Diary of an estate agent

11 April 2012
The Weekender

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Monday

We had an architect in today who had spent many hours admiring the London Eye when it was lit up. He was looking for a loft-style apartment in County Hall with views of the wheel. I told him we had such properties both to rent and buy, and he promised to come back later in the week when he was more sure about his budget.

Like many people, he is keen to move to the South Bank because of its central location, as well as its growing number of theatres, museums, restaurants and bars.

In the past five years, the area has been transformed from rundown and bleak to trendy and desirable. The wonderful spacious warehouse conversions in the area are full of character, and the average property price is £350,000: a far cry from the days when you could pick up a two-bedroom riverside apartment for a mere £40,000.

During the afternoon we took a different kind of enquiry about the London Eye: a group of Japanese tourists came into the office asking to buy tickets. As we are situated practically opposite the wheel, we are used to pointing tourists in the right direction.

Tuesday

I was pushed to my limits today by a difficult client who bought a one-bedroom flat in a converted mews house off Southwark Street last week, and continues to cause me a lot of grief. The leasehold flat cost £260,000 and nearly caused the purchaser, a rather neurotic and stressed-out American doctor, o have a nervous breakdown.

I knew from day one, when she put in her offer, that I was in for a rough time: her first e-mail was two pages long and detailed her anxieties about the lease, the structural state, the décor and the neighbours. Every other day, I had to deal with similar messages. The deal nearly fell through when she discovered the front door had been moved two inches from where it should have been on the lease plan.

She finally completed the deal last week and I thought she was gone from my life for ever. But, no: she returned to ask me how to operate the central heating and to complain about the dirty state of the flat. It will soon be me who needs carting off for medical help.

Wednesday

We had a couple in today who, thoroughly fed up with transport problems getting to work, have decided to move to central London to improve their quality of life. They said they would love a two-bedroom riverside property and particularly liked the South Bank area: being arty types, they thrive on a cultural atmosphere. The pair have a budget of £450,000.

This afternoon, we visited three properties in the area. My clients fell in love with a flat in the popular Bankside Loft development. It is very close to their places of work and is also handy for Tate Modern. The have now gone away to seriously consider their offer.

Because of the continuing problems with rail travel, there has been a definite upturn in enquiries in the capital for smaller, cheaper properties that can be used as weekday pieds-à-terres.

Friday

This morning, I valued a small erraced house near Waterloo. With its beautiful landscaped raised- patio garden, 40ft reception room and country kitchen, this charming home is not typical of the area. I expect it will sell very quickly for around £450,000.

The owner was surprised at the home s value: she paid around £20,000 for it 20 years ago. She is half French and says she stayed in the house for so many years because she loved being able to pop over to Paris on the Eurostar to see her friends.

The transport facilities in the area are so convenient, especially now the Jubilee Line has been extended.

Adrian Mason is manager of Frank Harris and Company, SE1 (020 7620 3400)

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