News
March 2012 - “Oh we do like to LET beside the Seaside...”!
Quay Living is delighted with the response to its new JACK FM radio campaign. Created by Partner, Duncan Challis and his 10 year-old daughter the 30-second advertisement is written to the tune of ‘Oh we do like to be beside the seaside...’. The words were penned in a light-hearted moment when father and daughter were sitting in a local cafe, and the catchy tune can now be heard several times each day, on JACK. Says Duncan “The radio advert conveys everything we do in a catchy and amusing way, and we are delighted to be working with JACK FM, the South’s most up and coming radio station.”
The most recent listener survey in the South has confirmed that JACK FM, which only took to the airwaves last July, has gained 29,000 more listeners, up from 103,000 listeners on average per week to 132,000!
Their listeners are also listening for longer - an average of 7.7 hours per week. The demographic split also shows an increase in ABC1 listeners, now at 58%, which is great news for JACK FM and for clients, Quay Living.
If you would like Quay to let your property by the seaside, give them a call on 01202 683444.
Febuary 2012 - Quay`s Orchard Plaza hat-trick!
Quay Living was pleased to agree the sale of three Orchard Plaza apartments over the Christmas period. Just as other agents were slowing down for the festive break, Quay experienced a flurry of year-end activity. One viewing, between Christmas and New Year, resulted in a same-day offer which the client accepted...only to find that both sides’ solicitors were still closed for Christmas!
Managing Partner, Helen Challis commented, “As we’re available 363 days a year for our holiday letting guests, the office remains open for enquiries and viewings right over the Christmas break. With Boxing Day behind them, many folk start thinking about the year ahead, and use the holiday to start their property search.”
Quay Living’ Sales and Lettings Manager, Nick Crompton-Smith has seen an encouraging increase in sales enquiries and viewings in January. “We are lucky in Poole – as well as owner-occupiers, our seaside location appeals to second-home buyers and holiday-let investors. Cash-rich buyers are now more confident that prices have stabilised, and they are tired of watching their cash being whittled away by below-inflation returns. An investment property or second home is now making good sense, and at Orchard Plaza Quay Living is on site to manage it for them.
Further apartments are due to be released shortly, so prospective buyers are encouraged to contact the Sales Team on 01202 683444 for further details
January 2012 - From Offer to Sale, Furnished and Let – all within six weeks!
Quay Living have recently completed the sale, fully furnished the apartment and successful let it, all within six weeks – and over the Christmas period!
Mr and Mrs Waters from Whitby made an offer for Apartment 302 Orchard Plaza on 17th November. They then asked Quay to assist with furnishing the apartment for occupation and holiday letting. Completion occurred just a week prior to Christmas. The property was fully furnished and equipped to an agreed style and specification, and ready for Mr and Mrs Waters, who moved-in in time for Christmas on 23rd December. Quay even supplied the fully decorated Christmas tree! Between Christmas and New Year, Quay agreed their first letting – a two month corporate letting, and the guests took occupation on 3rd January.
Mr and Mrs Waters commented “In mid November 2011 we thought about a buy to let property and decided a property in Poole would be a good investment. With no experience as landlords we did the usual rounds of the Internet plus a few estate agents and called in to Quay Living in Poole. Little did we know that by the 3rd January with their guidance and expertise we would have bought, furnished and rented out an apartment from them!”
“ We were in by Xmas and Helen at Quay Living had done a superb job of furnishing the apartment under budget. We now realize it was something we could not have done ourselves to produce that “wow” factor.
It is nice to deal with people who provide an excellent service and fulfill their promises. Thank you Quay Living.”
To see what Quay can do for you, contact us on 01202 683444.
December 2011 - New Manager at Quay
Quay Living is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Crompton-Smith to the post of Sales and Lettings Manager. He joins with a wealth of estate agency experience, having run offices in Windsor, Staines, and Princes Risborough.
Nick has strong family links with Poole and Sandbanks and has maintained a holiday home on Poole Quay for many years.
Says Nick, “After more than 20 years in estate agency around the M25 and M4 corridor, I am thrilled to be working back in beautiful Poole, where I spent so much of my childhood.”
“I’m really looking forward to working with the Quay Living Team and helping to drive forward Quay’s continued expansion.”
Nick can be contacted at Quay’s Orchard Plaza office on 01202 683444.
15 November 2011 - Quay Living spots growing activity
Sales of homes in the region are predicted to increase over the next three months. Although prices are not expected to rise, new vendor instructions and new buyer enquiries in the South-East have risen more than any other region, according to the October RICS UK Housing Market Survey.
The survey of chartered surveying firms nationally has confirmed that the housing market in the south continues to face challenges. Once again, general market sentiment remains in negative territory, with 24 per cent more chartered surveyors reporting a fall in house prices, rather than a rise. But look behind the headlines and it is encouraging to note that by far the biggest proportion of firms (58 per cent) reported no movement in prices at all. Of those reporting falls, almost three quarters were indicating falls of less than 2 per cent.
