Meet the Speakers: Developer and landlord Charlotte Edwards on why nothing beats hands-on experience
Landlord and developer Charlotte Edwards is one of the speakers at the 2024 NRLA Landlord Conference in November. Here she talks to Sanjeev Shetty about her journey into the world of property development and making it as a woman in what is still seen by some as a man's world.
With a portfolio of nine commercial properties and 13 residential homes in North Wales, Shropshire and West Midlands it’s hard to believe property developer and landlord Charlotte Edwards has only been in the business for five years.
Charlotte took over Dennis Edwards Homes following the tragic deaths of her father and brother within just months of each other, and, despite having no experience in the industry, is continuing to take the business from strength to strength.
Following an address at the sell-out NRLA International Women's Day event in London earlier this year she will be taking to the conference stage in Birmingham on 6 November to share the secrets of her success.
She said: "I feel like there has been an upsurge in female landlords in recent years, which is great to see.
"Being a landlord can work well for women. Done right it's a great way to retain your independence and the flexible nature means you can make it work around other commitments, such as family."
Social media following
The wealth of knowledge and experience she has accumulated since taking over the business mean she is a sought after industry voice, and her Instagram account accidentalfemaledeveloper, has stuck a chord within the landlord community and beyond, amassing nearly 20,000 followers.
Many of those starting out in the business now get in contact for advice via social media, to find out more about her approach to the lettings business, and how they can make their mark.
She said: "I always advise landlords, where possible, to manage their portfolios themselves. When you are hands-on and dealing with the business on a day-to-day basis you really get to understand the industry.
"You won't always get it right, but it is such a learning curve."
When we speak, Charlotte is in Marbella, site of a home she purchased in 2021. Its not exactly a holiday because, before our chat, she’s already had a work call, but sees what she does as a labour of love.
“I come here so often, I never really switch off,” she said. “Sometimes, it gets too much and I don’t work weekends, but I don’t take more than a week off from working. That said, it's not really work if you enjoy it - and I love it."
Charlotte is now planning to expand her portfolio by taking on her first HMO. To find out more about her journey and the lessons she has learned be sure to join us in Birmingham on 6 November.
More information
- Charlotte talks about her upcoming appearance at the NRLA conference in the latest epsiode of NRLA podcast Listen Up Landlords here. She has also shared her story in the NRLA members' magazine Property, which can be read here.
- Charlotte will be speaking at The Landlord Conference 2024 on 6 November at the NEC in Birmingham. The event will be hosted by TV's Nick Knowles with a keynote speech from former Dragons Den star James Caan. There will also be talks and panel discussions featuring a range of industry experts as well as networking opportunities and more. Click here to reserve your ticket.
