Flats In Leeds - News

The Real Estate: Jordan Yorath, Flats In Leeds

We pick the brains of Leeds' premier estate agents and ask them what they really think of the property in our great city

 

Name: Jordan Yorath
Company: Flats In Leeds
Job Title: Business development manager

When was Flats In Leeds first set up?
My director (and mum!), Christine Yorath, set the business up in February 2000 when I was only 14.

How is business at the moment?
Excellent! We're delighted by the buoyancy of the city centre rentals market at present and we are enjoying one of our busiest periods ever. We have increased our managed properties by 110% in the last 12 months and plan to continue this growth by a further 40% in 2009. We've found that our three-way win policy has contributed significantly to our growing reputation - if the tenant is happy then they are a good tenant. If they are good they will be paying their rent on time and taking care of the property, which leaves the landlord happy because they are getting paid on time and they know that their property is in good hands. Meanwhile, we are happy because we are dealing with cooperative and pleasant landlords and tenants.

What exciting things have you got coming up over the next few months?
We are really looking forward to the apartments in developments which are nearing completion coming into the market for rental, and to the forthcoming student season - especially in view of the number of students who now look to rent in the city centre with us. We are also developing a new business - it's top secret at the moment, so I can't tell you much about that for now.

What are your favourite things about Leeds?
I love the "big city" feel that we have in Leeds. Leeds has some of the best restaurants, hotels, shopping and nightlife outside of London, but with the smaller town friendliness. We have a very cosmopolitan mix of modern city living and a close proximity to fantastic countryside. I love that I can be anywhere around Leeds in 20 minutes - wherever I am in the city centre I can jump in the car and before I know it, I'm there. I like the fact that our city centre isn't as big technically as Manchester or Birmingham, because it means nowhere is too far to walk.

What do you think Leeds lacks?
I think that we lack two major things: a big events arena with plenty of car parking on site to attract big name entertainers, and a Premiership football club! Hopefully Ken Bates can get the club back to where it should be, and when the arena does come to fruition we will have two more things to be proud of. I also think we need to have more public space created - Park Square is a great example of this, somewhere that doesn't necessarily provide more than somewhere to sit down on a warm day and eat your lunch, but every time I walk or drive past it I can't help but look at it and smile. It looks fantastic and I think city centre residents would appreciate more spaces like this.

What will Leeds look like in five years' time?
I hope it will be a lot more settled, with more owner occupiers and long-term tenants, giving more of a community feel within developments. There will be more of a connection between the developments and the disused buildings, and building plots will have started to be developed, making the walking routes more attractive and making people can feel safe, rather than having to walk alongside eyesores. I think the city will feel more complete, and I personally have every faith that developments like Lumiere will happen, and that the buildings going up will not only serve a purpose, but will be iconic. The city centre will be the place that everyone wants to be for work, home and play!