Combining two of London’s greatest passions - coffee and real estate - Gavin Juniper runs estate agency with a difference, Housepresso along with his co-Kentish Towny Amon Amouzandeh.
What’s special/different about your agency? Why the café?
Amon and I are the only Estate Agency Directors in the area who both live here too. We work end to end with our clients on a one to one basis .Amon grew up here, I moved here in 1996 when I met and then married a girl from Oakford Road. The coffee shop was inspired by the story of how Lloyds of London grew from a coffee house in the City. It’s a more informal place to do business. We also welcome co-workers to come and use the tables and wi-fi.
Where do you live and with whom?
I live on Grafton Road with my wife Helena and daughter Edie. Our older kids Aaron, Ben and Lily lived with us until earlier this year. They are now off on their own adventures in life. Amon lives on Healey street with his wife Melissa and son Zavi.
Why did you buy your current property? What’s your favourite thing about it?
We bought our house for the size and location. It’s a four bedroom Victorian terrace really close to Hampstead Heath and Queens Crescent market. We have the best of everything. Also, the schools locally just can’t be beaten, there is a great choice.
Do you prefer a fixer-upper or plush new-build?
Fixer upper every time. I see too many fantastic homes through work to not want to try some new ideas at home.
If you knew then what you know now, what would you tell yourself when you bought your current home?
Buy it.
When did you buy your first property and what was it like?
My first flat was a shared ownership one bedroom flat in Ladbroke Grove in 1993, with a girlfriend. I got offered work in the USA so I signed the deeds over to her. We’re still friends. She now lives in the south of France.
What’s your dream house?
Somewhere in Kentish Town, walking distance to the Heath. Maybe with a secret underground lair full of tropical fish tanks.
How long have you been an estate agent? What’s the worst thing you’ve seen on the job?
I’ve been in agency for 11 years. I started at Benham & Reeves covering for someone who was off with an illness and decided to stay in the business. Previously I worked as a tour manager for The Cult, the band who did She Sells Sanctuary.
The worst thing I’ve seen is an unscrupulous boss not paying the due commission to his staff. And flyers boards, I hate when agents do that.
What are the most common mistakes clients make?
Overvaluing their property and not properly preparing it for sale. That’s where we can help with genuine long-term local intelligence.
What are your top tips for the local area?
Walk on Hampstead Heath as much as you can, eat somewhere new every week – Delicious on Kentish Town Road is brilliant for Venetian Italian. The Kentish Town City Farm. I don’t drink alcohol but Amon says the Grafton and Camden Brewery are his favourite watering holes. I like what Willy Borrell has done opposite us at Ladies and Gentleman. Have a coffee with us. Property wise my tip is the roads off and around Grafton Road, Queens Crescent and Malden Road.
@HousePresso
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