Duncan Challis, chartered surveyor and partner of Quay Living, said: “Of course, national statistics are little more than a general guide masking huge regional variations, and here in Poole and Bournemouth we have the added complication of straddling two regions – south-east and south-west.”
“Activity in different price brackets can also differ markedly – first-time buyers have become so endangered that they rarely venture out without their parents and parents’ wallets in tow!”
Duncan added: “Of course the Euro debacle will not help sentiment, not least because nobody seems quite certain how, or how badly, Britain will be affected by any fall-out.”
“Right now, the sheer number of conflicting factors makes predictions of any kind extremely difficult, and any paper gains could be more than off-set by persistent inflation. But with investors running scared of volatile stock markets and pension providers offering negative returns, how long can it be before we rediscover ‘good ol’ bricks and mortar’?
“Whilst nobody would be brave enough to predict a major upswing, it could well be that with consistent tenant demand, rising rents and slowly improving mortgage availability, property could once again find favour, amongst investors at least. It may not prove to be the most attractive proposition of 2012, but for those people with cash in the bank it could well end up being the least unattractive”.
If you’re making any property decisions, contact Quay Living to get trusted and professional advice, on 01202 683333.
November 2011 - Poole Tourism employs ‘Quay’ tactic to extend partnership with local restaurants
Poole Tourism is urging more restaurants in the area to join its Tourism-Partnership following the success of its children’s activity sheet produced in conjunction with Quay Holidays.
Parents have been able to keep the children entertained for free over the half term in all Tourism-Partner restaurants in Poole, with a family-fun pack sponsored and produced by the luxury, self-catering accommodation provider Quay Holidays.
The concept, which has helped encourage families to visit local restaurants, has also benefited smaller establishments that would not necessarily have the funds for this kind of activity.
Tourism Marketing Manager, Sam Bracher, said: “The restaurant activity sheets have been very well received with lots of positive feedback from the restaurants and families. The young customers have really enjoyed using them, so much so that we have had to deliver more.
“We’ve been using the sheets as a way of partnering with more family-orientated restaurants throughout Poole.”
The activity sheet is packed full of puzzles and activities including ‘did-you-knows’, jokes, word searches, spot the difference, codes to crack, dot-to-dots, a pirate ship to colour and much more. It also includes a competition giving youngsters the opportunity to win their very own pirate costume!
October 2011 - Quay Living benefits from national trend
A strong national demand for private rented housing is being reflected in Poole and Bournemouth, according to Quay Living. The most recent survey from the RICS confirmed that 25% more Chartered Surveyors reported a rise in demand, rather than a fall, and Quay Living has just had its busiest month to date for long-term lets, since the sister brand to Quay Holidays was established at the start of the year.
With prospective tenants exceeding the number of properties available to rent in the area, Quay is encouraging existing holiday-let investors and potential landlords to consider longer lets for the winter months to help fulfil demand across Poole, Sandbanks and West Bournemouth.
In September Quay Living saw lettings agreed on 14 properties, including nine apartments and five houses in the Baiter Park, Poole Quay, Harbour Reach, Alum Chine and Sandbanks areas. These properties ranged from a one bedroom flat in Poole Old Town to a stunning four bedroom house in Sandbanks.
Helen Challis, partner of Quay Living said, “Our reputation for offering high-quality properties means that we attract excellent tenants, both personal and corporate, and our in-house service team can offer added-value services, which enhance the attractiveness to busy professionals, whilst maximising rent for landlords. Clients who signed up with us in September are already making over £16,000 collectively in rent every month.”
Quay Living is Regulated by RICS and offers a full range of letting and management services.
October 2011 - Quay results from VisitBritain!
Quay Holidays is delighted to announce the results of the latest VisitBritain assessments.
The premium letting specialist was awarded one five star award and seven four star awards following an assessment of eight properties. In addition, four of the properties achieved the Gold Award status.
Quay Holidays offers some of the highest quality and most stylish accommodation in Poole. The company manages high-end, self-contained luxury holiday properties from modern apartments on Poole Quay, to character cottages in Sandbanks.
VisitBritain is an internationally-recognised award assessing location, size, facilities, the booking process, the welcome provided and cleaning standards.
Quay Holidays Partner, Helen Challis, said: “We are delighted with these results, consistently year-after-year the best grades are achieved. We strongly believe that VisitBritain grading is crucial for self-catering accommodation, it gives the potential guest the comfort of knowing the standard of accommodation they are booking and it also gives us the ability to market the premises on a whole range of VisitBritain portals as well as with Poole Tourism.”
The Poole-based company prides itself in consistently achieving the best standards for its services. In addition, Quay Holidays advises new landlords on how to equip properties to maximize rental levels and ensure high grades.
