Q and A with Ricky French, Property Manager

What’s your role at Go View London?   

I am a Property Manager, managing a portfolio of around 400 residential properties in West London. I also deal with Block Management. 

What was your career before Go View London? 

I have previously worked for four other reputable estate agencies in London, over a period of 10 years, and have managed properties in almost every part of the Capital: from high specification prime central London properties to 6-bedroom HMOs in Zone 6, and everything in between!

What brought you to Go View London and the world of estate agency? 

I’m originally from Ealing and lived in the area until I went to University in Roehampton.  After a period living in South London, I returned to the area in the last couple of years and wanted to find a great independent agency to work for.  I love the range of properties on offer in Ealing, and to be able to work in the area I grew up in allows me to give our landlords and residents comprehensive area knowledge. 

What do you like about your role and working in estate agency? 

I completed a degree in Psychology and Counselling at university and I decided, on graduating, that I wanted to get straight into work, so I began my path into property.  I trained in property management as I thought it would be a great use of my skills as a listener and problem solver.  I enjoy being able to make a difference for our tenants and to be able to create great, stress-free experiences for our landlords.  Tenancies can run smoothly if managed well, and I try and give my all to ensure that this is what happens. 

In your view, what’s the secret to creating a happy and constructive tenancy? 

I believe that open communication and feedback, as well as ensuring a proactive approach to property management, is the key to creating a happy and constructive tenancy.  People want to feel that their concerns are actively tackled.  A lot of the time, lack of knowledge is what creates unease and uncertainty, so we aim to provide as much helpful and relevant information at every stage of the tenancy to make sure that all parties are confident and are able to enjoy the tenancy period in peace. 

What’s the feedback you get from landlords to having their property fully managed? 

From my experience, I’ve found that our landlords are very pleased with our levels of engagement and relationship building, which we aim for with each tenancy.  As an agency, we are able to take the initiative and deal with the whole range of requirements and services required.  We have built close relationships with trusted contractors, to ensure a quick resolution to any maintenance issues and have access to a trusted inventory company and photographer, as well as legal services provided by a local solicitor.

How are you able to advise landlords and tenants on the fast-changing property market? 

Our whole team is required to keep fully up to date with changes in the market- whether that be rental values, area news or upcoming legal changes.  We ensure that we can be trusted advisors to our clients and provide as much certainty as we can, within the framework of our expertise. 

What do you like to do away from work?  

I’m a keen PC Gamer and enjoy playing games such as Civilization 6 and Fallout 4.  I love to explore London, and I attend as many concerts, museums and nightclubs as I can.  We’re so lucky to have so many new restaurants and bars opening in London, and I try and get out and about with my friends and family as much as possible.

Anywhere locally you would consider a ‘hidden gem’ worth checking out? 

Pulcinella Pizzeria in Ealing Broadway has some of the best wood-fired oven pizzas you can get, in my opinion.  They have a really friendly team, and the restaurant has a great atmosphere. Definitely not one to be missed! 

If you would like to get in touch with Ricky, feel free to contact him

Ricky French | Property Manager

Direct: 020 8752 3177
Branch: 020 8992 0333 opt 3
Email:rf@goviewlondon.co.uk