Fifty years in Notting Hill: A landlord’s guide to long-term lettings success

When Sheila Robertson bought her first home in Notting Hill in 1969, she was just 21. The area, at the time, was still recovering from a turbulent postwar period, and the property – a tired flat in a once-grand villa – was dismissed by the surveyor as “a seedy conversion in a seedy part of London.”

More fool him. Sheila is still here more than half-a-century later, and her quiet conviction in the neighbourhood’s potential has paid off handsomely. Over the years, she has acquired a handful of flats on the same communal garden square, each one carefully restored and rented out with long-term tenants in mind.

“I never saw Notting Hill as a property ‘investment’ in the typical sense,” Sheila says. “It’s always been about the community, the gardens, the people. This is my home and I’ve wanted tenants who treat it like theirs, too.”

That philosophy is why, for the past 16 years, Sheila has relied on Knight Frank’s Notting Hill team, and Head of Lettings Herbie Holder in particular, to manage her lettings. “They just get it,” she says. “I can always rely on Herbie to bring me tenants I’d actually want to live next door to. She knows which properties suit which people, and crucially, she doesn’t waste my time.”

Herbie, who has placed over 20 tenants into Sheila’s properties, speaks just as warmly. “Sheila is the kind of client every lettings agent hopes for; loyal, thoughtful and deeply invested in doing things properly,” she says. “Sheila has a long-term view, which means the quality of tenant matters more than just getting a deal done quickly. That’s when lettings works best, when there’s trust and shared values between agent and landlord.”

Over the years, Knight Frank’s Lettings team in Notting Hill has helped hundreds of landlords – from single-property owners to large portfolio holders – manage their homes with minimal stress and maximum consistency. “Lettings is a people business,” Herbie explains. “You’re not just matching a person to a property. You’re building relationships that, ideally, last years. In Sheila’s case, they often do.”

Sheila’s tips for thoughtful landlords

1. Meet your tenants (or use an agent you trust): “It’s always best to meet potential tenants yourself – but if not, work with a reliable agent who gets what you’re looking for in a tenant.
2. Presentation matters: “Make sure everything is in tip-top condition – clean, well-decorated and well kept. Ensure that all electrics and appliances are fully functional too. It sets the tone.”
3. Be responsive: “If a tenant has a query, respond as soon as you can. And if something breaks, fix it quickly. It’s the best way to build a good relationship.”
4. Respect their space: “Once someone’s moved in, it’s their home. Never turn up unannounced and try to give good warning.”
5. Be clear from the start: “Set boundaries early. My homes are quiet – so no wild parties. Everyone’s happier when expectations are managed from the outset.”

Has much changed in the lettings market since Sheila first started out? “Of course,” she says. “Expectations are higher now. People want proper kitchens, good heating, natural light and so on. But the basics haven’t changed. Look after the property, treat people well and work with agents you trust.”

Would she ever consider selling up? “Only if I lose my marbles,” she grins. “And even then, I’d probably still call Herbie and ask for her advice.”

Thinking of letting your property in Notting Hill? Please contact herbie.holder@knightfrank.com for tailored advice and market insight