Watts & Co

Watts & Co operates as an independent letting agent and property management firm based in Leeds, extending its services across Leeds and the surrounding areas. The company specializes in a range of property types, including professional lets, student lets, Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs), and Private Rented Sector (PRS) blocks of flats. Founded by Sam in 2010, the firm is owner-run by an experienced team who are also landlords and investors themselves. Watts & Co positions itself as a forward-thinking, modern letting agency, integrating technology to offer a fully paperless service and streamlined processes.

The company provides comprehensive services for landlords and investors, encompassing both tenant-find-only and fully managed options. Watts & Co emphasizes first-class property marketing, which includes professional photos, 3D walkthroughs, and video tours as standard for all listed properties. Properties are advertised on major portals, the company's website, and social media, complemented by accompanied viewings conducted by agents knowledgeable about the specific property. Beyond securing tenants, the firm offers additional support such as planning consultancy and assistance with arranging refinances to help clients achieve their desired outcomes.

The company operates with transparent pricing, ensuring clients are aware of all costs upfront without hidden fees. Watts & Co possesses expertise in the HMO and student accommodation markets, recognizing Leeds as a "Tier 1 City" with a thriving and buoyant HMO sector. The firm notes that HMOs, historically student-centric, have expanded to include a large professional and single-room let market, attracting tenants seeking lower-cost, furnished accommodation with bills included. Managing an HMO is described as more intensive than a single-let property, requiring attention to both the building's condition and the social dynamics among tenants, often involving higher tenant turnover and increased wear and tear.

For investors interested in HMOs, Watts & Co offers a full turn-key service, which includes assisting with property acquisition, negotiating purchases, and managing the construction aspects. This service covers planning, licensing, building regulations, floorplan creation, contractor liaison, project management, quality control, and the design and sourcing of materials. The firm also manages full blocks of apartments and other PRS schemes through its dedicated PRS division. Build to Rent, or PRS, refers to residential properties specifically constructed for rental purposes, which can include purpose-built apartment blocks or housing estates.

Watts & Co specializes in the operational practices required to not only let these properties but also to maintain high occupancy rates and foster community cohesion within the schemes. The company's approach to PRS management aims to meet the demand for quality rented accommodation in the UK housing market. As an independent, owner-run business, Watts & Co positions itself at the heart of the local community in Leeds. The company's operational philosophy is centered on putting people first, providing honesty, transparency, and expert support to clients.

This commitment is reflected in its one-to-one service model, where clients deal directly with a dedicated team member rather than a call center. Watts & Co is a trading name of FDW Property Holdings Ltd, registered in the UK, and offers client money protection through CMP, in addition to being a member of The Property Ombudsman redress scheme.