Question 1

What makes JSLA different from other estate agents?

Accepted Answer

JSLA is one of the few truly bilingual estate agents in London, combining in-depth UK market expertise with genuine understanding of Japanese business culture. We manage a substantial portfolio of London properties from our two offices in Ealing Common and Kensington, and every client is supported in both English and Japanese at every stage. This bicultural approach is why Japanese corporates, expatriates and local residents continue to choose us.

Question 2

Do you provide support in Japanese?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every part of the JSLA service — viewings, negotiations, tenancy agreements, contracts, referencing and ongoing management — is available in Japanese. Our Japanese-speaking consultants work directly with individual tenants, owners, HR departments and relocation companies. Important documents are explained bilingually so nothing is lost in translation.

Question 3

Which areas of London do you cover?

Accepted Answer

JSLA covers all of Central and Greater London, with a particular strength in West London including Ealing, Acton, Chiswick, Kensington, Notting Hill, Hammersmith and Richmond. We also handle properties in Wimbledon, St John's Wood, Marylebone, Canary Wharf and the City, as well as along the commuter belt favoured by Japanese families. Our two London offices in Ealing Common and Kensington give clients reliable local access.

Question 4

Can I search for property from abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A large proportion of JSLA's tenants begin their property search from Japan or another overseas country. We arrange live video viewings, share detailed floor plans, photos and neighbourhood guides, and manage all paperwork digitally including DocuSign tenancy agreements. We can reserve and secure a London property before you arrive, so your relocation is seamless.

Question 5

How does JSLA support Japanese clients?

Accepted Answer

JSLA provides dedicated Japanese-speaking consultants who understand the practical needs of Japanese corporate tenants, expatriate families and private buyers. We advise on school catchment areas, commute times, Japanese supermarkets, medical services and lifestyle considerations specific to each neighbourhood. Every tenancy or purchase is guided end-to-end in Japanese, giving our clients confidence in a foreign market.

Question 6

Can JSLA help manage my property in London?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Property management is one of JSLA's core services. We handle tenancy setup, rent collection, inspections, maintenance, renewals and compliance under UK lettings regulations. Owners based in the UK or overseas receive clear, bilingual monthly statements so they always know how their investment is performing.

Question 7

Do you support overseas owners?

Accepted Answer

Yes, supporting overseas owners is one of JSLA's core specialisms, with clients based in countries around the world. We act as your local representative in London, manage HMRC Non-Resident Landlord (NRL) scheme reporting, and arrange international rent remittance in JPY or GBP. All communications, inspections and tenant matters are handled locally by our bilingual team, giving you complete peace of mind.

Question 8

How do you find tenants?

Accepted Answer

JSLA markets each property across major UK portals including Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket, alongside our bilingual website, social media, and established Japanese corporate network. This twin-language reach attracts both UK-based and Japanese tenants, reducing void periods and helping secure qualified applicants quickly. All enquiries are handled promptly by our London-based lettings team.

Question 9

Do you handle tenant screening?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every applicant referred by JSLA undergoes comprehensive referencing covering employment, income, credit history, previous landlord references and Right to Rent checks in line with UK law. We also complete Anti-Money Laundering (AML) identity verification through Hipa to meet our legal obligations. Owners receive a clear reference report before approving any tenancy.

Question 10

What is included in your property management service?

Accepted Answer

JSLA's fully managed service includes tenant sourcing, referencing, tenancy drafting, deposit protection with MyDeposits, rent collection, routine inspections, maintenance coordination with vetted contractors, and full regulatory compliance covering EPC, gas safety and electrical certificates. We also manage check-in, check-out, renewals and any end-of-tenancy deposit disputes. Overseas owners receive additional support for NRL tax filing and bilingual reporting.

Question 11

What is the property purchase process in London?

Accepted Answer

A typical London purchase moves through five stages: offer acceptance, instruction of solicitors and a survey, mortgage approval (if applicable), exchange of contracts with a 10% deposit, and completion. Most transactions take 8 to 12 weeks from offer to keys, though chain-free purchases can move faster. JSLA coordinates each step and liaises with your solicitor on your behalf.

Question 12

What additional costs should buyers expect?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the purchase price, budget for Stamp Duty Land Tax (rates depend on price, residency and second-home status), solicitor fees of typically £1,500 to £3,000, a property survey at £400 to £1,500, mortgage arrangement fees if borrowing, and Land Registry fees. JSLA will provide a written cost estimate before you commit to an offer.

Question 13

How long does a typical purchase take?

Accepted Answer

From offer acceptance to completion, allow 8 to 12 weeks for a standard purchase, 6 to 8 weeks for chain-free cash purchases, and 12 to 16 weeks for purchases in a complex chain. Timing depends on your solicitor, mortgage lender and any survey findings. JSLA tracks progress weekly and chases each party to keep the timeline tight.

Question 14

How should I prepare my property for sale?

Accepted Answer

Preparing for sale typically means decluttering and light staging, ensuring all certificates (EPC, gas safety where applicable) are current, gathering title and lease documents, and arranging photography. JSLA visits ahead of marketing to advise on presentation, pricing and timing, and handles photography, floor plans and listings without separate fees.

Question 15

What is the typical timeline for selling in London?

Accepted Answer

Most London sales take three to nine months from instruction to completion in the current market, depending on price point, area and chain dynamics. JSLA provides weekly progress reports covering enquiries, viewings, offer activity and competitor listings so you always know where your property stands. Final completion typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from offer acceptance.

Question 16

How are sale offers and chains managed?

Accepted Answer

When an offer arrives, JSLA verifies the buyer's financial position, mortgage agreement in principle, and any onward chain dependencies before presenting it to you. We negotiate on your behalf, communicate counter-offers, and once accepted, progress the sale weekly through solicitor liaison, survey coordination and chain pressure. You receive a clear written summary of each offer's pros and cons.

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