Sandstone, a UK-based private property investment and management company formed in 2020 as a sister business to leading property company Grant Property, has strengthened its presence in APAC with the appointment of Simon Lints as a Strategic Advisor based in Singapore.

With a focus on building the investment business across the Asia Pacific region, Simon, who was recently appointed as the Scottish Government Trade Envoy to Singapore, is a prominent and established figure in the wealth management industry in Asia.

A founding member of the Singapore Scottish Business Association and a proud GlobalScot, Simon has enjoyed a successful international career working in senior positions with J.P. Morgan, Saudi International Bank, Strathclyde Pharmaceuticals, UBS and Credit Suisse. Most recently he was CEO of Schroders Wealth Management business, based in Singapore, responsible for South East Asia.

Commenting on his new role with Sandstone, Simon Lints, said: “I’ve known Peter and his team for many years so delighted to take on this advisory role. Sandstone has been borne out of an established property and investment business in the UK and with a focus on the opportunities with the APAC market, it’s an exciting time to join.

“We are well geared to work with HNWIs and Family Offices in Asia”, Simon continued: “They have strong connectivity with the UK. And, with extremely low interest rates and a history of capital appreciation and strong rental returns amongst students, the market is strong and attractive to Family Offices who are looking to buy into value and real asset-backed projects, especially as residential prices in the UK have risen sharply in recent years.”

Founded by Peter Grant some 25 years ago in 1997, Grant Property has invested in more than 3000 ‘traditional’ residential properties in prime university cities and towns across the UK. These investments, on behalf of investors from 40 countries around the world, represent a net asset value of around GBP 1 billion in property.

Sandstone was established last year to provide dedicated asset management services to charities, fund managers and Family Offices.

However, with plans for a re-brand of Grant Property to Sandstone this month (June), the company is investing in building its portfolios of high-performing residential properties overseeing the sourcing, financing, renovations, furnishing and management aspects for high net worth individuals, Family Offices and funds.

Singapore counts Britain among its top trading partners for goods and services globally, and its top investment destination in Europe.  A free trade deal between the two countries was signed in December 2020 and with Lints, now working with Sandstone in Asia, his appointment will position the business with an established network of private clients and private wealth intermediaries in the APAC markets.

Peter Grant, founder of Sandstone and Grant Property, said: “Simon’s appointment is testament to our commitment to growing the APAC business and building Sandstone from a Singapore base. His in-depth knowledge of the wealth management industry and connections will ensure we are in a stronger position to capitalise on the market opportunities and our plans for growth.”

For more information, visit www.sandstoneuk.com.