Award for Best Single Lettings office in the South East and were shortlisted for the Best Block Management Office at the Times & Sunday Times Letting Agency Of The Year awards.

ALEXANDRE BOYES WAS ESTABLISHED ON 01 AUGUST 1998 BY JOHN ALEXANDRE AND PETER BOYES

2012 Alexandre Boyes won silver for Best Block Management Office at the Times & Sunday Times Letting Agency Of The Year awards and were shortlisted for Best Single Lettings Office.

2013 Alexandre Boyes was delighted to be appointed as the residential letting agent for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on an initial two year contract.

April 2013 saw Peter Boyes officially retire from 47 years in the property industry, the last 15 years as Senior Partner of Alexandre Boyes.

October 2013 saw the launch of AB Living, Alexandre Boyes’ online magazine showcasing sales and lettings properties in addition to contributions from our local network of property professionals in and around Tunbridge Wells who add a depth of support to our clients on a day to day basis.

FIVE

The business became responsible for insuring more than £100 million worth of property in declared values.

Alexandre Boyes joined Facebook.

2014 Kate launched a national product, Resident, in August 2014 being an online property solution for leaseholders and freeholders to self manage blocks of flats. 2015 will see the product develop into a block management software for managing agents.

Alexandre Boyes continues to grow and expand and now specialises in Residential Sales, Lettings, Block & Estate Management and Project Management.

JOHN HAS BEEN A BUILDING SURVEYOR FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS AND SAVED £40,000 FOR A CLIENT ON A MAJOR WORKS PROJECT THEY HAD TRIED TO SELF MANAGE

OU R ACH I EVE M E NTS

BEN ACHIEVED A SALE ON A FORMER SALVATION ARMY CARE HOME ALEXANDRE BOYES HAS PROUDLY RANKED AS THE NUMBER ONE TUNBRIDGE WELLS LETTING AGENT ON RIGHTMOVE AND ZOOPLA FOR NEW LISTINGS, FOR MUCH OF 2014

knowledge and experience provides the highest possible service to our clients.

In 2013 we achieved what we believe to be the highest rent per square foot for an apartment in Tunbridge Wells and the highest rent per square foot for a detached house.

Alexandre Boyes were also delighted to announce our appointment as the residential letting agent for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on an initial two year contract.

The appointment includes the letting and management of the council’s residential portfolio, advising on marketing and letting procedures, plus a refurbishment strategy to help maximise the financial return of the council’s assets.

Our staff are the most important asset. We invest in comprehensive training to help them develop to their full potential. Alexandre Boyes are the only company in Tunbridge Wells where the Partner and Lettings Manager are RICS qualified, and the only residential company accredited to train towards RICS qualifications.

Our focus on staff training means their depth of SIX

Our lettings team are training for ARLA membership.

Staff are trained in accordance with RICS.

EMMA IS NEARING COMPLETION OF HER ASSOCRICS QUALIFICATIONS DAN IS PROUD TO HAVE SOLD ONE OF THE MOST EXCLUSIVE AND DESIRABLE PROPERTIES IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS THIS YEAR Council leader, David Jukes, whose responsibilities include managing the council’s property assets, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to reappoint a local estate agent to continue to support the borough council and its residents”.

SEVEN

SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED SUNSET LODGE, PEMBURY ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, FROM RUSTIC TN2 3QT FARMHOUSE vast period property, formerly a Salvation Army care TO ELEGANT Ahome, offering potential for development or to be used for its existing purpose and a two bedroom period lodge house TOWNHOUSE, situated within the grounds. Located within walking distance WE HANDLED of Tunbridge Wells town centre and local amenities, THE SALE with spacious grounds surrounding the properties.

OF MANY These buildings are set within extensive landscaped gardens, EXCEPTIONAL with a large open area at the rear that further stretches the south boundary of Patagonia House to the west LOCAL along and Cotes Court to the south, which is also owned by the PROPERTIES Salvation Army.

