Aliya Kabani is co-director of Glendower Properties Management
At Oportfolio Mortgages, we believe the best client outcomes come from working alongside trusted local property professionals who genuinely understand their market.
We recently sat down with Aliya Kabani from Glendower Properties Management to discuss her journey into property, the realities of running a boutique management company in South West London, and why Putney continues to attract landlords, investors, and families alike.
About Aliya & Her Journey into Property
Louis Mason (Oportfolio Mortgages):
Aliya, could you tell us a little more about yourself and how you got into real estate?
Aliya Kabani:
Before I married Aleem, I lived with my parents in East Putney and then we moved closer to the Bridge given our love of being near the water. I love the River Thames and admiring the view and the serenity as I walk to work.
Aleem and I decided we too wanted to live in Putney when we married. We then went on to have our children and they both attend a local secondary school in SW London. Prior to working in real estate, I received my Bachelors and Masters’ degrees in Development Studies given my passion for assisting people in the developing world. I spent some time in Central Asia working for a non governmental organisation, the Aga Khan Development Network. I taught English as a second language in Central Asia and England and also worked in the field monitoring and evaluating local projects where locals were setting up their businesses at a grassroots level.
My parents are serial entrepreneurs and have run their own businesses since their early 20s. This is how I believe that my sister and I caught the business bug! They initially started their career owning hotels and then went into the care home focussing on learning disabilities and mental health. My mother had contacts in real estate and she always felt confident that owning and renting buy to lets was a good investment. The opportunity arose to acquire a group of buy to let properties, mostly river based, in Southwest London. She then asked me if I would join her in order to grow and develop the business and the rest is history!
How Glendower Properties Management Began
Louis:
How did Glendower Properties Management come to fruition?
Aliya:
As I became more involved in managing our family portfolio, landlords naturally started approaching us to ask whether we could support them with managing their own properties. It felt like a very natural progression.
Aleem and I had always wanted to work together and when the opportunity arose, we decided to build something ourselves. Aleem previously worked as COO of a health and wellness start-up, so he brought a huge amount of operational and commercial experience into the business. Together, we felt we could create something genuinely special for local landlords and property owners.
Because we’ve both lived in South West London for so long, we know the area, understand the local market, and already had strong connections within the community. Putney simply felt like the right place for Glendower to be based.
What Makes Glendower Different?
Louis:
What makes Glendower different to other estate agents or property management companies?
Aliya:
I think our experience as landlords ourselves gives us a very different perspective. Over the last 15 years, we’ve experienced both the opportunities and challenges that come with owning and managing property. We understand what landlords actually need because we’ve been in their position ourselves.
A lot of landlords who move over to us tell us they feel genuinely prioritised. We take time to meet clients properly, we pick up the phone, and we focus heavily on communication and attention to detail. We also intentionally work with a more selective number of landlords so we can maintain a personal level of service rather than becoming overly transactional. Being local is also a huge advantage. We know Putney extremely well and that local knowledge is incredibly valuable for both landlords and tenants.
Services Offered by Glendower
Louis:
What services does Glendower Properties Management offer?
Aliya:
We offer a broad range of services including:
- Property management and maintenance
- Property Lettings
- Relocation services for people moving to London
- HMO management
- Support for overseas property owners with London-based homes
We also place a strong emphasis on compliance, particularly given how quickly the regulatory landscape is changing for landlords. Whether it’s renters reform legislation or ongoing compliance obligations, we help ensure landlords stay fully informed and protected. We also invest significant time into referencing tenants properly and making sure they respect and care for properties appropriately.
Why Putney Remains So Popular
Louis:
What advice would you give to someone considering buying property in Putney, and what makes the area attractive?
Aliya:
Putney offers what many people describe as “the best of both worlds”. You have abundant green space through Putney Common, the Heath, and Wandsworth Park, while still being within easy reach of Central London.
The river also plays a huge role in the area’s identity. It attracts people who enjoy rowing, walking, running, and outdoor activities, and of course Putney is famous for being the starting point of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. Transport links are also excellent, whether through the District Line, rail services, cycling routes, or even the Thames Clipper river bus. For landlords and investors, demand remains strong because Putney appeals to such a wide range of tenants, from young professionals through to families.
What New Landlords Can Expect
Louis:
What can a new landlord expect when they first approach Glendower?
Aliya:
We aim to provide a complete and highly personalised experience. We begin by understanding the landlord’s objectives for the property and advising on achievable rental values. We also ensure everything is compliant before marketing begins.
From there, we arrange photography, marketing, viewings, maintenance, and ongoing communication throughout the process. Some landlords want full involvement and regular updates, while others prefer a more hands-off approach, we’re very flexible depending on what works best for them.
Work-Life Balance & Running a Business Together
Louis:
Running a business together must be busy, how do you maintain a good work-life balance?
Aliya:
Aleem and I have two daughters, so a lot of our weekends revolve around taking them to sports and social activities. They definitely have a better social life than we do! We both feel strongly about maintaining good mental health and taking time to unwind. Aleem loves padel, while I enjoy reformer Pilates, which he has now started joining me for as well. We also love going for walks locally.
The Future of the Putney Property Market
Louis:
What prospects or growth potential do you see in the Putney property market?
Aliya:
Putney has always been viewed as a resilient and stable area within South West London. Even during tougher market periods, the area has historically shown strong long-term capital appreciation and demand remains consistently healthy. Young professionals are drawn to the transport links and lifestyle, while families continue to value the schools, green space, and community feel. There’s also a fantastic network of established local businesses here and we’re incredibly proud to call Putney home.
Final Thoughts
At Oportfolio Mortgages, we’re passionate about collaborating with trusted local professionals who share a similar client-first approach. It was fantastic speaking with Aliya and learning more about Glendower Properties Management, their journey, and their vision for supporting landlords and tenants across South West London. We look forward to continuing to work closely together moving forward.
If you are looking for lettings or property management support, then feel free to get in touch with Aliya and Aleem at Glendower Properties Management. And if you are looking for help with your mortgage, our team at Oportfolio are more than happy to help.
