A Rental case study in Princes Gate, South Kensington

Case study background and context

A Swiss couple with two young children, aged 4 and 5½, decided to relocate to London to provide their family with the best educational opportunities in the dynamic capital. With their children accepted into prestigious schools—though at different locations—the move was driven by their desire to balance convenience and quality of life. Both parents had deep personal ties to London: the wife had attended boarding school in West London, and the husband had grown up in South Kensington. This familiarity with the area helped shape their search for the perfect family home in one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods. However, with the peak summer market in full swing, securing a property that met their high standards required expert guidance.

Property search criteria

• Family home with ample natural light
• Modern, well-equipped kitchen
• Quiet environment
• Unfurnished or furnished

The challenge

The family faced a highly competitive rental market, particularly during the busy summer months when demand for family homes in sought-after West London neighbourhoods reached its peak. With time ticking, they needed to trust us to navigate the market quickly and efficiently. The challenge was to secure a property that met their criteria in a market where homes were being rented out rapidly. We had to be both reactive and proactive, leveraging our expertise and network to act swiftly and secure the perfect home before they lost out to other potential tenants.

Results and outcomes

Leveraging their familiarity with London, we honed in on prime neighbourhoods—South Kensington (SW7), Victoria, Pimlico, and Belgravia—to identify the best options. Despite the competitive market, we quickly curated a selection of properties that aligned with their needs, paying particular attention to proximity to their children’s schools. One standout property immediately captured our attention: a top-floor duplex apartment with a private lift, located just behind the school of their younger child. The light-filled home featured beautiful finishes, a quiet setting, and a modern kitchen—all matching their criteria perfectly. However, there was a hurdle. Another party had already expressed interest in the property, and time was of the essence. Fortunately, the husband was in London on business. We arranged a viewing at short notice, just hours before his return flight to Switzerland. Recognising the property’s potential, we acted swiftly. After submitting an offer, we entered a tense 24-hour negotiation. By leveraging our market knowledge and emphasising the family’s suitability as tenants, we secured the property on favorable terms.

The key to success

Our success stemmed from understanding the urgency of the family’s needs, the competitive nature of the summer rental market, and the unique logistics of their situation. By working with their tight schedule, we ensured the husband could view the property in person before finalising their decision. Our proactive approach and negotiation expertise allowed us to secure a home that exceeded their expectations. The duplex apartment not only met their practical requirements but also provided a sense of comfort and ease as they settled into their new life in London. By the time summer ended, the family had moved into their beautiful new home, perfectly positioned for their children’s schooling and the vibrant lifestyle they envisioned in West London.