By Melissa York, David Byers and Cathy Hawker.
Black Brick’s Property Management Service at the Heart of London’s Empty Homes Story
As London’s most expensive neighbourhoods see a growing number of high-value homes standing empty — the result of tax-driven departures, a sluggish sales market and the multi-residence lifestyles of ultra-wealthy international owners — Black Brick’s property management division has emerged as an essential service for absentee homeowners, according to in-depth reporting in The Times.
Camilla Dell, founder of Black Brick, explained how the service came about. After helping clients acquire London properties, she would call to check how they were settling in — only to discover they were staying in hotels on their visits to the capital. “When I asked why, they said it was because they knew their homes would not be ready for them — dusty, not fresh linen, no food in the fridge,” she said. The solution was immediate: a service that ensures owners can return to a warm, clean, fully stocked home simply by turning the key in the door.
What began as a concierge-style offering has evolved into a comprehensive property asset management service. Black Brick’s Prime Property Asset Management division now oversees nearly 50 properties, with 40% of its clients having signed up for the management service last year. Jason Wei, head of the property management division, explained that some insurance policies require weekly property visits — a legal as well as practical necessity for owners away for extended periods. “We look after one property in Knightsbridge worth in the region of £10 million and the insurance policy requires us to visit every week,” he said.
The service ranges from simple weekly inspections charged at an hourly rate to comprehensive management of larger homes with complex requirements — including smart home systems, swimming pools and security protocols — running to several thousand pounds per month.
The backdrop to this growing demand is significant. Almost one million homes in England are not regularly occupied, according to Action on Empty Homes, with 256,061 empty for six months or more — the highest level since 2011. In prime central London, the combination of non-dom departures, elevated stamp duty for overseas buyers and unrealistic vendor pricing has left streets in Notting Hill, Kensington, Knightsbridge and Belgravia notably quieter than in previous years.
As featured in The Times
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