James Bovey, Head of Property Finding
Our first priority is to provide clients with suitable accommodation as quickly as possible after the initial injury. The level of disability, desired location, and current market conditions are key factors in finding the right property. However, we recommend following a structured process to ensure the best possible outcome. Below, we outline how we approach our rental property searches.
1. Understanding the Search
Our preference is to hold a face-to-face meeting with the client, their family, and the case manager. This meeting gives us the opportunity to discuss the process and fully understand the key criteria:
- Location
- Minimum accommodation requirements
- Schooling
- Care regime
- Council implications
- Litigation and recoverability
- Managing expectations and timeframes
2. Funding
As the rental market moves quickly, understanding the status of interim payments in relation to litigation is crucial. This information helps guide our communication with agents and landlords, ensuring credibility and allowing us to move forward with confidence and reduce the risk of not being able to secure potential opportunities.
3. Initial Review
After the initial meeting, we establish the general requirements and begin our search. We identify the search area using well-known property portals and create a database of local estate agents who serve the area. We then reach out to them with the relevant criteria. Once properties are identified, we assess their suitability—whether they require adaptations or not—and present these options to the client and relevant stakeholders for further discussion.
4. Daily Searches
We conduct property searches each morning to identify any new listings, followed by discussions about their suitability. In addition, we maintain regular communication with local agents to identify properties before they officially hit the market, ensuring our clients have priority access for viewings.
5. Viewings
Given the fast-moving nature of the rental market, it is essential to view properties within 24 hours to assess their suitability. If the client is unable to attend, we conduct a walk-through and take comprehensive photos and videos of the property. These materials are then uploaded to a secure, password-protected client portal for stakeholders to review.
6. Password-Protected Client Portal
A secure client portal is created to share the photos and videos taken during the viewing. Alongside these, we provide our assessment of the property’s suitability and make further recommendations. At this stage, we may need to expedite discussions if the property shows potential, either with or without adaptations. Popular properties often attract a lot of interest, and any delay may result in other applicants securing the property.
7. Could the Property Work?
If a property looks promising, it is often necessary to speed up the decision-making process. Due to the high volume of applicants, even a slight delay could cause us to miss out. Submitting an offer quickly increases the chances of securing the property. In some cases, we may submit an offer and even provide a holding fee before our client has seen the property, ensuring they do not lose the opportunity. Clearly paying a holding fee doesn’t fully commit our clients to a tenancy, but buys additional time for further discussions or follow up visits.
James Bovey,
PLG Consultants, 11 March 2025
