The Mark of Distinction

The Mark of Distinction
Penny Black is an independent,
boutique, property buying agency
based in London. We offer unrivalled
expertise in the complex central
London property market.
Established in 2008, we have built
steadily on positive client referrals.
We operate at the highest, and ultradiscreet, levels of the central London
scene with a similar service in Paris.
Every client is assured the personal
services of one of our directors.
We are successful because we are
trusted, knowledgeable, tenacious,
pro-active and realistic. We open doors
thanks to our extensive contacts.
We know of very private off-market
forthcoming sales, and we enjoy close
relationships with London’s key estate
The Mark of Distinction
agents and other professionals at the top
end of the market. Critically, our advice is
research based and constantly updated
in an ever-changing market. This helps
us obtain the best value for our client’s
money. Confidentiality is our watchword.
A great number of our clients are
international buyers. We have a keen
appreciation of their wide-ranging but
specific preferences.
We act only for property buyers. We do
not act for property sellers.
Our terms are competitive. Our loyalty
is guaranteed. We regard our work as a
pleasure, which is why we are dedicated
24/7 to each one of our clients.
Contents
Acquiring property
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How we work
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Other Services
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Hotels - investing in hospitality
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The Penny Black team
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Acquiring property
“We had in mind a particular specification and location for
a London flat. After months of frustration with viewings
that did not hit the mark and with estate agents who were
interested, perhaps understandably, in selling us what
was on their books rather than finding us what we were
searching for, we turned to Penny Black.
Suddenly, everything changed. Viewings became relevant
because Penny Black understood our preferences. More
significantly, Penny Black took the initiative and directly
approached the owners of relevant flats where the
property was not on the market. Hey presto! The ideal flat
appeared and we exchanged and completed within two
months. Brilliant service from real professionals.”
DT - CEO of Large Retailer
The Mark of Distinction
Central London
The central London property scene is
huge and complicated; full of housing
gems and investment opportunities as
well as pitfalls for the unwary. Our skill
is in understanding the complexities of
this international market. We find,
assess and negotiate the purchase of
choice properties in the most soughtafter areas. We search for properties
priced from £1 million across a wide
section of central London. Additionally,
we advise on post-purchase issues as
they may arise, saving clients both time
and money.
Our extremely comprehensive database
covers a wide range of houses and
apartments, particularly those that will
never reach or are not yet on the open
market, as well as the most prestigious
properties selected from estate agents
and other sources.
How we work
Initial consultation
We discuss your buying criteria to form
a clear picture of your ideal requirements
and where you are flexible. We explain
trends in the current market and if you
are not sure where you wish to purchase, Selection, negotiation and completion
we can offer a familiarisation tour. Both
Once a property is selected, we
services are free.
negotiate on your behalf to secure the
The property search
best price.
We visit, appraise and then shortlist both
available properties and those soon to
enter the market using our extensive
private contacts and market intelligence.
The great majority of our purchases
involve properties that never reach the
open market. We accompany you to visit
as many of the properties as you wish,
taking perhaps a few hours, and seldom
more than a day.
‘We spent three days trekking round estate agents in Mayfair
without finding anything that felt right, and went back to the
States disappointed. A colleague suggested Penny Black, and
after an exchange of e-mails and one phone call they sent us
a selection that showed they’d really been listening. One was
just perfect, and because it hadn’t gone on the market yet,
Christopher was able to negotiate a quick deal. Now, we’re
actually glad we didn’t find anything in the estate agents lists.’
DN and VN, New York
The Mark of Distinction
If none of our first selection is right, we
search again, and we keep on searching
until you are satisfied. We will continue
this process for twelve months from
being engaged.
Because our preliminary work is so
thorough, this final stage is the only
extended time you have to dedicate
personally to the process. Many clients,
particularly those based abroad or
outside London, find this aspect of our
service especially welcome.
After your offer is accepted, we oversee
the entire transaction by dealing with
the vendor or their representatives. We
can also liaise with your own legal and
financial advisors.
Our expertise in dealing with a range
of property and financial professionals
and potentially complex legal issues
ensures that the sale is concluded to
your best advantage.
Other Services
Over the many years our team has been involved in the property market, we
have accrued a great deal of specialist knowledge and expertise. The ancillary
services we offer, either as stand-alone services or as part of a package tailored
to specific requirements, include:
‘On the day we were due to
fly home, we fell in love with a
house that was already under
offer and due to exchange
contracts in days. It seemed
to be beyond our reach, but
Chantel and Christopher
guided us through the steps
required to buy it. They knew
the selling agent involved and
were able to emphasise that
our offer was serious. They
put us in touch with a bank
and a lawyer, and contracts
were exchanged by 6.30pm.’
Delhi-based client looking for
a long-term investment and,
eventually, a home in London
The Mark of Distinction
Identifying development opportunities
Identifying development and
refurbishment opportunities,
including a full appraisal of the costs and timescale involved, plus due diligence to allow an accurate and informed decision.
