An exclusive chat with one of the founders behind this new business that is changing the landscape of property management... and helping property owners in the process. 

Ramona, as a long time collaborator of MCC, it's lovely to have you with us today. I know from speaking to you, this comes at an exciting time for you. How has it been the last few months creating and launching Hobson Hill?

It's been incredible. It's been so energizing on a personal level to go from being someone's lawyer, to their strategic advisor, to actually running a property business. My co-founders and I started with an idea about filling a gap in the property market based off the experience of my clients. So now, we help private clients and their advisors manage residential property with complete independence and discretion. We felt there was room for a more transparent, client-first approach to global property management, and that's what we've built. Already, so many of our clients have asked us to help them manage their properties, and I'm really proud of how it's going.

It’s nice that you've already had this immediate response from your network, to get it up and running.

Exactly. Our focus was always on structure, governance and trust - qualities which I know are absolutely crucial for an advisor to have in any position. I think that's also similar for MCC members - we're talking about people who not only expect great service, but deserve great service!

On that note of the experience that you bring to it… your background is very broad and you've consulted and advised across a range of disciplines for high-net-worth clients. So what made you explore and pursue property management for your clients?

Because I want to give the very best service that I can. I am a solicitor and was a partner in Mishcon De Reya for many years. I decided to step away from the partnership and become a consultant to the firm and founded a multi-family office becoming a strategic advisor to my clients. Running the family office, I was unhappy with how their properties were being managed. The management of these residences, which were often their secondary homes, weren't receiving the same level of service as their other assets. Property management isn't a regulated industry, and it can mean very different things to different people. My clients just weren't getting high-quality, transparent service.

So I asked lots of questions. And I thought - maybe there’s a way we can disrupt this market. My colleagues are first class. That's why our board comprises of two solicitors and a chartered accountant. They are used to dealing with high-net-worth families who own assets that have been passed down through generations, maybe those with interesting structures behind them. Together, we bring a wealth of knowledge in dealing with high-net-worth clients on a global scale.

It's been a privilege to build a team from scratch exactly as you want it, and I think those values of trust and transparency have really helped shape the work we do at Hobson Hill.

You’re passionate about how you really wanted to take this opportunity to disrupt the space that you know so well. What is it that sets Hobson Hill apart?

At the moment, we're seeing a lot of fragmentation in the market. Clients have multiple advisors working on different things, and the same goes for the contractors working on their properties. What Hobson Hill does is bring those elements together, so there's one single point of contact that clients can talk to about their homes. 

Another difference is that we are extremely transparent about the way we operate - and I think that's very different. We don't, for example, take commissions. For instance, we've had insurers offer us a 15% commission for referring work to them - but that's not how we work. We thank them for the offer, but tell them to instead offer our clients a 15% reduction in fees. That loyalty to our client's interests, I think, is where Hobson Hill is forcing others to operate differently.

But what's been really rewarding, and quite humbling, is we've had people saying, “oh, we’re so glad you're here!”. When a client buys a property it’s a critical moment, and they always ask: “Who do you know that can manage this for us?”. Trust is everything. And now we can take that on for them. 

Tell us a bit about your clients, because there isn't obviously just one type of property owner who looks for this level of management that you provide. How does Hobson Hill adapt to the different needs of each client?

Ultimately, whether you're a client with a two-bedroom flat, or a client with a twelve-bedroom estate and staff quarters, you receive the same level of service and same attention to detail from our team at Hobson Hill. Each property is an asset, and you need to preserve that for yourself, and for the generations to come. It doesn't matter where your properties are in the world - it could be London, Istanbul, or Dubai - we want this to be a global business.  

As a team, we meet really frequently, we're in constant communication, there's a real sense of collegiality.  And we build that same level of respect with contractors too. Anyone we work with has to sign our NDA, so it's essential they share our values. It doesn't matter how big or small the task is - whether it's overseeing a complete refurbishment or ensuring licenses are up to date, the team handles each task with incredible detail and care.

You talk on your website about how this business was created out of a demand in the sector right now. So why do you think there is that demand at the moment?  

I think in every industry, people are quite rightly demanding a better level of service. In property management, I think there was a level of professionalism that was lacking. At Hobson Hill, we're always asking questions: "Why are we choosing these contractors?, "How do we know they're the best people?", "How can we be sure to trust they're charging you fairly?", and "How do we ensure privacy and discretion throughout?".  

That reassurance for your home is crucial, and something that we understand. We aren't a 'tick-box' service, our offering is very much bespoke to the needs of each client.

So thinking about those property owners who are looking for that level of service and that transparency and so on, what advice could you give people who are looking for this level of support and guidance right now?

The best advice I can give is to not be afraid to ask questions. When clients are thinking about purchasing a property, they will often ask our team to view the house with them, and assess how much it will cost to maintain it each year. After all, costs extend far beyond the purchase price. Factors like air conditioning, security, exterior paintwork, conservation, service charges, periodic maintenance - these elements are all expensive. That advice alone, I think, is a huge service. 

It's so important to have a team of professionals supporting you from day one. We're people who can help you consider how to buy, what the structure of the purchase looks like, and the tax implications too. And then you can keep those professionals with you on that journey right through to management and daily support. Hopefully, Hobson Hill is the trusted partner to do that with you.

Thank you Ramona. Everyone at MCC wishes you and Hobson Hill every success.

Thank you very much. We look forward to continuing to work with MCC and its wonderful members.

If you're looking for support on your property, whether it's buying, selling, or organising your day to day management while home or abroad, MCC is here to help introduce you to experts who ensure clarity, discretion and a service tailored to your needs.