DURING 2014. “It was the first time we had dealt with a nursing home HERE ARE A with outbuildings of such a size. Our extensive marketing and depth of knowledge in regard to conversion FEW OF THE campaign resales managed to secure a sale far in excess of the asking HIGHLIGHTS… price.” Dan Boyes

EIGHT

WHITE LADIES, BISHOPS DOWN ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, TN4 8XL One of the finest properties in Royal Tunbridge Wells, with approximately 8,000 square feet of accommodation arranged over four floors and situated on the edge of Tunbridge Wells Common.

White Ladies is an outstanding detached period family house with generous and adaptable space. The house is believed to have been built in the early 1700s, with later additions added in the mid-1800s.

“One of the finest properties in Royal Tunbridge Wells, with its classical design and fantastic finish – an absolute pleasure to have been involved with.” Dan Boyes

RUSHERS CROSS FARMHOUSE, RUSHERS CROSS, MAYFIELD, TN20 6PX An exceptional 4,811 square foot family house, which is approached via a quiet lane in this idyllic country location between Tidebrook and Mayfield.

The property has undergone a full refurbishment, including extension, and offers superb family accommodation arranged over four floors.

There are five bedrooms all with ensuite, a 26 foot Poggenpohl kitchen, a superb cinema room with bar and all principal rooms enjoying uninterrupted views.

“To see the property before, during and after the refurbishment provides an insight into how and why the design evolved, which helps greatly during the sales process.

We agreed a sale to an overseas purchaser, who wished to rent the property out, which we agreed through our lettings department.” Dan Boyes

NINE

TEMPTING LETTINGS IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS

BOYNE PARK, TN4 RENTAL PROPERTIES ARE IN HIGH DEMAND AND THIS YEAR WE LET SOME OUTSTANDING ACCOMMODATION. HERE’S A LOOK AT SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES

A new build Tunbridge Wells house in the centre of town, with garage, off road parking, courtyard garden and terrace.

Arranged over four floors, with exceptional reception rooms offering a great deal of family and entertaining space.

The open plan kitchen/breakfast room features high quality fittings and appliances. There is a large open fireplace in the sitting room and a home cinema room with fully integrated AV system.

“Contemporary, new, has the wow factor kitchen and cinema room – the perfect rental property, topped off by being located at the top of Boyne Park, just off the Common and an easy walk into town.” Kate Boyes MRICS

TEN

BLATCHINGTON ROAD,TN2 A substantial and very well presented six bedroom Edwardian detached house located in Blatchington Road, off Warwick Park, in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.

The property is just a short walk from Tunbridge Wells main line station, with services to the City and West End in under an hour, as well as the Old High Street and Pantiles.

The accommodation retains many original features including high ceilings, ornate fireplaces and cornicing.

“Such a beautiful Edwardian family property boasting many period features and located within an easy walk of the Pantiles.” Emma Child MARLA

LONDON ROAD, TN1 A Grade II listed five bedroom semi-detached house displaying many Georgian features and in a fantastic location for the main line station, town centre and the Pantiles. The total area of 3,110 square feet is arranged over four floors. It has been beautifully refurbished throughout, with details such as a bespoke Shaker design kitchen handmade by Plain English and quality CP Hart sanitary ware in the bathrooms and shower room.

SWAYLANDS HOUSE, PENSHURST A beautiful estate encompassing around 40 acres of land.

Swaylands was owned by a close friend of Edward VII, regular visitors included the king, J M Barrie, author of Peter Pan, and the poet, Siegfried Sassoon. The imposing and unique rock garden includes massive sandstone boulders and a lake, creating a stunning garden with real character. The grounds also include a tennis court, a former cricket green and pavilion, and an extensive formal lawn, not to mention the woodlands and outfields of the estate.

