Latest Homes talks to D&L Property Services Ltd
At your service
D&L Property Services exists out of necessity. Property owner, landlord and developer Craig Dwyer-Smith was struggling to find the right firm to handle all of his property maintenance needs. In frustration he gave in and decided to start his own company. He knew by doing this that he would always get the best possible job for the right price and when he needed it.
Immediately he saw the difference with his own properties. He set the standard and saw to it that it was maintained. Having sported things for himself he then realised that he might be alone. Surely other letting agents and landlords would have the same needs or very similar? Within a very short time word had spread and Craig’s new company was not only servicing his own portfolio of properties but also those of other agents and landlords.
“It was never about saving money; cutting corners does not work in this business,” says Craig. “If you don’t show that you care then tenants lose their respect for the properties too. Making sure that everything is in good order is an investment that simply secures the future value of the properties in your portfolio and ensures that you get the top prices form tenants too. Quality service was always my prime motivation and way above being the cheapest.”
“We like to be able to offer the whole service, from the smallest things like changing a washer, right up to major repairs, renovations and refurbishments. And we can readily take away the stresses involved in looking after that side of being a property owner.”
Craig has been a landlord and property developer for 18 years and has a clear insight into what is needed and also what is expected. “Owning my own properties, I know what to expect and what makes me happy. As a consequence our property professionals do exactly that: a professional job. Our workmen are clean and tidy, they get the job done and leave everything as you would hope to find it, all in order, all in place. That means that both the landlord and the tenants are happy. We like to get things done as quickly as possible too, no one wants to be kept waiting, especially for repairs.
A happy tenant is a long-term tenant, and many of our tenants stay with us and move into another one of our properties.” It’s a fact that clearly underlines the quality of the service that is in place.
“I can now walk into a building and very quickly work out what is needed and where it will all go. Clients are often surprised by what I say, and by my ability to get more out of a property and maximise the financial return”
“We have a full time staff of seven and sub-contract for specialist services we do not cover. We prefer to employ that kind of skilled building service as and when it is required, it helps us keep prices down but never at the cost of quality.”
This is a family run business with sister Emma Smith joining Craig Dwyer-Smith in the day-to-day running of the company and wife Laura Dwyer-Smith also on board Emma has worked in lettings for ten years and always in Brighton and Hove. Her different positions have given her great specialised knowledge across a wide spectrum of property letting issues.
Craig has always focused on HMOs, homes of multiple occupancy, and has developed real skill when it comes to making the maximum return on a home when he buys and develops it. It’s a combination of great spacial awareness, a keen eye for a bargain and realisation that high standards will reap higher returns.
This element of his skill is now in high demand as new developers will seek out his advice. He now spends a great deal of his time assessing the potential of other developers investments and for a fee, which is refunded should the client then employ the D&L team’s services to actually carry out that development.
“Over the years I have learnt from both my successes and from my mistakes. I can now walk into a building and very quickly work out what is needed and where it will all go. Clients are often surprised by what I say, and by my ability to get more out of a property and maximise the financial return.”
D&L Property Services grew rapidly and already they are servicing the needs of other landlords and letting agencies with many more interested. Out of a need to resolve his own problems Craig, Laura and Emma have started to find solutions for other people too. Their special awareness of the issues involved in being a landlord or a letting agent makes them ideal owners of a business that solves problems. And they are expanding too, able to cope with more contracts as the word spreads and more and more people turn to them for advice and help.
The letting world is a rapidly changing one as Government legislation develops. The team is fully aware of this and is committed to making sure that the company are always up to date and fully aware of their legal obligations. Craig too needs to keep abreast of changes in the law when it comes to HMOs, the need for specialist licences and local bye-laws that need to be upheld.
Craig is in high demand when it comes to sharing his specialist knowledge of HMOs and his ability to maximise a building’s potential in a fully professional but also cost effective way.
D&L Property Services, 85 Ditching Road, Brighton, BN1 4SD, 01273 600160, info@dl-ps,
www.dl-ps.co.uk
Glowing words from clients of D&L Property Services
“Brighton Accommodation Agency has used D&L Property Services Ltd for the past 18 months in an effort to streamline our maintenance department. As a growing letting agency we have found it increasingly difficult to devote the necessary manpower to chasing contractors over so many properties, however, with D&L Property Services Ltd, we have found that not only do the majority of jobs get done straight away, keeping the tenants happy, but the reasonably priced work keeps the landlords happy as well, this allows us to focus on customer service and growing the company’s portfolio.”
Dan Lyons, Director of Brighton Accommodation Agency
“We use D&L Property Services for various maintenance works on our managed property portfolio. D&L are reliable and they always carry out the work efficiently and effectively. Their prices are competitive and we never have to chase them up to complete works either!”
Nikki Gilson, Lettings Director of Kendrick Property Services
Craig Dwyer-Smith from D&L Property Services on:
General Maintenance
“Property Maintenance offers a wide range of general services to keep your home or business in excellent condition. In addition to fixes and repairs, we are also happy to carry out an assessment on your property as well as advise you on the best course of action where required.”
Painting & Decorating
“Our decorators offer all standard painting and decorating services including tiling, wallpapering, repainting and plastering. We are also happy to take on custom work to help you make your property stand out from the crowd.”
Carpentry
“Skillful carpentry work can easily add measurable value to your home or business by creating a professional finish. Property Maintenance offers carpentry services including fitting doors, floors, skirting boards, fencing, decking, joists, fascias, staircases and more. We also have comprehensive repair services that are a very affordable way to make a lasting difference to your property.”
Plumbing & Drainage
“Our specialist plumbers can fix stubborn blocks and serious leaks quickly and efficiently. Whether you have a problem with your kitchen sink or outside guttering, we can help.”
Roofing
“Property Maintenance employees are qualified to carry out thorough roofing assessments, essential for older properties and those with slow leaks. Our expert roofers can advise on roof care and also make repairs to your roof, chimney and guttering.”
Refurbishment
“Our refurbishment and repair solutions cover everything from decorating to plumbing, and are an increasingly popular way to refresh your property's look and feel. We work within your budget and timeframe.”
H.M.O. Property renovations
“We have extensive experience within this area and can offer advice to get you started before you have even purchased your property. We have dealt with the local council for many years and have established a good reputation. We know what is required and how to work to budgets to get the best out of your investment. Please take a look on our website for more information.”
