Something like a porter service, when your block doesn't have one?

[drspouse]

We are buying a flat which will eventually be rented out, in central London, and we know that bits and pieces will need doing to it, probably at a time when it doesn't have an agent/tenant. It's all the odd things like letting people in to measure up or start a job, or if there's a leak into another flat etc.

We don't live in London and it's a pain to go down for odd appointments like that (not such a problem for a sold weekend of moving furniture, it's those 5 minute things that would be really impractical).

Is there such a thing as a porter type service for an area for people who don't have a porter in their block? I looked at "keyholder services" but they are for businesses and respond to alarms etc.

Wouldn't a letting agent / property management company do this kind of thing.

Letting agents only do property management as an expensive add on if you are already letting with them, so not while doing it up.
I have yet to find a stand alone property management company that takes on small clients i.e.just one flat. Does anyone know of any?

Have you though about a key safe? If you trust the people doing the work then it's definitely the most economical and simple choice.

For a regular tradesman or e.g. a cleaner that would work well, it's true, but not for e.g. three people doing a quote, or a delivery, not sure I'd want to give three random builders (even if recommended by a friend) the code to the keysafe).

Ah yes, I can see how that would be a problem. Hope you find something suitable

Have you searched online for a concierge service? I don't have experience of this area though I did once think it might be a good business idea. A quick google comes up with 'duda does'. It was the first site that doesn't seem to be targeted at very high income individuals, but I'm not able to recommend it because I haven't used it.

I thought those arranged theatre tickets?

The modern concierge offers a wide range of services. Have a quick google. The one I found lists project managing builders in their remit so I don't think your request would be an issue. It is a question of whether you are happy to take a chance on an unknown from the Internet and whether it is cost-effective for you.

Along those lines, someone who is a self-employed PA might be prepared to do that kind of work too, particularly if they have looked after someone's work and home in previous roles. They will often have contacts too as having a bank of reliable people you can turn to for the jobs you can't do yourself is part of the role.

Those both sound like the kind of thing we are looking for. I will have a Google though I did think of concierge and only came up with tourist type services.