BREDBURY HOUSE, MOUNT EPHRAIM A magnificent 19th century mansion house, known for it sizeable and famous alpine gardens. Bredbury House has, in recent years, been converted into luxury accommodation, with the penthouse apartment and its turret balcony benefiting from what is likely the highest viewpoint across Tunbridge Wells.

ELEVEN

ESTATES

HERE’S A TASTE OF OUR OFFERING AND EXPERIENCE IN THIS SOMETIMES COMPLEX BUT INTEGRAL ASPECT OF THE PROPERTY MARKET

DID YOU KNOW THAT ALEXANDRE BOYES HAS AN IMPRESSIVE ESTATES PORTFOLIO?

TWELVE

EXPERTISE GUARANTEED Alexandre Boyes in 2015 will have a bespoke team of two experienced block managers, a surveyor overlooking major works, and a land manager experienced in historic buildings and grounds.

PROVEN SUCCESS

INSURANCE EXPERTS

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

HELPING OUR CLIENTS

A sample analysis was undertaken of two purpose built Tunbridge Wells estates that Alexandre Boyes has managed for the past three years, under an improvement programme including major works, onsite staffing and contract reviews.

There has been an increase in both property prices and transaction numbers, both exceeding the rate of inflation. A major success!

We are responsible for insuring well over £100 million worth of property in declared values.

We save an average 13% for each new business client on their building insurance premiums. We also co-ordinate NHBC and insurance claims.

We have our own Chartered Accountant offering end of year accounts and financial analysis and budgeting advice.

We always work hard for our clients – when overseeing major works for blocks our achievements include saving an impressive £40,000 on the contract price for one client.

TECH SAVVY We use the Resident software system, launched by Kate Boyes, for leaseholder log-ins to access property information.

THIRTEEN

FOCUS ON FAVOURITE

RESTAURANT?

Kate: The Huntsman in Eridge has everything you expect from a country pub.

Great food, wine, décor, company and garden – including pigs!

Dan: Bar and Grill. Good for a family lunch or an evening out with friends.

Ben: Mount Edgecombe for many happy Christmas party memories!

Philippa: I love the Chaser in Tonbridge for its great food and atmosphere. It’s childfriendly, which is a must for me with a lively four year old.

FAV OUR ITE

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Rachel: Juliet’s on the High Street. Perfect mix between super healthy food and dangerously yummy cakes! Also, The Poacher & Partridge in Tudeley for Sunday roast next to the open fire – it’s local and dog-friendly.

Laura: The Bottle House Inn near Penshurst.

The food is really tasty and it’s in a great location so perfect for summer evenings. When the weather gets colder you can sit by the fire.

Seymour: The Black Pig in Tunbridge Wells. Great food that is locally sourced.

HOUSE OR

BLOCK

Kate: Swaylands House – an incredible building with an amazing history, sitting in the most beautiful Kent countryside. Or Bredbury House because it was the first block Alexandre Boyes were asked to manage.

Emma: I love the properties in the Mount Ephraim area and also Grove Hill Gardens.

Charlene: Shirley Hall, Leggs Lane, Langton Green.

Ben: Rogues Hill House is possibly the most unusual house I have ever visited – an indoor pond, indoor avery, stunning wooden Victorian double height conservatory.

Dan: White Ladies in Bishops Down Road.

FOURTEEN

FAVOURITE JEREMY TIMMS - TORPEDO JUICE LTD

FEATURE?

Kate: There are loads!

My sons playing cricket in the Little Brown Jug garden whilst having breakfast on a Sunday morning, drinks on the Pantiles and oysters at the champagne bar, red wine by the fire in Sankeys, my children playing on Wellington Rocks, the view across Penshurst from the Spotted Dog, endless country walks.

OUR TEAM REVEAL THEIR PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AREA, INCLUDING THE BEST PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK, AND WHERE TO FIND THE MOST SPECTACULAR VIEWS

Emma: The Pantiles is my favourite part of Tunbridge Wells. There is something for everyone to enjoy – the variety of small specialist shops, cafés, restaurants and bars, often with live music events.

