Looking Ahead to Q3: What Family Offices Are Asking
London remains one of the world’s most attractive cities for ultra-high-net-worth property investment — but the questions behind the deals are evolving.
As we approach Q3, family offices and advisors are sharpening their due diligence. At Bold & Reeves, we don’t just observe the market from the outside — we operate at its core. Managing many of the homes and complexities involved, we’ve seen a clear shift in what matters most.
Here are four themes that are top-of-mind heading into the third quarter of 2025.
1. “How future-proofed is the infrastructure?”
It’s no longer enough for a property to be beautiful or well-located. Family offices are increasingly requesting detailed audits of mechanical, electrical, and technological systems.
From EV charging readiness to HVAC redundancy and integrated building management systems (BMS), the technical backbone of a home is now a core consideration.
In one recent transaction, a client walked away from a deal when the vendor couldn’t provide a service history for the plant room. The façade was immaculate — but behind the scenes, there were too many unknowns.
2. “Is this property operationally efficient?”
Running costs are under sharper scrutiny than ever. This is not about penny-pinching — it’s about waste elimination, environmental responsibility, and asset performance.
UHNW buyers want to know:
- How are utilities monitored and optimised?
- Are maintenance visits consolidated to reduce disruption and emissions?
- Can a digital log show efficiency gains over time?
Properties that can demonstrate operational discipline — not just design — are commanding stronger interest.
3. “Who’s managing the risk?”
Insurance isn’t a safety net — it’s a negotiation. And family offices know that their premiums, exclusions, and confidence in a property all hinge on the quality of its management.
We are seeing increased demand for:
- Pre-acquisition risk assessments
- Flood and fire preparedness audits
- Verification of preventive maintenance programmes
In several cases, Bold & Reeves’ presence as appointed manager has helped reduce insurance loading — and accelerate sign-off from legal advisors.
4. “Can we hand this over and sleep at night?”
Perhaps the most telling question of all. More UHNW clients — particularly next-generation principals — are prioritising peace of mind over micro-control.
They want to know:
“If I’m in Singapore, and the water tank cracks at 3am in Mayfair, will someone be there who knows what to do — and how I want it done?”
That’s not a service level. That’s a philosophy. And it’s what separates typical property managers from trusted partners.
Bold & Reeves: Supporting Smarter Acquisition
We’re not estate agents, and we’re not developers. But when it comes to understanding how a home really works — and what it takes to keep it running at a super-prime level — our insights are unmatched.
Whether you’re advising a family office, structuring a SPV, or planning a long-term hold, we’d be delighted to support your due diligence and post-acquisition needs.
📞 +44 (0)20 7408 7590
📧 info@boldandreeves.co.uk