The story of Khalil properties

Latest Homes talks to Ahmed Khalil & his team about the launch of their new Lewes Road office & how choosing the right agent can help a landlord grow their property investments & give the tenant peace of mind

Location, location, location! It’s a well-worn phrase for estate agents who all know that the location of a property can make or break a sale in terms of where their customers want to be. But location is just as key for an agent’s office and Ahmed Khalil has chosen wisely to locate the second branch of Khalil Properties in the heartland of student accommodation in Brighton and close to the universities. The launch of the new office at the top of Lewes Road heralds an expansion for Ahmed’s lettings business.

Established in 2007, Ahmed was brave to start a business during a challenging economic year. The first office at 82 Queens Road has grown steadily covering both lettings and property management.

For many years prior, Ahmed built his property experience by managing his family’s property portfolios; and now his 15 years lettings experience has given Khalil Properties a growing confidence to continually improve the business and grow their property management portfolio. Anna Khalil, Ahmed’s wife deals with client accounts and keeps the finances in order.

A law degree from Cairo University has also stood Ahmed in good stead for dealing with all the legal, mediation and contractual issues involved in lettings. Ahmed is passionate about properties and about comprehensive customer service, and this shines through in his dealings with his new team at the Lewes Road office. The newly established team are brimming with positive energy and the six-strong team are very vocal about what makes for good customer service.

We asked Ahmed how does Khalil Properties differ from other agents and what is the range of services on offer. “I treat my landlords as though they were my business partners, where they have the property and I have my services and skills in managing their properties. I strive to increase the potential and the rent of the property, looking after their assets and housing good quality tenants as if the property was one of my own. A priority is making sure they receive the rent in a timely manner, and with minimum void periods between tenancies. I also regularly review the rent to make sure the landlord is getting the best price possible and I am constantly keeping up to date on legislation. We also project manage small or major refurbishments if and when required.

“Information, information, information!”

“Here at Khalil Properties we can cater for everyone’s needs – from single rooms and studio flats, all the way up to large family homes. Our rates are very competitive without cutting corners and we pride ourselves on a friendly, personal and efficient service.
Our pursuit of improvement is endless, and much of our business comes from the recommendation
of others.”

Meet the team

The team at Khalil all recognise that good quality information and setting out the legal requirements to tenants and landlords is key at the start of any lettings transaction. Laying down all the ground rules, reduces the risk of any disputes and Khalil Properties routinely offer to arrange a meeting between landlord and tenant prior to getting contracts signed.

“Don’t be scared to go to an agency…an agency can save you trouble and cost”

Eva Brdusikova, Lettings & Property Manager
Eva joined Khalil Properties in 2008 and Ahmed explains “Eva is the backbone of the company. A very dedicated and loyal senior member of staff who has grown with the company over the last five years.”

Eva says, “We guide students and new renters through the process so they learn about a whole range of tasks such as dealing with utility bills and legal obligations, and reassurance is an important factor for both tenants and landlords. We check properties regularly and help both sides!

Eva’s main message is “Don’t be scared to go to an agency! Previously I was always seeking private landlords when renting a property, but in many instances, an agency can save you trouble and cost.”

Jodie Collins, Senior Negotiator
Jodie Collins recently joined the Khalil Properties team as Senior Lettings Negotiator with four years’ experience within the industry. Ahmed says “Jodie is a very pro-active member of staff and she has been a great addition to the Khalil Properties team.” As Senior Negotiator, Jodie’s role is to carry out valuations, get more instructions and generate more business for this ambitious lettings agency. “We are pushing the business technologically too, and social media is absolutely key for us. Check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KhalilProperties.”

Kimberley Fulker, Lettings Administrator/Viewings Representative
Kimberley Fulker is a new member of the Khalil Properties team. Ahmed adds, “Kimberley is a very pleasant person to deal with, a quick learner and always improving herself”. “It’s been a really great opportunity for me to join Khalil Properties” enthuses Kim who enjoys being busy as part of this motivated team. “I deal mainly with tenants and there is a lot of competition in this
industry. We offer very competitive rates and we are all friendly faces.”

Vanessa Owusu, Lettings Administrator/Viewings Representative
Ahmed: “Vanessa is a strong member of the Khalil Properties team with previous experience within the industry. A friendly and reliable member of staff who can handle any tasks given to her.”

Vanessa: “It may be a cliché, but this business is like a family. We have to deal with lots of properties, especially with the student tenants and we need to constantly be on the case. Honesty is a key policy at Khalil Properties, and that is actually the truth!”

Anna Khalil, Accounts Manager
Anna Khalil manages the finances for Khalil Properties. Ahmed says “Anna has been a great support for the business, her organisation and account management skills have been second to none”. Anna adds: “I have watched the business grow from day one and I am very proud to be a part of what Ahmed has achieved in such a short space of time”.

Reputation and recommendation are important to Ahmed and his team. Khalil Properties is a member of the UK association of letting agents (UKALA) and Ahmed has the ARLA qualification in residential lettings and property management. 60-70% of the business for Khalil Properties comes from recommendations, and the newly established team at Lewes Road are ready for the growth.

Khalil Properties,
124 Lewes Road, Brighton
And Khalil Properties, 2nd Floor,
Albert House, 82 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE
01273 735904
info@khalilproperties.co.uk
www.khalilproperties.co.uk
www.facebook.com/KhalilProperties