RHT Chestertons launches in Singapore with an eye on expanding Asian presence

A NEW property consultancy firm has been launched in Singapore. RHT Chestertons is the result of a partnership between integrated professional services company RHT Wealth Holdings and London-based real estate agency Chestertons.

The collaboration will see Chestertons - which operates over 100 offices across 19 countries - extend its existing international real estate business through new markets in Singapore and South-east Asia, while expanding the RHT Group of Companies' core services, RHT said.

"With RHT Chestertons' specialised real estate advisory services, clients will benefit from the best combined real estate and wealth management and planning solutions meeting their requirements."

Salah Mussa, Chestertons' chairman, said: "By combining our resources and expertise, we will be able to access real estate opportunities globally with RHT Chestertons acting as the gateway to the Asia-Pacific and Chestertons offering its vast network in Europe, Middle East, and North Africa."

RHT added that the team from RHT Chestertons will be helmed by an unnamed property veteran with over 20 years of experience in property consultancy and management.

The property consultancy will also offer a range of real estate services from agency sales and leasing to valuation, investment sales and investment advisory.

Ricky Sim, non-executive chairman of RHT Chestertons, said: "As investor appetite for property returns to the market, we believe there are attractive investment opportunities in Singapore which fit our strategy of focusing on niche segments within the market."

"Meanwhile, our ties with Chestertons offer us exposure to the international real estate markets as well. Combined with our in-depth local knowledge and track record, we are able to leverage our established portfolio of local and international prime properties to offer investors a consistent flow of real estate opportunities," he added.

The company aims to serve a diverse range of clients comprising property owners, investors, institutions and corporate occupiers both locally and globally.

With its launch, RHT Chestertons intends to capitalise on the growing appeal of property markets in Indonesia and Vietnam, It is currently exploring opportunities to set up offices there.

"Real estate is still the high net worth individual's go-to safe haven," said Patrick Lai, chief operating officer of RHT Wealth Holdings (see amendment note). "Having a real estate consultancy arm is part of our approach to create and deliver real value for our clients. Our model, leveraging on the equity crowdfunding and private equity space, will create a suite of integrated wealth offerings for our clients."

Amendment Note: An earlier version of the article mentioned Patrick Lai as the chief operating officer of RHT. This is incorrect as he holds the position of chief operating officer for RHT Wealth Holdings. The article has been amended to reflect this.