James Lindsey, apropos agent

How did you get into property?

My grandparents did some small property developments when I was growing up which always interested me, my grandmother was a huge influence in my future as she owned and ran businesses her whole working life after leaving the army. This led to me running my own construction company from the tender age of 19. By 20 I had purchased my first property and completely fell in love with the whole property world and process.

When did you first hear about apropos?

Back in mid 2019, I received a call from an extremely enthusiastic Melinda Illes.

Can you tell me a little bit about why you joined apropos?

Whilst talking to Melinda Illes it quickly became apparent this was something very exciting and game changing for the Private Rented Sector. By October 2019 I was in my car travelling up to see they guys at Apropos HQ. I was extremely welcomed and introduced to everyone including the directors who all took the time to sit, talk and answer any questions I had. The defining reason for my decision to join was simply that Apropos is designed to completely streamline the rental process whilst adding complete transparency for landlords and tenants alike. It is important to me that landlords are confident their assets are protected and that tenants get the same attention and consideration, something which seems to be missing from todays Private Rented Sector. As agents, we have two clients, not one.

What makes working with apropos different and how does it benefit your landlords?

The real difference is that our digital platform commands complete accountability from us. It is of huge importance to me that things are done correctly, our system ensures everything is done correctly with multiple safe guards in place which protect both landlords and tenants. Updating landlords in real-time shows just how much work is done in the background, without a landlord needing to pick up the phone or wait for an email response, it is simply there 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. This especially works great for overseas landlords who are operating in different time zones.
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What is the most satisfying part of your job?

Receiving comments from potential tenants about how good our properties are and that they look exactly like, or better than our marketing materials, a comment from a tenant just yesterday was “we always expect to be disappointed, but this is amazing”. Then of course, move in day when they get to enjoy their new home.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing estate and letting agents at the moment?

Obviously, the current pandemic is a huge challenge for all industries and not just the property industry. Moving forwards, the transition into a more digital format is going to be a huge task for any who are not already well into the transition. Fortunately for us here at Apropos, our platform sits perfectly in what is the new normal.

What is your property prediction for 2021?

Due to the new (now fully in force) tax implications, we are already seeing many landlords leaving the Private Rented Sector, however, here in Liverpool, these landlords are quickly being replaced by larger or institutional investors which can only improve the standards of housing available. The Buy To Let market in Liverpool is growing at a phenomenal rate and the standard of properties is quickly getting high. I predict 2021 to be the turning point the Private Rented Sector has needed, providing high quality accommodation with high levels of service.

Country house or city apartment?

Country house with a large garage for all my junk.

Trendy roof terrace or garden?

Garden.

What is your favorite room in your home?

The kitchen, the heart of every home.

Grand Designs or Location, Location, Location?

Grand Designs, I love to see people’s visons come to life. Always over budget though!!