<2.2Mb)Lettings
Finders Keepers lives up to its name
Stunning Homes: Seven new on-bedroomed furnished apartments in Summertown are available now. Rental prices range from £950 to £1,100 pcm with short stay inclusive and serviced options available from £1,500 pcm through Finders Keepers, call 01865 311011.
A NEW development of furnished apartments in Summertown is a perfect example of what can be achieved by a leading letting agent.
The story begins in 2005 when Frank Webster, a director of Finders Keepers, was driving through Summertown when he spotted a for sale board being put up on land adjacent to an existing block of flats which his company was managing for a corporate client. It was a good-sized plot with an existing dwelling that had fallen into disrepair.
Frank said: “The minute I saw it, I rushed to the agent, got the draft particulars hot off the printer and called our client. Shortly afterwards the client bought the land.
“Finders Keepers were involved at every stage. We recommended a development of larger-than-usual one bedroomed apartments with balconies which would appeal to professional single people and couples and give the best return on investment for the client.
“We attended planning meetings, the property portfolio manager looked at aspects of the installation from boilers to bathrooms, and our furnishing division advised on the finish of kitchen units.”
Hannah Davies, of Decorum, Finders Keepers' interior design department, was asked to submit proposals for furnishing.
She said: “Being a north and east facing four-storey building with seven apartments, including a penthouse, it was important to select bright, warm tones.
“We used American black walnut which has a variety of tones, teamed up with accessory lighting, and soft furnishings in two different colour schemes with interesting textures - one in lime green, teal and neutral tones, and the other aubergine, black and cream to contrast.
“Furnishings were chosen to meet the high expectations of the Oxford letting market, combining contemporary styling with practicality, easy maintenance and durability.
“We also know tenants like to view several apartments at a new development so they look for choice and individuality.
“The project was finished to budget and ahead of time despite the challenges of the builders still working around us.”
Each apartment has a video entry system, underfloor heating, a passive air circulation systems, the latest 'K' glass heat reflection technology and a communal satellite dish.
Each apartment is furnished and equipped with LCD television and a DVD - ideal for short and long-stay lets.
Finders Keepers letting team has already let several apartments.
Assistant letting manager Claire Francis said: “We knew these apartments would be perfect for visiting academics and corporate tenants but in fact we are getting just as much interest from locally-based professionals, particularly those looking to rent as an alternative to buying. They are larger than most one-bedroomed apartments which is just what our applicants want.
Mr Webster added: “This development is a perfect example of our company name in action. Finders sums up our search and acquisition service and Keepers our letting and management services.