THE ORIGIN
R.D.A. Estates commenced it's almost unique and personal property business in 1992 after the return of Brian & Jean Shillinglaw to England in June that year from Hong Kong.

Following many years of shipping company management in Liverpool, Singapore, Penang, St. Lucia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, Brian returned with his wife to live in fabulous Brighton & Hove, East Sussex on the beautiful south coast of England.

Brian & Jean were well aware that residential property investment was solid in the UK - especially in the city of Brighton & Hove. While working abroad they had experienced the difficulties UK expatriate investors had in finding the time to source reasonably priced UK residential investment property, supported by expert rental and management for landlords who reside far away.

THE EARLY YEARS
Late in 1992 three Hong Kong based friends were considering purchasing investment flats. Brian & Jean sourced & recommended five ideal properties within a week. Their recommendations were accepted immediately and rental commenced immediately upon completion of each purchase. Brian & Jean's aim "to seek investment property with best potential asset growth and maximum long-term rental potential, in order for clients to create a successful property portfolio of properties from the initial recommended purchase" was realised.

R.D.A. Estates was created and became registered as a limited company in September 1993, utilising the initials of their children Russell, Daniel & Anna.

The first few years established the prime locations in Brighton & Hove for asset growth and maximum rentals. R.D.A. Estates considers over 200 flats each month, chooses to view about 20% and recommends no more than twenty. Early on we explored renting our clients' flats fully furnished and concluded that, as the costs involved were considerable but the difference in the gross rent achievable was negligible, all our clients' flats should be rented unfurnished.

What helped RDA to gain a justified reputation was our knowledge and understanding of residential property investment in Brighton & Hove.

We developed a respected and trusted service for UK expatriates and overseas nationals, including:

• Comprehensive property details each including a unique financial forecast
• A network of local solicitors and UK accountants who we can confidently recommend
• A team of refurbishment contractors who work to our exacting standards
• A close association with a major, well established rental agency

We ensure that our clients receive the best service possible. Our company logo proclaims 'We Arrange It All' and we really do.

THE PRESENT & THE FUTURE
RDA's reputation continues to grow on the strength of our 16 years of experience and expertise. At RDA we aim to provide residential investment opportunities at an affordable cost and to make the property investment process as straightforward as possible. Our dedicated team advises our clients all along the way and provides experienced and novice investors alike with a 'one stop shop' that takes care of every aspect from sourcing, purchasing and renovating through to renting and managing properties.

We have been approached many times by clients to manage properties in other areas of the UK but we have always declined. RDA is very much a 'hands on company' and we pride ourselves on our attention to detail as well as our local knowledge and are therefore unwilling to provide such a service further afield.

Following 16 unique years of successfully sourcing and managing residential investment properties in Brighton & Hove and achieving maximum results for our existing clients, RDA is now developing exciting plans to extend its client base.