July 2011 - Providing ‘Quay’ industry experience for University students
As part of its on-going commitment to investing in staff development, luxury self-catering accommodation provider Quay Holidays is supporting Bournemouth University’s Placement Scheme for the third year running, welcoming Danielle Frampton on board as Lettings Assistant.
Danielle is undertaking her 13-month industrial placement with Quay as part of her Travel and Tourism degree. Within her role, Danielle will support the holiday lettings team, taking bookings and dealing with enquiries on a daily basis.
Danielle, who is from Poole, independently undertook work experience with a local travel agent in the summer of 2010. This, along with the training now offered by Quay, will help Danielle towards her final degree qualification.
Helen Challis, joint-owner of Quay Holidays and Quay Living said: “We have been really impressed with the placement students’ professionalism, enthusiasm and overall attitude to work and have found them to be a real asset to the team, so much so that we have appointed previous placement students as long-term members of staff.
“Corien, who came to us last year, is continuing to work with us on a full-time basis over the summer before she returns to university to complete her degree, when she will continue with us on a part-time basis. We are very pleased to be supporting young people at the start of their careers and the placement scheme is a great way to do that.”
To find out more about Quay Holidays and sister brand Quay Living, call 01202 683333.
July 2011 - New Sales Instruction for Quay Living
Quay Living, Poole’s most comprehensive lettings, management and sales service, has been awarded the joint instruction to market and sell the remaining luxurious apartments in the Orchard Plaza development, situated just off the Quay in Poole’s Old Town.
The development, which has transformed the area into a contemporary, bustling part of Town, comprises one and two bedroom apartments, plus stunning penthouses with views across Poole Harbour.
Having established a solid reputation for offering a professional, first-class service for landlords and tenants alike, Quay Living has been brought on-board to sell the latter phases of this highly successful scheme.
Helen Challis, joint owner of Quay Living and Quay Holidays said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded the joint instruction. We already let and manage a number of Orchard Plaza apartments and our new office is housed within the development, so we are ideally placed to meet potential buyers and show them everything that this stunning central location has to offer.”
To find out more, call 01202 683444, or visit www.quayliving.co.uk.
May 2011 - Family friendly fun the Quay to great dining in Poole
A family fun pack to keep the kids entertained whilst you dine has been launched in Poole. The new activity sheet is designed to test puzzle addicts on their Poole knowledge and comes complete with a pack of crayons for aspiring artists.
Sponsored and produced by luxury self-catering accommodation providers Quay Holidays in partnership with Poole Tourism, the fun activity sheet will be available in Poole Tourism partner restaurants.
Packed full of did-you-knows, jokes, word searches, spot the difference, codes to crack, dot to dots, a pirate ship to colour and much more, the sheet also includes a competition giving youngsters the opportunity to win their very own pirate costume.
Helen Challis, Quay Holidays’ Partner said: “Poole is a really family friendly town - there are so many things to see and do. All the activities have a Poole connection bringing elements of the town’s history and attractions to life. Chain restaurants and pubs often have an activity sheet but not one that promotes the local area. We hope this proves really popular, particularly for those smaller businesses in Poole who can’t afford to produce something like this themselves.”
Hannah aged 9, said: “The word searches and jokes are my favourite – I’ll be trying them out on my friends back at school!”
Bruce Grant-Braham, Chairman Poole Tourism Partnership, said: “As every parent knows the key to an enjoyable meal is keeping the kids entertained whilst you are eating. With the activities on offer families will really get the chance to relax and enjoy the fantastic range of dining we have on offer in Poole.”
May 2011 - Key move for Quay!
Quay Holidays, Poole’s premium letting specialists, has relocated to new office premises following expansion to meet growing demand for its services, and the introduction of sister brand Quay Living to provide a comprehensive lettings, management and sales service to the region.
Quay Holidays’ enviable new location is situated within the luxurious Orchard Plaza development, in Poole High Street, just off Poole Quay. Quay has invested in creating a large purpose-built, modern space, reflecting the company’s fresh, dynamic ethos.
Owned by husband and wife team Duncan and Helen Challis, the Quay brand has successfully grown over the past five years and now comprises a nine-strong team of industry specialists working from its new head office.
Joint owner, Helen Challis, said: “We took back the management of our own self-catering holiday apartment on Poole Quay when we moved permanently to the area eight years ago. Since then we’ve developed our business and expanded our portfolio of high-quality, luxury properties significantly, reflecting growing demand for the comprehensive level of service we offer. The move to our new offices and the introduction of sister brand Quay Living allows us to offer the most complete service of lettings, management and sales in Poole and reflects our vision of a truly one-stop shop for residential investors and second home owners.”
Quay Holidays and Quay Living offer bespoke services to holiday makers, major corporate serviced clients and long-term tenants in properties set in some of the most stunning locations on the South Coast – from modern Poole Quay apartments to character cottages on Sandbanks.
To find out more about Quay’s services, call Operations Manager Louise Baker on 01202 683444.