Diary of an estate agent: Knightbridge

Monday
My Monday starts off just as I like it — busy. I receive a call from my longest-standing tenant who I have housed four times over the past 12 years. Sadly, he has to move out of the home he is currently renting, a three-bedroom flat in Mayfair, as his landlord has decided to sell the property.

I’m pleased to be working with him and his lovely family again. He is looking for the same kind of property but is open to other locations, so we are going to search in Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Chelsea and Mayfair.

I send him a list of properties I think will work and a tour is booked for later this week. I know what they like now, so I’ll preview the properties for them.

Tuesday
Heading out of the door to an appraisal, my colleague and I get caught in a downpour — and so does one of our tenants who calls to say she has been sunbathing on the roof terrace but the heavy rain has triggered the water-sensitive terrace door and it has slammed shut, leaving her standing there in her bikini.

Well, at least she’s dressed for the occasion. A rescue mission ensues and she is soon back inside and drying out.

We set off again to our appraisal of a lovely two-bedroom penthouse overlooking Ennismore Gardens. The views are outstanding and the flat has had a beautiful renovation.

Thankfully, after two years of not working, the lift is fully operational at last. Not many tenants would be happy about a fourth-floor walk-up. We look forward to getting the flat on to the market at £1,350 per week.

Wednesday
After a busy day arranging a rental just off Park Lane in Mayfair, it’s the annual Motcomb Street Party.

This charity event is celebrating its 30th year and I go along with the team to enjoy the live music and a drink or two.

Many people don’t realise that Knightsbridge and Belgravia have such a great community spirit, but those who live and breathe the area know it has a real village atmosphere pulsing away just beneath the surface — there is so much to discover here.

Thursday
We have been advising on a new-build development of two magnificent four-bedroom houses in Westminster, which are due for completion this summer.

Last October, tenants of mine called to say that they wanted to move to Westminster to be nearer their son’s school. I decided to take a risk and show them the building site. In hard hats and hi-vis jackets, we heard the enthusiastic project manager explain how the shell would become a stunning house.

After a couple of weeks of deliberation my tenants decided to make an offer.

We’re back there today to check on progress before the tenants move into the house this August. They had a say in the paint colours and finish of the property, so they’re excited to see how the works have come on.

Friday
In Cadogan Place, I am re-valuing a penthouse flat we’ve rented four times over the years. It overlooks the garden square and has three bedrooms, an amazing reception space, roof terrace and a porter — very popular in this area.

After only one viewing we give the landlord the details of a very good offer. The flat needs quite a bit of work to make sure it’s up to Knightsbridge standards but the landlord confirms he is happy for this to be completed. A perfect end to the week.