07 April 2011

IIFL: Anita Mehra, Managing Director, Benham and Reeves

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Anita Mehra, Managing Director, Benham and Reeves


Benham and Reeves has over 50 years of experience in the London
lettings industry and specializes in letting and managing properties in
the best areas of London. The uniqueness of B&R lies in providing a
comprehensive property management service for landlords - from
rental assessments, rent collection and administration, legal and tax issues to furnishing, repairs, and
renovations. They also provide advices on demand, including needs of property management and how
to enhance them in order to ensure the property will achieve the maximum return. The company has
recently set up their operations in India. The company has 10 offices in London’s prime residential
areas as well as overseas offices in Delhi, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai. Their dedicated team of
experts supports clients in all aspects of their property investment, from searching the right properties
and locations, through to purchase, refurbishment and property management. They are ideally placed
to help investors build a successful property portfolio and maximize their return on investment.
Anita Mehra, Managing Director, Benham and Reeves, Lets over the last 30
years has built up Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings into London’s largest
independent residential lettings and property management specialist. In 2003,
Anita set up In:Style Direct, a furnishing subsidiary specializing in ready-to-movein
furniture packages for investment properties. In 2008, she opened Space
Apart Hotel in central London to capitalise on the growing popularity of serviced
apartments for frequent travelers. 2008 also saw the opening of In:Style Real
Estate, a new sales and lettings office located in Dubai, and now followed by
offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Singapore, Hong Kong and India.
Speaking with Yash Ved of IIFL, Anita Mehra says “We do expect property prices to increase in
London too.”
Brief us about your business model?
Basically we are a Rental and Letting company. Our subsidiary is called Benham and Reeves. It has
been established in London for almost 60 years. We already have 10 offices. Most of our clients come
from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Middle East, Russia, and Dubai.
What are your plans for the Indian market?
The Indian market is immensely important for us and our main objective in the first phase is educating
investors that property in London is affordable for them too. Our primary job is to hand-hold clients
and give them a one-stop solution for property investment in London.
Who is your target audience?
Our target audience is the investor community in India along with SEC A and SEC B class customers in
major metros across the country. The rental market is very robust in London with its’ prime position as
a global financial hub, lots of expats are still interested in buying property there. As so many English
nationals are not able to get onto the property ladder because loan-to-value ratios are high, the private
rental investment sector is benefitting hugely as rental property across the Capital continues to
outstrip supply.
Isn’t the London property costly?
I don’t think the London property market is expensive. When we compare interest rates in Mumbai with London, one realizes
that London properties are affordable. The interest rate on properties is approximately 10% in India, while in London the same
is 1-2%. Further, there is no capital gains tax in London.
How do you see prices in London as well as India?
The property market in London is a lot more stable compared to other major global markets. The
major difference is that the Indian property market has gained traction over the last few years due to
speculation. But, the London market is different. Having said that, we do expect property prices to rise
in London too.
How do you see the Dubai market?
The Dubai property market is very depressed. There is a lot of supply and no demand. Yet, I am sure
that as the Dubai economy picks up pace again, the situation would improve.

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