About us

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Symon Donovan Properties Ltd (SDP Ltd) was founded in 1991. Symon, a former Sheffield City College student believed he could improve the quality of accommodation for Sheffield students and embarked on doing so.

Symon has continued to deliver ‘Superior Student Housing’ to Sheffield Hallam Students for over 17 years. He has closely worked alongside Sheffield Hallam University in a partnership agreement, primarily for first year students. SDP Ltd is a longstanding member of the ‘Sheffield and District Landlords Association’ (SADLA) and we are active members of the 'Sheffield Student's Landlord Association (SSLA).

SDP Ltd (Jon MacKenzie - Director of Operations) has successfully completed the 'Landlords for Excellence Programme' at Sheffield Hallam University.

SDP Ltd is dedicated to ensuring that all their student tenants experience the best possible student housing in Sheffield for the location, price and superior quality of furnishings, appliances, customer service and customer satisfaction.

SDP Ltd has continued to work alongside our student tenants to ensure their needs are met. Such communication has led to the Installation of Wireless Broadband in all SD Properties since 2004.

SDP Ltd have a Local Office on the corner of St Mary's Road and Shoreham St and a professional team to help with any difficulties. They are available either face to face by email or telephone.

All our properties are owned and managed by SDP Ltd, our properties range from 4 bedroom terraced houses to Halls of Residence.

We operate a 24hr Emergency Call Out Service with a property manager on hand to deal with any issues. The properties are professionally cleaned and decorated on an annual basis and gardens are maintained throughout the year.

At SDP Ltd we are fully aware of the difficulties which students come across over the academic year, trying to budget for themselves by juggling rent, gas, electric, water, TV licence, broadband package etc.

Therefore, SDP Ltd has come up with 3 flexible rental packages, unique for Students

  • Level 1 - Students pay all the bills
  • Level 2 - Students pay only the Gas and Electric
  • Level 3 - SDP pays all the bills!

This allows accurate and complete budgeting for the complete academic year.

We conform to all necessary standards

  • All property licenses under "2004 Housing Act" have been applied for
  • Corgi gas certificates are renewed annually on all gas appliances
  • NICEIC electrical certificate is renewed every 5 years
  • All fire safety standards are met according to the Law

Our Policy

Symon Donovan's policy from day one has always been “would I let my family live in this property” if the answer is ‘yes’, we know SDP Ltd have got it right!
Please take a look and see what our previous tenants have said about SDP Ltd service and properties.

Calum from Margaret St – 2008 - 2009


I would just like to say I have been extremely impressed with Symon Donovan Properties since being with them for nearly a year. From when we were looking around the house - before we made our decision - right up until now.

Every time we have rang them or popped in to see them about anything, they have all (Symon (Director), Jon (Director of Operations) and Dave (Maintenance Manager) greeted us with a smile and polite manner and have always been helpful.

As I decided to stay in the room downstairs, I was very concerned about the window, which many people walked past and could see clearly into my room. I was worried about this because as a student I do not have much money and I need a laptop for my studies. When I informed Jon of my concern he suggested that the window could be frosted, so light could still get in but the public could not see anything through the window. After Jon suggested this, Dave came round and frosted up the window for me, very soon after.

Being a student, I am also very aware of crime and how criminals target us. This made me worried about how far the window could open, as any opportunist could get through. I consulted Symon Donovan about this and someone came to install a fitting on the window which limited how far it could open.

There are more aspects of their service me and the housemates have been impressed with (for example, when they fitted an extra lock on the door when the door became weak), but we are mainly impressed with how quickly they did each of these for us and how polite and helpful they were about it.

I have been and would definitely recommended Symon Donovan Properties to any student looking for a place to live and I will be using their service when I come back after my placement year.

Thanks, guys, for making this year safer for us.
Calum

Simon from Sharrowvale Road, September 2006

"I recently vacated the above property after having spent 2 years there and would like to thank you for being able to live in a pleasant property in a great part of Sheffield. It certainly added to the whole student experience!"

Tom Edmund Road. 2006 – 2009

I have stayed with SDP for 3 years. It has been enjoyable, Jon is always very accommodating. We have found no problems with the property as is was newly refurbished. If there has been any problems they have been dealt with quickly. I would recommend SDP to any student wishing to live in a modern student house.

Mike from Washington Road and Edmund Road – 2007 +

I have enjoyed staying with SDP for 2 years now. I will be securing my SDP property for a 3rd year, hopefully back to Washington road. Repairs have been completed quickly by the SDP maintenance team. I have found myself safe and secure in the properties. Thanks…

Gemma from Midland – Edmund Road 2007 - 2009

You have been very accommodating and ensured our needs have been met. This is my 2nd year with SDP. Having all inclusive really helps with budgeting and not having to chase house mates for their share. We have made Edmund Road a lovely home!! Thanks

Sarah from Shoreham St 2007 - 2009

Really good all inclusive, no arguments with chasing money, you always know were you stand. Really easy to budget. Any maintenance problems emailed in a dealt with quickly and efficiently. Compared to my old landlord this is paradise!!

Paul from Edmund Road 2008

SDP are a sterling housing company, which I would recommend to anyone and everyone. No complaints to be made, probably one of the best landlords in Sheffield and certainly better than last years hole!!

Hannah from Shoreham Street 2006 - 2009

'We have been with Symon Donovan for all three years now and have always recieved a good standard of accommodation for the price we pay. Their communication is good, always replying to our needs or answering our queries. They were quick to replace our faulty mircrowave and TV and have always sent a handyman out for the odd jobs that needed doing.
 
Overall our experience with the company has been a good one I would certainly recommend them to other students.'