What Is a Sales Progressor and Why Do You Need One in Cen...
Posted on 20th July 2026
By concentrating exclusively on Central London property, Plaza Estates, established in 1972, has become one of the capital's leading specialist agencies in Central London. Our sales and rentals departments work closely together and have many long standing investment landlords who have bought properties through us and which we let out and manage for them.
The Central London rentals market is competitive, with many private landlords investing in property to rent. Tenants expect high standards, while more people relocate to the UK – and to London in particular. The corporate rentals market is still strong but tenants are requiring newly decorated and renovated properties with stylish interiors.
The international student market is also a significant tenant source, with more universities and more international students in London than any other city worldwide. However, many new landlords are unfamiliar not only with the legal and financial elements of renting out their property, but also with the standards currently demanded.
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In the competitive property rentals market, there is no room for the ‘amateur’ landlord. As a general guide to what and where to buy for a successful rental investment, Plaza Estates offers the following advice.
The basic criteria for rental property are: centrally situated and in a good neighbourhood, near public transport, schools and shops. Quiet, light and airy.
Flats should be within a 5-10 minute walk from a tube station with easy access to the City and West End.
Although houses are popular with families looking for larger properties, the steady demand is for flats – but both are popular.
There should be easy access to open spaces – whether private garden, roof terrace or balcony, communal gardens or parks.
The property should be structurally sound, and able to be redecorated without incurring vast expense.
Character properties are generally a good investment. Foreign tenants in London for a limited time like to experience the ‘flavour’ of London and period conversions are always popular.
One or two bedroom conversion flats are good buys. Also those in newly completed developments with porterage and private parking.
Anyone considering buying to let should allow sufficient funds to decorate and furnish (if applicable) the property to a good standard. Above all the property must be clean, newly decorated, light, bright and fresh.
Unfurnished properties should include fixtures and fittings such as curtains and kitchen appliances.
Redecorate in neutral shades with good quality carpets and curtains in co-ordinating colours. All carpets and curtains should be new, or if not, professionally cleaned. Most tenants prefer wooden floors.
Even in rented property most people like to extend their own personality to their surroundings. Prepare the property like a primed canvas ready to take individuals’ finishing touches but with enough character to give the property a homely feel.
The property must have modern amenities, furniture should be new, or if not, should be of good quality and condition. Upholstered furniture should be professionally cleaned and must comply with the Fire and Furniture Regulations 1993.
Try to imagine the kind of tenant who will be living in the property, and be guided by the letting agent. The requirements of a single city highflyer will differ from those of a family with young children. In one-bedroom flats, provide a sofa-bed in the living room for guests.
Washing machine, separate dryer (imperative for larger properties), oven and hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, and if they are not new, make sure they are spotlessly clean and in perfect working order.
Provide good quality crockery, cutlery, pots and pans. For the average one or two bedroom flat, six place settings should be provided, plus a selection of wine glasses and tumblers. Provide eight place settings for a three bedroom property.
Bathrooms must be modern and a proper ‘power shower’ should be installed. Bathroom floors should be tiled.
All gas appliances must be checked by a CORGI registered plumber and a Landlords Gas Safety Certificate must be obtained. Electrical appliances also need to comply with safety regulations and wiring must be in good order.
At the top end of the market, corporate tenants will need the resources to entertain formally – the kitchen and dining and reception rooms should all be equipped and decorated accordingly.
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Find out more about how our service benefits home buyers across central London.
Yes we can be retained by buyers to act for them, we have access to a significant amount of local agents property and off market property so there is no need for agents to go through many agents to find their perfect home.
This varies based on the property.
We manage the sale from start to finish to ensure the sale completes in the quickest and smoothest way possible.
Communication is the key to a smooth and quick sale so expect calls and emails from us to ensure everything is progressing properly.
You will deal with the person who showed you the property from start to finish.
If they had bought/sold or dealt with us in the past or if they were recommended by a client. Cash purchasers are also usually more straightforward to deal with.
We very rarely do a group viewing and would prefer only private appointments.
Submit an offer to us in writing or discuss with us over the phone and we will advise how best to progress.
We would do Money Laundering checks on you and once passed put in the hands of both sets of solicitors.
The same person that showed you the flat progresses the sale.
Communication is the key so managing a successful sale. Most supposed problems are easily resolved once discussed with us as we have the experience that not all buyers and sellers and even solicitors have.
No, unless you have retained our services to act as your buying agent.
Yes we can be retained by buyers to act for them, we have access to a significant amount of local agents property and off market property so there is no need for agents to go through many agents to find their perfect home.
This varies based on the property.
We manage the sale from start to finish to ensure the sale completes in the quickest and smoothest way possible.
Communication is the key to a smooth and quick sale so expect calls and emails from us to ensure everything is progressing properly.
You will deal with the person who showed you the property from start to finish.
If they had bought/sold or dealt with us in the past or if they were recommended by a client. Cash purchasers are also usually more straightforward to deal with.
We very rarely do a group viewing and would prefer only private appointments.
Submit an offer to us in writing or discuss with us over the phone and we will advise how best to progress.
We would do Money Laundering checks on you and once passed put in the hands of both sets of solicitors.
The same person that showed you the flat progresses the sale.
Communication is the key so managing a successful sale. Most supposed problems are easily resolved once discussed with us as we have the experience that not all buyers and sellers and even solicitors have.
No, unless you have retained our services to act as your buying agent.
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