Ben: Any of the views – stood at the top of the buildings of Mount Ephraim, the view from Bidborough Ridge, views around Penshurst.

Laura: The countryside around Tunbridge Wells is beautiful and good for walking. The hop fields around Penshurst and Penshurst Place are nice to visit with a picnic in the summer. Ashdown Forest has stunning scenery if you enjoy riding horses.

FAVOURITE TO PLACE VISIT? Dan: With the kids it would be Groombridge Place, followed by lunch in The Hare. I love the Pantiles – the diversity of the parade, whether for a glass of fizz in the summer, the food festivals, jazz nights or a wander with the family.

Philippa: I love Bedgebury Pinetum. You can go for a long walk or cycle ride surrounded by beautiful woodlands, the kids can play in the fun adventure playgrounds or you can follow the Gruffallo trail.

Sharon: Toad Rock, it’s great for playing hide and seek with the grandchildren.

FIFTEEN

Seymour: Dunorlan Park is beautiful and really well maintained. I like to ride my bike, through Fordcome, Penshurst and then end up looking over the fantastic views of Bidborough Ridge .

Lisa: I love to wander in and out of the shops along the Old High Street and into the Pantiles both in the summer with its café culture and especially during Christmas time.

Rachel: Latest discovery is All Saints Church in Tudeley, for its art. It’s the only church in the world that has all its stain glass windows designed by Russian-French artist Chagall.

LETTING AND MANAGEMENT When renting your property it is important for you to feel assured that your property is in safe hands.

Having been trading in Tunbridge Wells for 16 years, our team will provide you with their professional insight into the local rental market, local amenities and help you feel reassured about the decisions you make.

Our aim is to provide services to our customers based on our company values, which are: our expert knowledge, the personal service we offer, our trusted reputation and the time we spend investing in our staff.

We understand that good communication is essential throughout the process.

We offer three levels of service to our clients, so you have a choice of which service best suits your requirements.

LET ONLY UÊ

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SIXTEEN

`Û Ã }Ê ÊÌ iÊ i ÞÊ>V iÛ>L iÊÀi ÌÊvÀ Ê the property, and preparing the property for renting, including advice on safety regulations and insurance. >À iÌ }ÊÌ iÊ«À «iÀÌÞÊ Ê> Ê vÊÌ iÊ > À property portals and on our own mobile friendly website. iiÌ }ÊÜ Ì Ê«À ëiVÌ ÛiÊÌi > ÌÃ]Ê> `ÊÊÊ Ê once an offer has been negotiated we use an independent referencing service to provide references from previous landlords, employers and credit history. " ViÊÃ>Ì Ãv>VÌ ÀÞÊÀiviÀi ViÃÊ >ÛiÊLii Ê obtained we will produce and execute the tenancy documents.

7iÊV> Ê>ÀÀ> }iÊv ÀÊV ÌÀ>VÌ ÀÃÊÌ ÊÛ Ã ÌÊÌ Ê ensure your legal requirements are met, in addition to services such as professional cleaning and inventory arrangements. *Ài«>À }Ê>ÊÃÌ> ` }Ê À`iÀÊ > `>ÌiÊv ÀÊ the tenant to sign and forward to their bank on their behalf, or obtaining proof of an online instruction to the tenant’s bank.

7iÊÜ Ê > >}iÊÌ iÊV iVÌ Ê vÊÌ iÊwÀÃÌÊ month’s rent and deposit and ensure the deposit is protected in accordance with current guidelines. " ViÊÜiÊ>ÀiÊ ÊÀiVi «ÌÊ vÊV i>Ài`ÊvÕ `ÃÊ> `Ê signed contracts we will proceed with moving the tenant into their new home. / Ü>À`ÃÊÌ iÊi `Ê vÊÌ iÊÌi > VÞÊÜiÊÜ Ê contact the tenant to discuss renewing the contract and negotiate a rent increase where possible. ÌÊÌ iÊi `Ê vÊÌ iÊÌi > VÞÊÜiÊÜ Ê>ÀÀ> }iÊ for the inventory clerk to check the tenants out of property and advise on the return of the deposit.

