Thomas van Straubenzee MRICS is the co-head of Knight Frank’s global wealth team, which he founded in 2018 with Rory Penn after their firm, VanHan, was acquired by Knight Frank LLP.
As a proprietary partner, he advises individuals and families on the sale and purchase of residential and commercial properties across the UK, and in more than 60 countries.
In 2023, he received recognition from Spear’s magazine as "Property Advisor of the Year". His work is defined by integrity, discretion and enduring professional relationships.
Alongside his professional work, Thomas is active in charitable and conservation causes.
Thomas chairs the Philanthropy Board of the Royal Albert Hall, where he supports restoration and community initiatives. He also serves on the Westminster Abbey Capital Appeal Committee, contributing to the King Charles III Sacristy project.
Within his local community, Thomas actively participates in the Yorkshire Charity Clay Day, a large annual event, contributing to fundraising efforts for various causes, including the Yorkshire Militia, the Yorkshire Air...Thomas van Straubenzee MRICS is the co-head of Knight Frank’s global wealth team, which he founded in 2018 with Rory Penn after their firm, VanHan, was acquired by Knight Frank LLP.
As a proprietary partner, he advises individuals and families on the sale and purchase of residential and commercial properties across the UK, and in more than 60 countries.
In 2023, he received recognition from Spear’s magazine as "Property Advisor of the Year". His work is defined by integrity, discretion and enduring professional relationships.
Alongside his professional work, Thomas is active in charitable and conservation causes.
Thomas chairs the Philanthropy Board of the Royal Albert Hall, where he supports restoration and community initiatives. He also serves on the Westminster Abbey Capital Appeal Committee, contributing to the King Charles III Sacristy project.
Within his local community, Thomas actively participates in the Yorkshire Charity Clay Day, a large annual event, contributing to fundraising efforts for various causes, including the Yorkshire Militia, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, and regional medical organisations.
He was a trustee of the Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund, established in memory of his late younger brother Henry, which helped develop 52 schools in South East Uganda over a twenty year span.
The name Straubenzee is of Prussian Protestant origin. Abraham Straubenzee was a brewer and Judge of Mohrungen in the early seventeenth century. The family transitioned to Holland where Ernst van Straubenzee, a Dutch army general, became Governor of Zutphen.
Ernst's brother Philip moved to Yorkshire in the early 18th century and married Jane Turner of Kirkleatham. Their eldest son Turner Straubenzee of Spennithorne was appointed vice Lord Lieutenant of the North Riding in 1791 and Colonel of the Loyal Dales Volunteers in 1803.
Over nine generations, 32 family members have served in the British Army, earning a collection of more than 100 medals.READ MOREVIEW LESS
Knight Frank is an independent global property consultancy, established in 1896, the firm provides advisory, sales, and management services across residential and commercial real estate, operating through a network of offices worldwide.
VanHan Ltd
Managing Director
2012
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2018
London, UK
VanHan Ltd was a property advisory firm co-founded by Thomas van Straubenzee and Rory Penn in 2012. The company specialised in prime residential and commercial real estate, offering tailored advice and transaction management for high value properties before being acquired by Knight Frank in 2018.
Strutt & Parker is a UK property consultancy, founded in 1885. The firm provides professional services across residential, rural, and commercial real estate, including sales, lettings, valuation, planning, and development advice.
The charity works to improve educational infrastructure in rural Ugandan schools, building classrooms, improving hygiene and educational resources, supporting nursery, primary and secondary schools.
Thomas is the author of an article for the Cavalry & Guards Club Summer 2025 newsletter, tracing the military history of the van Straubenzee family and their long-standing service in the British Army.
Thomas was recognised for his exceptional ability to source and secure prime, and super-prime, residential properties for high-net-worth individuals. Thomas has earned a reputation for his discretion and unwavering commitment to client service.
