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THE 3 DIRTY LETTERS IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT – HMO Wirral Life talk to Sam and Matt , founders of Olaya Property Management
Can you introduce yourselves and share how Olaya Property Management began ? We ’ re Sam and Matt , two friends from Wirral Grammar School who reunited after pursuing separate paths in property . Sam brought a wealth of experience from his career in criminal law , while Matt developed his expertise in engineering and operations . After years of managing our own projects and portfolios , we realised that as investors ourselves , we had a unique insight into what landlords truly value in a management company . We knew we could go above and beyond what landlords expected – and that ’ s how Olaya Property Management was born .
The name “ Olaya ” is inspired by the names of our daughters , Olive and Raya , reflecting our commitment to building something meaningful , lasting , and personal . Together , we ’ ve combined our skills and values to create a property management business that ’ s not just about properties – it ’ s about people , professionalism , and long-term partnerships .
What type of properties do you manage ? We manage a variety of property types , including HMOs , residential properties , serviced accommodation ( Airbnb ), and commercial units . Our speciality is HMOs , which we not only manage but also own and renovate ourselves . This hands-on experience ensures the properties we handle are stylish , safe , and maintained to the highest standards .
For residential properties , we work closely with Housing Associations who lease the properties for 1-5 years . This arrangement provides landlords with stability , guaranteed income , and the peace of mind that comes with long-term agreements . Our strong relationships with Housing Associations mean we can ensure properties are wellmaintained and tenancies are managed smoothly . Managing serviced accommodation properties , helps landlords maximise their returns on their property .
What is an HMO , and why do they have such bad reputations ? HMO stands for House in Multiple Occupation , where three or more tenants from different households share common facilities like a kitchen and sometimes bathrooms . Think of it like a student house share , but for adults . They ’ re a fantastic way for landlords to maximise rental income while providing affordable living spaces for tenants . Unfortunately , HMOs have gained a bad reputation due to poor management and substandard conditions in some cases . Overcrowding , safety issues , and mismatched tenants are often the result of landlords or managers cutting corners .
At Olaya Property Management , we ’ re flipping that narrative by offering high-end HMOs where care and love go into both the renovation and ongoing management . We ensure the properties are stylish , safe , and well-maintained , creating spaces tenants are proud to call home .
We also carefully select tenants , focusing on working professionals with guarantors . This creates a better atmosphere in the house , fostering a sense of community and respect among housemates . A well-managed , high-quality HMO benefits everyone – landlords enjoy higher returns with fewer issues , and tenants enjoy a better living experience .
As newcomers , how do you challenge the traditional high street letting agents ? We don ’ t see ourselves as competitors to high street letting agents – we see ourselves as collaborators . While they focus on standard lettings , we specialise in HMO management as well as building strong relationships with Housing Associations and Supported Living providers . High street agents regularly refer HMO landlords to us and bring landlords who are interested in working with Housing Associations . We facilitate these connections , creating partnerships that benefit everyone involved . When your peers recommend you , it ’ s a testament to how well you are regarded in the industry . By working together , we create a win-win scenario that benefits landlords , tenants , and the wider property market .
How do your multi-year leases benefit landlords and meet the needs of Housing Associations and Supported Living providers ? Our multi-year leases provide landlords with a stable and predictable income , eliminating the stress of frequent tenant turnover and void periods . These longer-term agreements offer guaranteed income and simplify property management , as we take care of everything from tenant relations to maintenance , ensuring properties are well looked after throughout the lease term . For Housing Associations and Supported Living providers , these leases allow us to tailor properties to meet their specific requirements . This sometimes involves adapting properties for accessibility , maintaining high safety standards , and being responsive to any challenges . By bridging the gap between landlords and these organisations , we ensure every property contributes positively to the community while delivering excellent returns for the landlord .
This approach not only fosters stronger relationships with tenants and reduces wear and tear on properties but also creates a win-win scenario for all parties involved .
What does the future look like for Olaya Property Management , and how do you plan to maintain your premium brand image ? We ’ re growing steadily and have recently expanded our team to help us manage our growing portfolio of properties . Looking ahead , we ’ re planning to open a second shop front to make our services even more accessible and visible in the community . We ’ re also hoping to extend our network through the Wirral Life community , building connections that align with our values .
Our goal is to keep delivering the high standards we ’ re known for while continuing to build strong relationships with landlords , tenants , and partners . wirrallife . com 55