Ziauddin Choudrey
Ziauddin Choudrey is a dedicated entrepreneur and real estate professional with a long-standing presence in the Dutch property market. As the founder of Downtown Properties B.V., he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction, operational foundation and long-term ambitions. His hands-on leadership style, combined with a sharp focus on sustainable value creation, has positioned Downtown Properties as a reputable and steadily growing player within the Amsterdam real estate sector.
Founding vision and background
Downtown Properties B.V. was founded by Ziauddin Choudrey with a clear and ambitious objective: to build a solid real estate portfolio grounded in reliability, long-term growth and quality. This marked a new era defined by professionalisation, structure and transparency.
Over the years, Ziauddin Choudrey has been consistently involved in the expansion and management of the company’s assets. Today, he remains one of the key decision-makers in the business, sharing the daily leadership with co-director Menno Mensink. Together, they oversee the acquisition, renovation, rental and sale of real estate properties, with a strong focus on the Amsterdam region.
Leadership and ownership
Ziauddin Choudrey’s leadership approach is characterised by accessibility, personal involvement and entrepreneurial intuition. Unlike many larger real estate firms, where decision-making is deeply layered, Downtown Properties distinguishes itself through direct communication with its owners. As one of the primary shareholders, owner, holding 50% of the shares himself and the remaining 50% together with his wife, Choudrey maintains a close connection with both the company’s operational processes and its tenants.
Business focus and expertise
Under Ziauddin Choudrey’s direction, Downtown Properties has developed into a company specialising in:
- The purchase and sale of real estate
- Residential and commercial property rentals
- Comprehensive renovation projects
A notable strength of the company is its internal team of skilled craftsmen, including two dedicated carpenters. This capability allows Downtown Properties to renovate and optimise properties efficiently and to a high standard. For more complex structural tasks, such as foundation work, the company collaborates with trusted external specialists.
One of the company’s most successful undertakings under Choudrey’s leadership has been the complete renovation of its Amsterdam office. Acquired in a severely deteriorated state, the building has since been transformed into a valuable and representative asset, reflecting the company’s ability to restore potential where others may see only challenges.
Approach, culture and values
Choudrey places strong emphasis on personal relationships within the team and with tenants. Downtown Properties is recognised for its informal and family-oriented internal culture, characterised by short communication lines and close collaboration among colleagues. This personal approach extends to tenants, who benefit from direct contact with the company’s leadership, something uncommon in the real estate market.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ziauddin Choudrey’s leadership demonstrated flexibility and empathy. Recognising the challenges faced by commercial tenants, he implemented temporary rent reductions where necessary, helping clients remain resilient throughout the crisis.
Future outlook
Looking ahead, Ziauddin Choudrey envisions a continued emphasis on sustainable growth and operational refinement. The company may undergo structural changes in the coming years, especially as his daughter, Sara, currently 22, prepares for a future leadership role in the business. This reflection on long-term continuity highlights Ziauddin Choudrey’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to building a legacy.
