When the NAPB was founded 7 years ago we wanted to improve the standards and practices amongst quick buying companies as the industry is unregulated. We believe that self-regulation is a great way to help customers and improve the industry through the association.
Over the years more and more companies decided to join and help to drive up excellence in the sector. In today’s ‘Meet the Buyer’ series we’re presenting Jonathan Rolande, an experienced property buyer and director of House Buy Fast, a company from West Sussex, one of the original founding members of the NAPB.
Who are you, what’s your background?
Jonathan Rolande. I have been in the property sector for over 30 years – I was very young when I started!
Where is your company based?
In lovely Worthing, West Sussex. Our office is about half a mile from the beach – it’s great to get down there on a sunny day for a sandwich at lunchtime.
Where do you purchase property?
Everywhere in England and Wales. Over the years we’ve bought in just about every county many times over.
What are your company’s core values?
For me, just doing as we say is important. The last thing people want is more hassle when they are selling a property. We try to take out 100% of the stress for them.
Do you have customer reviews online?
Yes, we’re really proud of them too, they are independently verified too at Feefo which is essential these days.
What are the company’s biggest challenges?
We find it hardest to get the message out there to people who are worried about selling – the professional buying sector is still not that well known.
What’s the key to running a successful property business?
That’s a tough question! I suppose if I had to choose one thing, it would be ‘transparency’. Just be open and say if you can help and importantly, say if you can’t.
Where do you see the Professional Property Buyer industry going?
Growing and growing. As sellers realise they have an alternative option, more people will realise that in many cases, it is a great solution.
What’s the most unusual property you have bought?
A house with no floors is quite unusual, isn’t it?!! The seller had struggled to find a buyer as severe dampness and rotted the joists upstairs and down. It was very dangerous and of course, we needed a ladder to view it. The sale was completed 13 days after we looked (unlucky for some?) but we got the house fixed up ok so it was all fine in the end.
Thanks to the NAPB for publishing this feature – it’s a great organisation that has been really helpful to sellers for many years now. It allows them to check the benefits of selling to a professional buyer as well as the other alternatives. House Buy Fast is delighted to be a member.
Please click the logo to learn more about House Buy Fast
