Howsy

Howsy operates as an online letting agent and property management company, established with the aim of simplifying the rental process for both landlords and tenants. The company was founded in 2018, following a rebranding from its original entity, NoAgent, which commenced operations in 2016. Howsy functions as a SaaS-driven rental management platform, delivering services to property owners and managers. Based in London, United Kingdom, the firm leverages technology to provide property management solutions at competitive rates when compared to traditional high-street agents. For landlords, Howsy provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to streamline property management, including tenant-find services, fully-managed property management, and rent collection. The company also assists landlords with marketing, tenant referencing, property inspections, and maintenance coordination. Additionally, Howsy offers supplementary services such as professional photography, virtual tours, and premium listings on major property portals. For tenants, the platform facilitates the search for rental properties, online viewing bookings, and access to virtual property tours, alongside zero deposit options and subscription services to assist with the moving process. Howsy employs a "Smart Dashboard" to enable both landlords and tenants to manage their rental experience digitally. The company primarily caters to private landlords across the UK, particularly those managing smaller portfolios of one to four properties. Howsy demonstrated growth through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. In 2019, the firm acquired Urban.co.uk, followed by the purchase of Upad.co.uk in 2020, which was acquired out of administration. The Happy Tenant Company was also acquired by Howsy in February 2021. As of May 2020, Howsy reported managing over 8,000 properties, and had accumulated approximately 7,000 properties under management through its combined growth strategies. Howsy secured significant investment during its operational period, raising a total of $10.4 million in funding across five rounds from investors including Skybound Capital. The company's last known valuation was $35.5 million as of January 2022. In February 2022, Howsy was reported to be undergoing an accelerated sale to a major estate agency, a decision necessitated by the company's cash position and its inability to attract new investment. The acquisition by Dexters, a leading estate agency chain, was completed on April 1, 2022. Under the terms of the acquisition, Howsy was expected to continue operating as a going concern, with all employees retained by the new owner.

Howsy operates as a digital property management platform, aiming to simplify the rental process for both landlords and tenants across the UK. The company leverages technology to provide a streamlined and cost-effective alternative to traditional letting agents. Its primary objective is to make renting more accessible, transparent, and efficient for all parties involved in the residential property market. This approach seeks to address common pain points experienced by property owners and renters alike, offering a modern solution to property management challenges through its online platform.

For landlords, Howsy offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to manage rental properties effectively. These services include tenant sourcing and vetting, ensuring suitable occupants for properties through robust background checks. The platform also handles rent collection, providing a reliable system for financial transactions and ensuring timely payments. Furthermore, Howsy assists with property maintenance coordination, addressing issues promptly to preserve property value and tenant satisfaction. The company also provides support with legal compliance, helping landlords navigate the regulatory landscape of the UK rental market and stay informed about their obligations.

Tenants benefit from Howsy's platform through simplified property search and application processes. The digital interface allows prospective renters to browse available properties and submit applications efficiently from various devices. Once a tenancy is established, the platform facilitates direct communication with landlords or property managers, streamlining inquiries and issue reporting. This digital approach aims to enhance the tenant experience by providing clear channels for interaction and support throughout their tenancy. The company strives to create a more responsive and user-friendly rental journey for individuals seeking homes.

Howsy's operational model is built around its proprietary technology platform, which automates many aspects of property management. This technological foundation allows the company to offer its services at a competitive price point compared to conventional letting agencies, reducing overheads for property owners. While relying heavily on digital tools, Howsy also integrates human expertise through a dedicated team that supports landlords and tenants with more complex issues. This hybrid model combines the efficiency of technology with the necessary human touch for complex property matters, ensuring a balanced approach to service delivery. The platform is designed to be intuitive and accessible, enabling users to manage their rental affairs from various devices at any time.

The company's services are broadly focused on the residential lettings market across the United Kingdom. Howsy's platform supports a wide range of residential properties, from individual flats to larger family homes, catering to diverse rental needs. While the firm provides comprehensive property management solutions for general residential rentals, its website content does not specifically detail services or experience tailored to the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector. The company's offerings are presented as applicable to the broader private rental sector, rather than a niche focus on student housing. This general residential focus means that while their services could potentially be adapted, they are not explicitly marketed for PBSA.