RENT COLLECTION

FULL MANAGEMENT

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As a client of Alexandre Boyes you would also have the opportunity to speak with our in-house Chartered Accountant. Rachel has been with Alexandre Boyes for a number of years, working closely with the staff and their clients, providing taxation advice on all aspects of property ownership. Rachel is a unique asset providing specialist advice to our clients, which many agents are not able to offer in-house.

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/ ÃÊÃiÀÛ ViÊÜ Ê V Õ`iÊ> Ê vÊÌ iÊÃiÀÛ ViÃÊ offered on the Let Only and Rent Collection agreements. "ÕÀÊvÕ ÊÌ iÊ«À «iÀÌÞÊ > >}iÀÃÊÜ ÊLiÊÌ iÊ point of contact for your tenants. They offer hands-on, tangible, professional support with strong relationships with local contractors.

7iÊÜ ÊV>ÀÀÞÊ ÕÌÊ«À «iÀÌÞÊ Ã«iVÌ ÃÊÌÜ ViÊ a year to ensure the property is being looked after. Any issues will be reported to you and addressed accordingly. ÞÊ iViÃÃ>ÀÞÊ`>ÞÊÌ Ê`>ÞÊÀi«> ÀÃÊ> `É ÀÊ maintenance and management matters will be dealt with on your behalf. All works will be confirmed with you prior to instruction unless they are an emergency.

7iÊ vviÀÊ>ÊÓ{ÉÇÊi iÀ}i VÞÊV> Ê ÕÌÊÃiÀÛ ViÊÌ Ê all tenants in our managed properties.

THE NEXT STEPS Hopefully the services outlined above give you an insight into what we can offer you as a landlord.

If there is anything that you would like to discuss further then please do not hesitate to contact us to speak with a member of the team.

Alexandre Boyes engages fresh, contemporary marketing with traditional values utilising Google, Twitter, the major internet portals, the Kent & Sussex Courier and SO Tunbridge Wells Magazine, with over one third of our applicant network from London.

Issue 1 of AB Living, our new online magazine, was emailed to 15,000 subscribers in October 2013. It showcases our sales and lettings properties, in addition to contributions from our local network of property professionals in and around Tunbridge Wells, who add a depth of support to our clients on a day to day basis.

SEVENTEEN

JEREMY TIMMS - TORPEDO JUICE LTD.

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This service will include all of the services offered on the Let Only agreement but will also include Alexandre Boyes collecting the monthly rent on your behalf. ,i ÌÊÜ ÊLiÊÌÀ> ÃviÀÀi`ÊÌ ÊÌ iÊ > ` À`Ê> }Ê with a statement outlining monies received and any necessary deductions made for fees or maintenance / repairs.

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CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS INTRIGUING INSIGHTS INTO THE TEAM AT ALEXANDRE BOYES AND THEIR PROPERTY MARKET OPINIONS AND PREDICTIONS EMMA Tell us a bit about yourself?

I have been with Alexandre Boyes since 2009 and was promoted to Lettings Manager in 2011. Lettings is such a fast-paced environment, so when I do have the odd moment to myself I will enjoy a glass or two of wine with friends or go horse riding over the Ashdown Forest.

We purchased our first home in Tunbridge Wells three years ago, so are also enjoying putting our own touches to it. Pinching others interior design ideas is a definite perk of the job!

What advice would you give someone looking to move into the area?

Think about your long term plan. Will you need to be close to a good

school and within an easy reach of London?

There are some beautiful areas in Tunbridge Wells, which offer so much whether you are moving as a family, newlywed or singleton.

What’s the funniest thing that has happened in your time as an estate agent?

