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Interview with Yasmin Ulhaq founder & director of Glenfield Property Management

In a world where luxury living is defined by seamless experiences and absolute trust, Yasmin Ulhaq has carved out a unique space at the top. As the founder and director of Glenfield Property Management, she launched her business in 2021 with one clear mission: to create a service built on integrity, discretion, and personal connection—while designing a life that allowed her to be present as a mother of two.

Just four years later, Glenfield Property Management is the go-to name for some of London’s most high-profile property owners. In this exclusive 10 questions with interview, Yasmin shares the leap of faith behind her entrepreneurial journey, the values that guide her every decision, and what true luxury really looks like in 2025.

1. You launched Glenfield Property Management in 2021 to create more flexibility as a working mum, what gave you the courage to take that leap into entrepreneurship?

    Honestly, it was the desire for freedom – freedom to work on my own terms, to choose the clients I aligned with and to create a business that reflected my values. As a working mum, flexibility wasn’t just a luxury, it was a necessity. I wanted to be present for my children and build something meaningful. Glenfield Property Management was born from that intention – to run a business that allowed me to do both with integrity and purpose.

    2. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early days of building Glenfield Property Management?

    Thanks to the strong foundation I developed through my experience working in the corporate world, I didn’t face many of the typical, major early hurdles that some start-ups encounter. In fact, my existing expertise and skillset gave me credibility and opened a lot of doors for me. 

    What I did find challenging was shifting people’s perception, and I had to work hard to demonstrate to my clients and applicants that Glenfield wasn’t just another property management company – we’re genuinely hands-on and go far beyond the standard service. In those early days, I even offered money-back guarantees or trial periods just to prove our worth. It was tough, but it pushed me to go all in, exceed expectations and build real trust from the ground up.

    3. What do you think sets your approach apart in the luxury property world?

    For me, it’s always been about building trust. A lot of our clients live abroad or have incredibly busy lives, so they’re trusting us not just with their homes, but with their peace of mind. What sets Glenfield apart is that we genuinely care – it’s not about volume for us, on the contrary, I treat every property like it’s my own and every client like family.

    I’ve had clients call me in the middle of the night from different time zones and I’ll always pick up and it’s this level of commitment, discretion and personal connection that makes us different. In a world full of property managers, I wanted Glenfield to feel like a safe pair of hands and a familiar face.

    4. How do you cultivate and maintain long-term relationships with such high-net-worth clients?

    At Glenfield, discretion isn’t just expected, it’s non-negotiable. Our clients trust us with the most intimate parts of their lives: their homes, their families, their routines. That kind of trust isn’t built overnight, it’s earned through consistency, honesty and showing up when it matters most.

    Personally, I make it a point to really know our clients and not just their property needs. I get under their skin to understand how they like their home to feel, who they trust in their space and what makes their life easier. Whether it’s arranging a last-minute housekeeper before guests arrive or handling a renovation while they’re abroad, it’s those small, thoughtful touches that build long-term, lasting relationships.

    Many of our clients have stayed with us for years, not because they have to, but because they know we genuinely care. That loyalty is everything to me and it’s the heartbeat of Glenfield.

    5. How do you navigate the balance between family life and running a growing luxury service?

    These are still the grafting years for me. Glenfield is growing, and with that comes a lot of responsibility. But being a mum of two, I’ve learned that structure is my best friend and I make a point of carving out protected time for my children, making sure it’s consistent – whether it’s school drop-offs, dinners together or just being fully present when I’m with them.

    That said, one of the biggest rewards of running my own business is the freedom. The ability to go to the gym in the morning, do the school run or take a call from home if needed is everything, as life is a constant juggle. At the end of the day, I want my kids to see that you can build something of your own and be there for the moments that matter too.

    6. What does a typical day look like for you when managing the homes and lifestyles of the ultra-wealthy?

    The only thing typical about my day is the unpredictability and the several cups of strong coffee! No two days are ever the same and that’s exactly what I love about my job. One morning I could be overseeing a deep clean at a penthouse before a high-profile tenant arrives, and by the afternoon I’m coordinating with a private chef, managing contractors or troubleshooting a leak in a Mayfair townhouse, all while taking calls from clients in different time zones.

    There’s a lot of problem-solving, a lot of quick thinking and an endless amount of discretion. Yes it’s demanding, but incredibly rewarding at the same time. I thrive in the chaos and I’ve built a team that does too. 

    7. How would you define ‘luxury living’ based on your experience managing elite households? 

      These days, anyone can buy luxury items – you can even pick them up at a train station! I don’t believe luxury comes in the form of a product that comes in an orange box tied with a classic ribbon. For me, true luxury is an experience and is about how someone makes you feel – valued, understood, at ease.

      Luxury is knowing that everything is taken care of before you even ask. It’s walking into a home that feels like yours, even if it’s your first time there and it’s that emotional connection, and the sense of effortlessness, is what sets real luxury apart. After all, it’s not what you hold in your hands, but faultless experiences that stay with you.

      8. What message do you have for women looking to do the same?

        My message is simple: don’t wait for permission. The property sector has long been male-dominated, but that’s changing and we’re the change. You don’t need to fit into a mould to lead; in fact, it’s your difference that will set you apart.

        When I started Glenfield, I brought my full self to the table including my experience, my culture, my values as a mother and a woman, and it’s this authenticity that’s been my strength. You can be tough and kind, sharp and nurturing, there’s space for all of it.

        So to any woman thinking of stepping into this space, do it and do it boldly. Build your network, know your worth and never underestimate the power of showing up as your true self.

        9. What’s been your proudest moment since founding Glenfield Property Management?

        There have been many proud moments since founding the business, but the ones that truly mean the most have nothing to do with property and everything to do with relationships. 

        One that really touched me was when my daughter met one of our long-standing clients. They spoke so warmly about the business and about me, and I could see how proud she felt and in that moment I was reminded that the connections we build are our real legacy.

        Another was when my son told me he plans to take over Glenfield when I retire, though I quickly reminded him I’m not going anywhere just yet! But it’s moments like these, when the people closest to you see the value in what you’ve built, that make all the long days and late nights worthwhile. 

        And of course, it doesn’t hurt when you get to meet some of your favourite stars along the way. Let’s just say a perk of managing/renting super-prime homes is the occasional “pinch me” moment!

        10. Where do you see the business in five years? Are there any new services or ventures on the horizon?

        In five years, I see the business firmly established as the go-to name for luxury property and lifestyle management in London. I’m not interested in expanding internationally, as I want to focus on doing what we do exceptionally well right here – I’d rather be the best in one city than stretched across many.

        London is our home – it’s where our network is strongest, where we know the streets, the buildings and the people – and it’s this local insight that sets us apart. 

        We are refining our services to be even more bespoke – from household staffing to curated home transitions – and continuing to build those long-term relationships that make us more than just a management company. The goal is simple: trusted, discreet, five-star service that feels personal because it is.

        To learn more about Yasmin Ulhaq, visit Glenfield Property Management or follow along on social media @glenfieldpm for the latest updates and inspiring content.