New buying agent-style service launches for busy London renters

A new app called UrbanCo is launched today in London as part of a buying agent-style service aimed at busy would-be renters. 

A statement from the UrbanCo founders says it “promises to make the drawn out, painful process of renting quicker, simpler and more enjoyable through a unique mix of smart technology, property listing data and human interaction.

Mayank Mathur and Valerie Vigouroux, a married couple, developed the service after becoming personally fed up with the rental market and how they believed it to be geared to agents and landlords, not tenants. 

When looking for a new home last year, the couple spent up to 75 hours having discussions with over 10 agents and viewing over 40 properties before finding the right home, they say. 

The company’s overall property-finding service, named Sherpa - which includes use of the app - is offered at a current introductory fee of £600. 

“For this, a dedicated, hand-picked local expert will take the heavy lifting out of finding and securing a property” promises the firm. It says each Sherpa agent has personal local knowledge of each client’s chosen region. 

“Once assigned, they will establish their client’s dream home profile, understanding their property and important lifestyle needs. Sherpas then conduct a lifestyle-driven search on the client's behalf, scouring listings, directly contacting agents and viewing potential properties in selected cases” the firm pledges. 

Clients are shown a select shortlist of available properties that best fit their requirements, keeping viewings of the final selection to a minimum - saving valuable time. The Sherpa then helps to complete the documentation and secure the property.

The UrbanCo app also allows chat and commenting, with link, image and video sharing to organise thoughts and feedback in one place.