A very angry neighbour called the office ordering me to go and remove a ‘To Let’ board that had been placed outside the building. I immediately pulled the board from the ground and placed it in my car. I shut my boot and it shot straight through my front windscreen. I had to laugh or I would have cried!

BEN Home technology or energy efficiency – where should homeowners invest to maximise resale value?

Energy efficiency – in the long term it’s something we should all be considering and is being pushed by the government, in order to meet the carbon reductions set in place. Feed in tariffs for homeowners can prove quite lucrative and the Renewable Heat Incentive offers payments which can be an added bonus.

Ultimately though, buyers are always more seduced by an integrated sound system or mood lighting or a cinema room.

But with technology becoming outdated so quickly and feed in tariffs generating savings, buyers should be looking keenly at energy efficiency measures.

EIGHTEEN

Which is your favourite house that you have sold?

Sunset Lodge on Pembury Road, a former care home that we sold on behalf of The Salvation Army. The building was vast and had a huge amount of interest from various parties, all with their own thoughts on how to develop the entire site. It was great to work with larger companies and developers, being able to offer advice and input.

It was the first opportunity that allowed me to utilise my Building Surveying degree when looking at building regulations and standards and how this may affect the purchaser of the entire site.

DAN How long have you worked at Alexandre Boyes and what are the best and worst things about your job?

This is my 16th year and I still look forward to coming in. The diversity of the properties and the people that we meet on a day to day basis mean that no two days are the same.

What advice would you give someone looking to move into the area?

Research the area you want to buy in, if you need a school find one that suits you then concentrate on that area rather than the town as a whole.

KATE Social media has changed the way people buy, sell, rent and present property.

What advantages are there for the vendor, landlord and consumer?

It enables properties to be marketed across a huge medium to people who may never have been reached before. Our teams administer our social media, as opposed to an external company, so it is a true reflection of Alexandre Boyes. In 2015 we will look to improve our Twitter and Facebook campaigns with new content such as video.

Our sales team is now using drone technology to market country houses, which will see our website and other online content develop to include videos.

These will also be used to promote Alexandre Boyes

to new clients in quite a unique way next year.

What career advice would you give to your 18 year old self today, if looking at a career in estate management?

Get as much work experience with different types of firms as you can before you leave school to get a feel for what part of the industry you enjoy, and to make your CV look good. Work hard, qualify, don’t take your career for granted, ask loads of questions, challenge yourself and take advantage of every opportunity given to you no matter how big or small.

NINETEEN

What sets Alexandre Boyes apart from the other estate agents in Tunbridge Wells?

The depth of knowledge the office holds. We can advise on all aspects of the property market – selling one bedroom flats to country houses, buy-to-let investments or growing the capital in your current property.

At the end of the day our name is above the door, which I think in a town with more and more corporate agencies opening, holds a great weight.

TOP OF THE CLASS There are so many things to think about when picking the right school. Such as, what Ofsted rating did it get?

What facilities does it have?

What is the school’s ethos?

Will we be in the catchment area? Should we go state or independent? If we decide to go independent, how much will it cost?

If you make the decision to go down the independent school route, Tunbridge Wells has some of the best schools in the country outside of London.

HOLMEWOOD HOUSE An independent co-educational day and boarding preparatory school.

Cost per term: from £1,750 - £5,650 01892 860000 (main office) 01892 860006 (registrar) www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk Mission statement: Our philosophy is simple – to offer the best preparatory school experience in the sector.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS IS KNOWN FOR ITS EXCELLENT EDUCATION OFFERING. WHO RULES IN THE LOCAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS? ROSE HILL

KENT COLLEGE

THE MEAD

An independent co-educational preparatory school, for children aged 3 to 13.

A leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged 3 to 18.

Co-educational preparatory school for pupils between the ages of 3 and 11.

Cost per term: from £2,720 Nursery, from £3,355 Preparatory School and from £5,975 for Senior School.

