Spear’s Review

Nick Leach is a co-founder of Athena Advisers, a property advisory firm that specialises in real estate transactions in London, France, Switzerland, Portugal and beyond.

The former equity sales expert left his role at Morgan Stanley in 2000 to work in internet start-up companies (Carandhome.com, Skillvest and Probis CRM) before setting up Athena Advisers in 2003.

‘We have a real niche positioning in the marketplace,’ Leach, who specialises in Alpine properties, tells Spear’s. ‘Our tagline is “property, investment, lifestyle”. Those are really big driving factors for our clients, who are largely buying for lifestyle, but it needs to make investment sense.’

His international UHNW clientele appreciate Leach’s ability to provide ‘access to some very good off-market stock’. He adds that ‘specific knowledge about individual resorts’ is extremely useful in the ski property market, which sees strong demand but limited supply.

Adviser Profile

Few advisers can claim to have sold as much new-build property in the French Alps as Nick Leach, who co-founded Athena Advisers in 2003. Although one of several locations where Athena focusses their property experience (Paris, Côte d’Azur, Lisbon and others), the French Alps is where Nick has specialised and become known to his many clients.

Nick’s wide-ranging knowledge about French Alpine property and his strong relationship with high-end developers all mean he has access to the best chalet, apartment and hotel opportunities in this highly performing sector of the French property market to match to his extensive network of HNW clients. Known for his patience and persistence – and ability to find his clients the right and most sought-after properties – Nick has many repeat buyers who he has known for years and from whom he earns referrals. Alongside helping to oversee the growth of Athena and its network of advisers and partners, Nick’s 22 years of experience has seen him earn a quiet reputation as one of the main players in this small but highly competitive market.

Nick cites his relentlessness, combined with his access to prime, often off-market properties, as one of the keys to helping his demanding clients find the right property. Reflecting on the French Alpine market, Nick has noticed a lot of changes since he first became involved, and is grateful property there continues to provide a very reliable location for clients to invest and to enjoy. Having overseen over €2 billion in sales since Athena’s creation and with over €500 million in sales personally, Nick still thrives on the daily interaction with investors and hopes this enthusiasm, combined with his deep knowledge, help make the buying and investment process easier for his trusted clients.