Ricky Dengel is the sales manager at Sandfords, Primrose Hill. He dreams of a stucco-fronted Little Venice mansion while renovating his family home in Harpenden.

What’s special/different about your agency?

Sandfords is an independent agency with a great network of offices operating in a very select vicinity. Our focused expansion since we were established in 1985 has enabled us to become specialists in the central and north west London area. Directors within the company accumulate a wealth of experience and local knowledge, and each one is very hands on within the offices. Our secret for success is that we genuinely love our home patch, it’s the best part of the best city in the world.

Where do you live and with whom?

I have actually only recently moved and I now live in Harpenden with my wife and our two children.

Why did you buy your current property? What’s your favourite thing about it?

Our decision to move was focused around our children and their schooling. The house we bought is a real family home with a big garden, perfect for the kids.

My favourite thing about the house has to be the large kitchen/ family room, which is where we spend most of our time.

Do you prefer a fixer-upper or plush new-build?

I much prefer a fixer upper as it allows you to put your own stamp on it. My wife and I are currently planning on a few refurbishment projects in our new home as well as thinking of undertaking a loft conversion.

If you knew then what you know now, what would you tell yourself when you bought your current home?

When you work in the property industry you do have the benefit of seeing lots of different properties so when you’re looking for your own home you know exactly what you want. You become more decisive on not only what you want but what you need.

When did you buy your first property and what was it like?

I bought my first property 17 years ago in Little Venice. It was a studio flat on the raised ground floor of a Victorian house.

What’s your dream house?

My dream house would have to be a stucco fronted period house on Blomfield Road in Little Venice with views over the Grand Union Canal.

How long have you been an estate agent?

I have been an estate agent for 20 years now.

What are the most common mistakes clients make?

There are a few common mistakes that happen, but I believe if you pick an agent that you trust and they give you the correct advice about selling your home then these mistakes can be avoided.

What are your top tips for the area you’re based in?

It’s a very competitive market at the moment so my advice for anyone selling/buying would be to get yourself in a strong positon. Have your finances arranged and your current property under offer or sold. Also, form a good relationship with your local agent, ask them for advice and use their local knowledge.

On a more general note, I would recommend to anyone to have dinner at any one of the wonderful restaurants in Primrose Village and then to take a stroll to the top of Primrose Hill to soak in the spectacular view.

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