Having taken over as managing agent for Ashburnham Place at the start of March, I was thrilled to be awarded the first property of my portfolio. Based on Greenwich High Road, 1 minute away from Greenwich station, it is a prime location in a highly sought-after area. Standing at 5 floors tall, constructed in the early 2000’s, the block compliments the surrounding areas architecture extremely well without sticking out too much or taking attention away from the rest of the road. An ideal first development to take on in an idyllic location.

Every pre-managed development comes with its own set of challenges, Ashburnham Place being no different. There are some major works scheduled over the coming months that need to fall in line with the resident’s standards, as well as POD’s. Where some may fear such things, I see it as the ideal way to learn about what property management really entails. Of course, we would all love to live in a world where everything is plain and easy and straight forward, but that is not how property management works. Being able to overcome obstacles and produce solutions that don’t just satisfy residents, but really impress them is what we are all about. I cannot wait to deliver these projects that are in the pipeline, positively sure they will make a good impression on POD’s behalf and give the residents the confidence that when big changes are needed, they needn’t worry because POD have everything in hand.

I have been extremely lucky in that all the residents I have engaged with so far have been friendly and welcoming. From the off, there has been a real feeling of togetherness and willingness to drive things through as a unit and not just ‘them’ and ‘us’. I think this comes down to an empathetic understanding from both sides. The scale of the works required will not be possible without a cohesive attitude, from what I have seen so far this has been displayed in abundance. Anything I have asked of the residents they have delivered on straight away, so I have ensured I reciprocate this to the maximum and would dread the thought that a resident did not feel like they could reach out to myself, or POD as a whole, whenever they needed to.

If things continue in this fashion, then I can only foresee managing Ashburnham Place to be a positive and rewarding experience. Living in South-East London myself, it is only 20-25 minutes away, so I am enjoying regular site visits to make sure even the smallest details are being kept to high standards. I would also like to quickly mention the positive relationship we already have with the existing contractors there, which has made the initial managing set up process even easier than usual. Contract change overs have been smooth and we are only encouraged by the quality of service we have so far received.

I am so excited to see where the journey with Ashburnham leads, only 1 month in and it already it feels like I have been there forever.