01892 8202006 www.kent-college.co.uk

Cost per term: £3,315 per term (Years 3 – 6), £2,990 per term (Reception, Years 1 – 2), £1,625 per term (Pre-Reception) and £1,300 per term (Kindergarten) 01892 525837 www.meadschool.info

Cost per term: £3,355 from Reception Year 2 and £4,489 from Years 3 – 8.

01892 525591 www.rosehillschool.co.uk Mission statement: To provide a quality all round education for all pupils, which enables them to reach their true potential.

Mission statement: Kent College aims to provide all of our pupils with a balanced and wellrounded education both in and out of the classroom.

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Mission statement: The aim of The Mead was always to provide a firstclass education at a more affordable price where every child feels success.

FIND OUT MORE www.resident.uk.com 01892 739442 hello@resident.uk.com

REG OFFICE Napier House, 14-16 Mt Ephraim Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1EE

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Q&A WITH PETER BOYES Peter’s career started at Farebrother Ellis Chartered Surveyors in the City and local agents Roderick Innes and Furlongs. He joined Alan de Maid in 1971 and was made Partner in 1972. For 25 years he was based at their Sevenoaks office, where he became a household name with both vendors and purchasers, as well as local professionals.

His reputation as an ‘absolute gentleman’ and his extensive network of contacts is of enormous value to Alexandre Boyes, which he established in 1998.

Being a family firm, he will inevitably remain as a consultant and sounding board to Dan and Kate.

PETER BOYES OFFICIALLY RETIRED IN APRIL 2013, AFTER 47 YEARS IN THE PROPERTY INDUSTRY – FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS HE WAS SENIOR PARTNER OF ALEXANDRE BOYES TWENTYTWO

Why did you decide to start Alexandre Boyes?

A lifetime’s ambition to be my own master.

How has the housing market changed since you first started working within the property industry?

When I first started in estate agency, we had a fixed scale of charges of 5% on the first £500, 2.5% on the next £4,500 and 1.5% on the residue.

Not so competitive then.

Property particulars without photographs – black and white Polaroid photos in the window. The internet has revolutionised the profession and restored the fortunes of the ‘one office agent’ who can now compete on equal terms with the big players.

What is your most memorable moment from your time at Alexandre Boyes?

The sale of our first house – a lovely family home in Byng Road.

How do you enjoy your free time now?

With six grandchildren under ten and seven acres of gardens and land to maintain, my time is pretty busy.

When I get the chance I head for Salcombe.

Where is your favourite place to visit in Tunbridge Wells?

Undoubtedly, The Pantiles with its café culture and specialist street markets and shops. It is like being on holiday every time I walk through.

What feature of Tunbridge Wells would you recommend to someone moving here?

Beautiful period houses.

The green open spaces like the Common, Calverley Park and The Grove. Fantastic choice of schools. Train service to London in under an hour. A great shopping centre divided into the Calverley precinct, linked to the High Street and Pantiles by Mount Pleasant making an interesting walk on a sunny day.

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Which building in Tunbridge Wells would you most like to buy?

We have lived in our family home for nearly 40 years and I can honestly say I have no aspirations to replace it.

However if you were to ask which form of architecture I most admire in Tunbridge Wells, it would have to be Decimus Burton.

Where is your favourite place to eat in Tunbridge Wells?

Sankeys and Hotel du Vin. What were your first impressions of employing Dan and Kate?

They both entered the business with a rare dedication and determination. Kate left school in July 1998 and we opened the office on 1 August. She spent her gap year working with me six days a week, well into the evenings and without any holiday. Dan joined us following university with a determination to be more successful than me – with their ‘best year ever’ this year, it looks as though he has succeeded!

ALEXANDRE BOYES SALES | LETTINGS | ESTATE MANAGEMENT

MONTPELIER LODGE, 48 MOUNT EPHRAIM, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT, TN4 8AU 01892 525522 | www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk