Project focus: Turnkey development for an international client

After acquiring a Grade II listed apartment in central London, an international investor faced a dual challenge. He wanted to maximise return on his investment but didn’t have the time or expertise to project manage the development himself. It is this requirement that made Rive Gauche such a perfect fit for the project. We are compact and agile enough to provide the required personal service, but with the expert knowledge to deliver a turnkey development from concept to completion that exceeds expectation.

At Rive Gauche we specialise in a turnkey investment service that gives the client the tools to make informed decisions using the right information. While we are committed to managing every aspect of the project, timely reporting ensures the client feels in control at all times – something that was very important in this case.

The client was looking to increase the value of his investment and this was where Nicolas Roux’s experience of the luxury London property market was paramount. Any changes made had to appeal to a future buyer, ensuring the property stood out in the market for the excellence of its design and flawless finish. The brief was to reconfigure the two-bedroom apartment to add an additional bedroom. It was also important that while implementing a modern design it blended seamlessly with the existing historical features of the building. In short, the design was ambitious but the budget was tight – which only added to the challenge.

From planning to completion

“When we undertake a turnkey project, this means every aspect,” explains Nicolas. “From cost and finance management, planning and consultant coordination to interior design and interior architecture. We also manage the project and construction from start to finish. In this case, we provided a detailed cost plan and programme for the entire duration of the development after the first meeting.”

Something that stands in Rive Gauche’s favour is that our fees are fixed. The client fully understands where and how their money is invested and they therefore can be sure they receive value for money. On this development, our team spent time reviewing details and the materials specifications to retain the essence of the historic design while matching the client’s budget expectations. They were seeking to blend a modern style with existing features. So, while all the original cornices were retained, for example, a sympathetic new staircase was installed.

An ongoing relationship

The finished property went under offer after only three days on the market and then achieved a record price for the area. So delighted was the client with this result that they have come back to Rive Gauche for a further two projects. 

There can be no better indication of a job well done than if the customer returns and 95% of Rive Gauche clients have undertaken two or more projects with the company. Aside from the quality and level of service, this client truly valued our transparent approach when it came to costings and our ability to deliver stand-out design within an agreed budget. They felt their expectations had truly been exceeded.

London-based Rive Gauche specialises in turnkey investment, sourcing property with value-added potential for international investors who don’t have time to manage a project. Our in-house team of experts can design and run the entire development through to completion, including managing the exit process. If you are looking to maximise return on an investment, contact us to discuss your brief with Nicolas Roux.