The Smart Move: Q&A with Kerry Smart, latest member of Adaptation Design’s Accessible Property Finding Service

Kerry Smart, a property expert with over 30 years’ experience, joins the Accessible Property Finding Service at Adaptation Design, a multi-faceted inclusive design consultancy that specialises in the design and management of enabling construction projects for owners and tenants with disabilities. In this article we interview Kerry and explore why the service she provides is so unique…

What does your role involve and how does your vast experience add value to clients?

I’m an experienced Property Search Specialist dedicated to helping clients secure the right accessible home; whether it’s a short-term rental or a permanent residence. My role involves daily requests, from solicitors and case managers, to find suitable properties for their clients who have disabilities through injury or medical conditions.  I liaise with my extensive network of property associates and estate agents to thoroughly analyse listings and floor plans, and match properties precisely to each client’s requirements.  

Before joining Adaptation Design I had already built my career in the housing sector, beginning as a Lettings Branch Manager in Ipswich where I successfully launched a lettings business from the ground up in 1992. I went on to become Lettings Director in Colchester and later Branch Director overseeing multiple branches across Essex and Thurrock. This background has given me deep knowledge of market dynamics, negotiation and relationship management.

What does the Property Finding Service offer?

It offers two core areas of expertise – 

Market Reviews: We provide clear, evidence-based insight into current property market data, availability, recent sales and lets, anticipated accommodation costs, and pricing trends. These reviews are often commissioned by legal teams to support litigation or inform strategic decision-making. They give an accurate snapshot of the market at a specific point in time, including the identification of potentially suitable properties.

Property Searches: This is a highly proactive search service for both rental and purchase properties. We monitor the market daily, respond quickly to new listings and use skilled negotiation with agents, landlords and vendors to secure suitable homes or those with the potential to be made suitable. Drawing on our experience and market knowledge, we are able to filter out those that will not work from the outset, saving clients valuable time and money. 

A key part of our role is obtaining landlord approval for essential adaptations, which can often be one of the biggest barriers for many of our clients in the rental market. By addressing these requirements from the very beginning, we ensure the property is ready to meet the client’s needs from day one, avoiding costly delays and disruption. This is where Adaptation Design’s other capabilities dovetail with what I deliver.

Why is the service unique? 

We bring together skills and knowledge that are rarely found in one team. Our clinical and well-respected Housing Occupational Therapist, Tess Whitehead, leads the service with a deep understanding of the environmental, functional and practical requirements of accessible living. Working alongside myself, we can identify properties with genuine potential and rule out unsuitable options early, saving valuable time and money. I always focus on leveraging my in-depth property market knowledge, strong negotiation skills and the ability to secure the best opportunities quickly.

Direct access to the wider Adaptation Design team of inclusive designers allows us to review potential alterations and adaptations internally before viewings take place. This joined-up approach means we focus only on properties that can realistically meet our clients’ needs and can move quickly when the right home is found. 

The combination of clinical expertise, estate agency experience and technical design and construction knowledge is what truly sets our service apart.

What do you love about your role? 

I’ve always had a genuine passion for property, and I love using this to make a positive difference for people. Helping clients find both a place to call home for now and their forever home for the future is truly one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. I aim to make the whole process as smooth, supportive, and enjoyable as possible, so every client feels confident and excited about their next chapter.

Why is Adaptation Design a leading  consultancy in your opinion?

At Adaptation Design, all professional services for the client are delivered under one roof, combining both clinical and technical expertise in a fully integrated service. This means every stage is managed in-house, with no outsourcing to other professionals, consultants or companies. It avoids the risks, delays and additional costs that can come from involving multiple parties.

With many years of experience working with clients with disabilities and a track record of over 6,000 successfully delivered projects, we know how to create spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. This combined expertise, supported by consistent positive customer testimonials, is why clients and instructing parties trust us to deliver outstanding results.

Why should clients choose Adaptation Design’s Property Finding Service?

Clients benefit from a service that is flexible, proactive and built entirely around their individual needs. We tailor our approach to suit each person, whether that means arranging face-to-face meetings for clients who are less comfortable with remote calls or have limited access to technology. 

We have also developed an in-depth tool to establish the client’s search criteria, which goes far beyond simply counting the number of rooms. It helps us understand how they will use the space, their accessibility requirements, and the specific features that will make the property truly work for them. We act as a single point of contact, keeping communication clear and consistent for both clients and instructing parties. 

In addition to daily market monitoring, we draw on our extensive database of contacts within the property sector to source opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. This network, combined with our ability to respond quickly to new listings, gives our clients a real advantage in competitive markets. 

With the in-house expertise of Adaptation Design, we ensure the property we secure is not only suitable in location and layout but also supports everyday living, enables meaningful activities and enhances overall wellbeing.

Do you have a specific client case/testimonial you can recall that had an outstanding outcome?

 In just my first few months in this role, I have already delivered strong outcomes. Examples spring to mind are

• A family of six struggling to secure a rental in a highly competitive market. Within weeks, I identified and secured a suitable property despite significant agent barriers.
• Secondly, a busy case manager was initially searching for their Client but was unable to progress past the initial stages with agents.  We were engaged and I sourced a bungalow, negotiated essential adaptation works, and established a positive, collaborative relationship with the landlord.  The final documents are being drawn up and the Client will be moving into the property very soon.
• Also, a recent client said:  “We are incredibly grateful for Kerry Smart’s outstanding service in finding a new rental property for our client and his family. Despite our specific criteria and the time pressure we faced, Kerry demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating the market and presenting us with suitable options. Her communication was great, keeping us informed at every step and ensuring that everything was completed within our tight schedule. Kerry’s professionalism made the stressful process smoother, and we wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking a reliable property finder.”
  John Mackenzie, Fieldfisher.

What interests/passions do you have outside of work?

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me enjoying life as a proud grandma, spoiling my Cockapoo ‘Maverick’, or hunting down great finds for my clothing recycling/resale hobby. I am passionate about sustainability and saving items from landfill. I love wandering through the countryside, discovering gorgeous spots, and heading off on adventures with my partner.

Contact

If you are a housing, healthcare or legal professional seeking a home for a client with disabilities, Kerry is standing by to assist. She can be reached on: 

Kerry Smart
Adaptation Design Limited, 4 Carters Row, Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire. AL9 5NB
Tel: 020 8492 1617 / 07983 736083
Email: kerry.smart@adaptationdesign.co.uk