Diary of an estate agent: Chelsea

The hot summer weather brings with it an abundance of renovations and an owners dog leaves a little 'present'....
Image: Weef.
7 September 2016

Monday
We meet with an important client to discuss the sale of two of his investment properties. The first flat we see has rather a tight lift, but the two of us fit, even though it is slightly on the cosy side. Thank goodness it doesn’t get stuck.

Tuesday
A developer client is starting a complete refurbishment of a house and he wants our opinion on the best interior layout, so I am off to visit him there. The site is practically a shell and the inspection requires hard hats and hi-vis jackets.

It’s the hottest day of the year so far but the visit is worth the sweat, because this property is going to be spectacular. We are often called in to advise on building projects and we relish the opportunity to see one through from beginning to end. This way our renters get what they want.

Wednesday
A lettings tour of five first-floor two-bedroom flats on garden squares in Knightsbridge is my first task of the day. The applicant first moved to London 11 years ago and this will be the third time I will have found him a flat.

I am positive that he will like one of those I am showing him, as he specifically likes the charm of London garden squares.

Later on, I am off to show a house for the second time. Having arrived early to make sure the place is well presented and looking its best, I find the owner’s dog has left me a “present” on the doormat leading to the garden — but I manage to sort the problem before the doorbell goes.

I have to remind myself to remove the plastic bag from where I’ve hidden it and take it with me when I leave.

Thursday
Most of the day is spent getting ready to launch a house that one of our clients has just finished refurbishing. We are showing three search agents around so that they can tell their clients about the place.

It’s an unusual property and now it has a 34ft kitchen/family room and a 47ft west-facing garden. The feedback is good and the search agents seem keen.

After lunch my colleagues point out that my applicant from yesterday is waiting for me outside in his classic Ferrari. He takes me for a spin which gives us an opportunity to discuss an offer he would like to put forward on one of the flats I’ve shown him.

Friday
Typically for the end of the week, we are busy with completions. One is a sixth-floor flat with stunning views over Chelsea towards Knightsbridge.

The sale has taken slightly longer than anticipated, but, due to good communication between all parties, the client and buyer are extremely happy with their results.

Yesterday’s lettings offer is accepted, so we have another happy client and happy applicant. All in all, it has been a good week.

  • Edward Simpson is a director at Ashdown Marks in Chelsea (020 7589 3353).