Residential lettings and property management franchise, Contempo Lettings, has opened two offices in Edinburgh.
The new offices are part of Contempo Lettings’ plan to open 30 locations over the next three years. The company already has five offices operating in Scotland - four in Glasgow and one in Aberdeen.
The new Edinburgh South office is owned by franchise owners Graham Eden and Francoise Pickard, who have worked together previously building a successful business and are going back to their roots in property management.
Eden said: “We are excited by this opportunity – and we chose to become a franchise as it offers a proven entry into the new business market with all the relevant head office support and expertise we need to get under way. We aim to provide a first class, stress-free service to both landlords and tenants.
“Together we have over 40 years of experience in property sales and purchase for investment purpose and extensive experience in letting. We are well equipped to deal with all aspects of caring for property and realising its full potential in the rental market.”
The Contempo Lettings’ Edinburgh West franchise was purchased by Neil Freshwater, who was previously involved in lettings and property construction issues for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Freshwater joined the franchise as he was keen for a new challenge and the chance to run a business, he said: “It’s difficult not to be nervous but I was keen to do something different and this franchise allows me to use my legal skills and knowledge of the rental sector, and other property matters.
“There is a rising demand for rented properties and Contempo is clearly making an impact in this field.
“Its back up services including marketing, credit checks, references and accounts, which are crucial for the protection of their property and also of their tenants, definitely played a part in my decision to become a franchise owner.”
Contempo Lettings’ Managing Director, Carolyn Donaldson, is pleased by her company’s move into the Edinburgh market. She said: “Both these new franchises are in very capable hands and I’m sure they are set for success. We have set ourselves a real challenge but we are determined to grow. Dundee, Stirling, Perth and Inverness are among those on our target list.”
With its expansion Contempo Lettings is aiming to meet the rising need for rented property and to offer an alternative way for people losing their jobs to earn and start their own business. Donaldson said: “We will have more properties for tenants and we are giving people the chance to start up a franchise with us for a minimum investment of £19,500, backed by our expert accountancy and legal team.
“The initial investment for franchise owners is low as there is no immediate need for premises or staff as Contempo offers a central office to handle client accounts and legal issues. We believe this helps the franchise owner to be profitable more quickly.”
Published: 19 March 2012
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