Project management
Planning and supervision of property refurbishment and renovation projects,
using skilled tradespeople experienced in working in period or listed buildings as necessary, and ensuring the highest quality materials and finishes are used throughout.
Hotels - investing in
hospitality
‘When I wanted a property in Kensington, a
friend suggested Penny Black, who had just
helped her with a buy-to-rent investment
in the area. At the time there was a real
shortage of properties. Everything seemed
to be snapped up before it was even
advertised. But Penny Black found an ideal
place that wasn’t going public for another
week. I secured it before it reached the open
market. I can’t thank them enough.’
Mr A Gupta, Mumbai
The Mark of Distinction
Investment in hotels requires highly
detailed knowledge and continuing
day-to-day involvement. Our extremely
experienced specialist, Simon GordonSmith, provides expert guidance in
every aspect of the process.
Following an initial consultation
designed to build a full understanding
of the areas and scale of your interest
– whether a boutique hotel or a
large international chain - we can
present a portfolio of opportunities.
These will normally include several
not yet on the open market. We make
detailed and informed recommendations,
and if required, we act on your behalf
throughout the negotiations. Our
reputation is second to none in this field.
The Penny Black team
Chantel Halai
Christopher Proctor
chantel@pennyblackgroup.com
christopher@pennyblackgroup.com
Simon Gordon-Smith
Stella Teclaw
simon@pennyblackgroup.com
stella@pennyblackgroup.com
Charles Fletcher
Jagdeep Sidhu
charles@pennyblackgroup.com
jag@pennyblackgroup.com
The Mark of Distinction
Chantel Halai started Penny Black
after working with one of the world’s
largest real estate firms specialising in
acquisitions. She has over a decade of
experience in the residential property
business, acting for some of the world’s
highest net worth families, and has
won a fine reputation throughout the
international high-value property sector
for her interpretation of clients’ needs.
Her wide knowledge and principled
dedication to her clients’ best interests
has led them to insist that she alone
acts on their behalf in the Prime Central
London real estate market.
Christopher Proctor, also a founding
partner of Penny Black, has a vast
knowledge of London’s prime property
market, particularly its most prestigious
areas. He has established a level of
trust with agents and property portfolio
owners that affords him access to the
most advantageous opportunities. His
easy, approachable personality and
enduring commitment to openness and
value have led to many lasting client
friendships. Having lived and worked in
India for two years, he has established a
strong client base there.
Simon Gordon-Smith has over 25 years
experience in the hospitality industry,
covering operational management and
strategic consultancy. A graduate of
the Savoy Hotel Management Scheme,
he has held pivotal roles in prestigious
institutions and has invaluable expertise
in hotel and leisure complexes. As well
as acting for private clients purchasing
hotels, he has advised international
branded groups. He is also retained as
a consultant by a number of property
agencies, where his meticulous attention
to detail and quality is held in high regard.
Stella Telaw began working at the
highest levels of the central London
property market over eight years ago,
before establishing the Penny Black Paris
office. She brings an incisive knowledge
of the premium property market in central
Paris. With her extensive contacts, she
frequently has access to properties
before they reach the open market. Her
discretion, rational approach and thorough
understanding of the buying process has
been employed on behalf of clients from
the Middle East, Russia and the USA as
well as Europe. The astute judgement
she shares with clients has enabled her to
consistently add value on their behalf.
Charles Fletcher joined Penny Black
with over ten years of invaluable property
experience. After his BSc in Land
Management, he joined one of the world’s
leading real estate firms before branching
into recruitment, placing senior real estate
executives into London’s largest property
and financial institutions. He then worked
for a niche City-based property investment
firm specialising in high net-worth clients.
His professional and friendly manner and
in-depth knowledge of investment and
financial analysis adds real value to Penny
Black’s Investment Division.
Jagdeep Sidhu has recently joined us
with over 12 years of property experience.
He demonstrated his business acumen
by starting his own successful company,
now run by his family. He then joined
one of London’s most prolific Real Estate
firms, based in Mayfair. Having gained
invaluable knowledge there, he branched
out to become one of Marylebone’s most
well known Senior Negotiators, acting
on behalf of internationally based clients.
Jag is renowned for his professional,
yet personable manner. His in-depth
knowledge of the local market and ability
to adapt to the different needs of every
client adds real value to Penny Black.
PENNY BL ACK
‘I wasn’t keen to use a property buying
agency, because I thought it would
just be another level of administration,
more time-consuming phone calls and
e-mails from people who were just
throwing pictures of houses at us. But
time was short, and I was persuaded.
In fact, Penny Black has saved us a
huge amount of time by taking a clear
instruction, making sure they understood
what I wanted, and then only getting in
touch when they needed to.’
AE, downsizing in Belgravia, London
The Mark of Distinction
For more information, or to arrange an
initial consultation, please contact us at:
London Office
84 Brook Street, Mayfair, London,
United Kingdom W1K 5EH
T:
+44 (0)207 183 0043
F:
+44 (0)207 183 0373
E: london@pennyblackgroup.com