Each month, we select one of the many valued agents we work with – and shine a spotlight on them, their agency; and the work that they’re doing. This May, we are talking to Thomas Avery, Founder of Sales, Lettings & Property Management company Rhubarb Property LTD & Co Founder of Sellbuydesign, London. Thomas has a wealth of experience in the property industry, making him one of our most interesting and insightful interviewees to date.

Q. Rhubarb Property are a leading independent agent, offering their services across the whole of London & Birmingham. What then do you attribute to the success of your business?  And why the name, just out of interest? ‘Rhubarb’?

A. I think I’d put it down to communication; good, honest communication – mainly between ourselves and the landlord. There seems to be a lot of Letting and Property Management agents that don’t seem to be consistent in their approach, or transparent about their fees. Navigating the stress and sometimes complicated scenarios when dealing with highly pressured situations can be difficult and sensitive, and knowing how to handle these situations and being confident in your approach really does help to ease the stress for both the tenant and the landlord.

Oh, and with regards to the name; Apple, Orange, Fruit of the Loom – Rhubarb! Its organic and apparently evokes logical reasoning!

Q. Many landlords are choosing to throw in the towel. Hardly surprising, with the abundance of legislation, increased fines, and proposals that seem increasingly weighted towards the tenant. If I was a landlord, I wouldn’t be self-managing. What are your thoughts on this? And how are you helping landlords to navigate the current market? 

A. We are an Arla Propertymark qualified agent and all of us are registered individually which means that we are kept up to date with all recent legislation and changes to the property market.

I think the market is forever changing and can be very unpredictable and in most cases is a reflection on society, and the circumstances (mainly financial) of individuals, especially in a busy place like London. Having an agent who is working closely and focusing on the day to day changes in the market and dealing with the unpredictable – whether that be a tenant losing their job, missing a rental payment or having an emergency maintenance issue – is very important and can be vital when faced with a stressful situation that as a landlord you might not be equipped for, or have the time to manage.  

Q. You also support individuals on their property journeys by providing them with what could only be described as a truly bespoke property service. Tell us about it? How did it materialise, and what does it hope to achieve, long-term?

A. In providing a bespoke management service we are able to be flexible to the needs of our landlords and be as hands on or as hands off as needs as required as some landlords prefer to have their home or investment managed a certain way. It’s being able to be sensitive and aware of your clients’ needs that makes us individual and bespoke. We are also able to think outside the box more and perhaps offer other alternatives or ideas to landlords that might be uncertain on how to proceed with their investment for whatever reason.

Q. In a recent article you did with Attitude magazine, you talked about your experience of being LGBT within this sector. For you, it eventually came down to a case of overcoming casual homophobia. But whether casual or not, it did still have an impact on your career. You have since turned this on its head, talking instead about the multifaceted benefits that come along with being a truly diverse agent. Would you tell us what these benefits are and why?

A. I think to work and live in an area as diverse as East London and drawing inspiration from different people from different backgrounds whether they be a majority or a minority really helps to understand how people function. Being socially aware of your cliental and understanding their needs as individuals really benefits your relationship and connection, which I believe is very important when looking after someone’s home or investment. Being gay and connecting with other gay or LGBT+ people is great for the community, and being open about who you are really helps to encourage any possible awkwardness. I also hope it inspires others who may be struggling with their identity within the property industry, to be more open.

 Q. You have shared with us your opinions in relation to the main ingredients needed to make a successful agency. I was curious, would you add the word ‘collaboration’ to this? Not just within your own organisation, but with other agents and services? 

A. We have various collaborations in the pipeline with other independent Property lead businesses coming up later in the year. We also provide other services that come off Sales, Lettings and Property Management such as furniture packs, renovations and relocation services through our sister company www.sellbuydesign.co.uk which shows the more creative side of our industry. Thinking a bit more outside the box and again, being able to create a more eye-catching advert in order to make your home stand out from the rest, is more important than ever nowadays. Plus it’s fun and gives us more of a reason to think more creatively.

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