A Rental case study in Church Road, Richmond

Case study background and context

A family of five from Charlotte, North Carolina, contacted us with an exciting mission: to completely transform their lives by moving to London, along with their adorable dog. With just three months to plan this monumental relocation and a pending school confirmation from The American International School TASIS for their three children, every moment mattered. They had heard glowing things about Richmond, Twickenham, and Chiswick—lush, family-friendly areas known for their charm and sense of community. However, they weren’t familiar enough with these neighbourhoods to make such an important decision confidently, especially while managing the complexities of an international move. Navigating the London property market from thousands of miles away felt overwhelming, so they turned to us for guidance.

Property search criteria

• 4 to 5 bed
• Unfurnished
• Garden
• Proximity to School bus for TASIS American School
• Areas: Twickenham, Richmond and Chiswick

The challenge

Time was not on our side. The family planned a brief trip to London end of August, to visit the school and view properties before heading back to the US, giving us just a small window to make their visit truly count. With Richmond’s property market buzzing with demand, we needed to act fast to identify the best options available, including a few exclusive off-market gems, and secure the perfect home before they boarded their return flight. The Richmond property market added to the pressure, with fierce competition and limited availability of large family homes. Among the properties that met their criteria, one standout house was difficult to access due to an uncooperative tenant. We also knew we had to navigate a complex negotiation process, as other interested parties were competing for the same home.

Results and outcomes

Once TASIS confirmed the children’s enrolment, we wasted no time. Our team carefully curated a selection of properties, blending exceptional market listings with two exclusive off-market options, and planned a full day of viewings. On their Saturday tour, the family visited seven homes in Twickenham, Richmond and Chiswick gaining a clear sense of the lifestyle the area could offer. One property, a six-bedroom house on Church Road, Richmond, emerged as the frontrunner. With 3,438 sq. ft., three bathrooms, and a large garden, it was ideal for their family. However, accessing it was initially challenging, as the tenants had been reluctant to allow viewings. By working closely with the agent at Chestertons, we secured a last-minute showing before the family left the UK. As soon as they stepped inside, they knew it was the one. Negotiating the deal wasn’t easy, with another interested party vying for the property. Through careful strategy and persistence, we secured the house on terms that perfectly suited our clients. The property’s availability presented another hurdle—it wouldn’t be ready for move-in until a month later than expected. To bridge the gap, we quickly found the family a temporary rental, providing a seamless solution while they awaited their dream home.

The key to success

Our deep knowledge of Richmond’s property market and our ability to secure exclusive off-market options ensured the family saw the very best homes available. By staying proactive and leveraging strong relationships with agents, we gained access to a property that initially seemed out of reach. The negotiation required skill, determination, and a clear focus on our clients’ priorities, ultimately securing their ideal home despite stiff competition. Beyond the logistics, our commitment to supporting the family throughout their transition, from finding temporary housing to ensuring a smooth move, helped them start their new chapter in London with ease. In November, the family moved into their beautiful new home, just in time to celebrate their first Christmas in Richmond, thrilled to begin their London adventure in a space they could truly call their own.