Meet Dougie, General Manager at Duet, Salford Quays
“I have worked in the build to rent sector for nearly three years and during this time have seen a huge rise in its popularity. When I first started my build to rent journey, most people didn’t really know what it was, but since then it has grown so quickly, and continues to, with a reported 5,500 apartments still under construction within the Manchester and Salford area.
“The sector is so interesting to work in and I never have two days that are the same. My role is to oversee the Duet development and I am solely responsible for the operational performance of the development, from lettings, strategy and planning, liaising on a day to day basis with residents, planned and reactive maintenance, event organisation and marketing.
“I love my job and it’s quite unique in the property sector, as I am able to build long term relationships with the residents who are living in the building and can help to make a positive difference to their lives at Duet.”
What are people looking for in a build to rent development?
“Flexibility is the key word when it comes to what people are looking for. They love the fact that they can move in on a short or longer term lease without all the hassle or fuss.
“They also know there is a team of friendly people on site who are there to help them, making living in a build to rent development so easy and comfortable, providing peace of mind and a real life community spirit.
“It’s also a really easy way to meet people and social amenity space is a real USP for build to rent developments, particularly for those moving into the area, or just wanting to meet new friends whilst enjoying one of our free, locally roasted coffees in the residents lounge, or working out in our fully equipped on-site gym, as well as joining in with the range of events on offer.”
“Many people are becoming more and more interested in sustainability and how we can make a positive difference to the environment, green energy providers, high levels of recycling, locally organised litter picks and trees planted for each reservation are just a few ways that we help to promote more sustainable living at Duet, which is certainly well received and embraced by our community.”
How has Covid-19 changed what people are looking for?
“We have definitely seen an increase in demand from people looking to move from London to Manchester to get more for their money as they no longer need to be in the office as frequently. Also, fast WIFI is a must and during lockdown we upgraded ours from 100Mbs to 300Mbs! People are also looking for an extra bedroom to be able to convert into a space to work from home and outdoor space in the form of a balcony or rooftop garden is still in high demand.”
What advice would you give someone looking for a build to rent development?
“Do your homework, look at the reviews, book viewings and work out what you are looking for. As the sector grows there are more and more things on offer so work out if it’s a large gym you are after, somewhere that is pet friendly or lots of communal space to meet new people because you are new to the area. I would highly recommend speaking to developments face to face, either in person or over the phone, that way you can really get a feel for the additional benefits that build to rent can offer.”
About Duet
Duet in Salford Quays, Manchester is a brand new rental experience - designed and built entirely with renters in mind. Premium accommodation with high spec interiors and flexible lease options, offered across a range of prices and layouts to suit your style of living. All apartments benefit from built-in wardrobes in each bedroom and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The development includes exceptional on-site amenities including gym and fitness centre, roof top podium garden, stylish resident's lounge, 24-hour concierge and secure cycle storage. Duet offers secure parking and easy access to Metrolink services, just two minutes from Harbour City Metrolink, Manchester’s most exciting new development offers the best of all worlds.
Chill out on the waterfront or live it up in the cafes and bars of Media City, Salford Quays, less than two miles from the city centre offers its own exhilarating style. It’s the ideal setting for professionals looking to escape the city centre without losing out on a fast paced modern life.
Prices start from £875pcm for a one bedroom unfurnished apartment, from £1,080pcm for a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment and from £1,535pcm for a three bedroom, two bathroom furnished apartment.
For further information about Duet and other build to rent properties across the country please visit Love to Rent www.lovetorent.co.uk