Rokstone founder Becky Fatemi has launched the invitation-only buying arm of Sotheby’s International Realty.
The high-profile estate agent who merged her estate agency with Sotheby’s International Realty last year has, we are told, already secured a number of private clients who have signed up with a combined budget of over £300m for 2025 searches globally.
According to Sotheby’s International Realty, Fatemi, who is Foxtons’ highest billing sales negotiator on record, has become ‘a trusted consultant and confidante’ to clients, and will now advise on all aspects of any transaction – be it residential or commercial.
The team’s buying services will cover the UK, especially London and surrounding counties, the Balearics, Miami, and Abu Dhabi.
To launch the buying arm of Sotheby’s International Realty UK, Fatemi has bolstered her team with the appointment of Ella Gondzic, a junior broker who brings a wealth of complimentary experience, including contacts in fashion, media and music, as well as new sources such as successful social media influencers who are looking to maximise their property investments as that level of wealth grows.
Long-time Rokstone team member, senior director of lettings, Olivia McSweeney, will also lend her expertise to this part of the business for those who wish to go on to let their new acquisitions, or those who are looking to move due to the changes worldwide.
Fatemi commented: “Given my 25 years’ experience in the industry and working with the very best team and contacts that I have built over this time, I have a deep understanding for client needs; how to navigate ever-changing international investment landscapes and lifestyle demands.
“Using my four languages – English, French, Spanish and Persian – allows me to speak with clients from around the world easily. They are looking for the best in class at the best price (I have developed a strong knack for knowing what is good and what is not so great), as well as the opportunity for access to see these properties. As such, it was very obvious to me that to offer this service would complete the eco-system of what we can provide.
“With Sotheby’s as a global brand, we work hand-in-hand across continents with a network of colleagues and brokers at the top of their game, who are uniquely tapped into the markets they operate in and can extend their specialist knowledge to ensure that every client transaction is wholly informed and supported. With the visionary George Azar driving us forward, this felt like the perfect time and perfect combination.”
She added: “The consultancy service is also one we are offering to people who are looking where to invest and where to live. We are now looking at assets as a whole and advising clients where to invest – also working very closely with developers on how to build – not just to maximise their long-term returns, but also to provide them with the best living experience.
“We liaise with a client’s whole advisory network and add to it where necessary; over the past four months we have seen an uplift in calls and video calls where we discuss options with buyers, their families, family offices, private banks, lawyers, tax advisors, interior designers, contractors and security; we re-evaluate, re-appraise and re-strategise wherever we need to in order to reach the best result for our clients and a huge amount of work goes into every transaction.”
Fatemi’s team also includes long-time associates, Shana Edwards and Christopher Sellwood who work as part of the buying arm and to deliver this private consultancy work.
Edwards will primarily focus on Qatar and Saudi Arabia, while Sellwood will look after the South West and central London.