Page 17 - Antler from Butler & Stag

Q&A LETTINGS
Not your average Joe
As the Lettings Manager at Butler & Stag’s London office, there’s not much that Joe Mulligan doesn’t know about the local market.
So Joe, I hear you’re East London born and bred?
Yes, that’s right, I grew up in Shoreditch, not that far from the original Butler & Stag office funnily enough, so I know the area like the back of my hand.
How did you first get into property?
Well, you could say it’s in my blood as almost all my family has been in the business one way or another, whether that’s my grandparents, parents or brothers. It’s something that I’ve always been around and had a certain understanding of – it’s just second nature to me I guess.
How did you end up working at Butler & Stag?
I was actually working in the office next door, and when that company got sold, I didn’t want to go along like part of the furniture, so I decided to look for something new. I’d seen how Butler & Stag operated from afar and I found them very appealing. It’s almost like a family-run business, although they have the different branches. It’s a very close and supportive team that I was lucky enough to become a part of.
Was lettings an area that specifically appealed?
I’d done lettings for a while, for a couple of different companies, before joining Butler & Stag in 2014 and I’d gained a lot of experience in this field. I do enjoy the fact that it’s a fast-natured business, often with quick turn-overs, yet I get
the chance to build real relationships with clients.
What qualities are needed to be a good Lettings Manager?
Time management for sure, as you’re often pulled in lots of different directions, then the ability to build relationships with people, to really listen to them to find out what they want. A knowledge of the local market is also a must, as is keeping up with all the latest legislation. There have been some drastic changes in legislation recently and it’s vital that I’m totally on top of it all and can knowledgeably instruct and inform my clients.
How would you describe the current lettings market in London?
Over the past year it’s not been particularly great as people started to realise that they didn’t necessarily need to be near their work anymore. But just lately things have started to pick up. The world appears to be opening up again – you only have to look at how much busier the roads are – and the number of enquiries is definitely on the increase.
I think I’ve got a feel for the market
and all the indicators are good. For example, I’ve started putting properties on for higher rates and most have achieved them. The market was between 5% – 30% down on the previous year and now it’s 5% – 10% up, which is a really positive sign.
Finally Joe, what’s the best and the worst thing about your job?
The best is definitely the relationships I get to build with people. Our landlords seem to stick around for a good few years and you really get to know them over that time. As for the worst, that’s Christmas time as the lettings market is generally at its quietest then. I actually look forward to January when there’s usually a bit of a burst!
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