Born and raised in Canonbury, Jake Perkins of Hotblack Desiato knows his manor inside out, but wouldn’t mind moving in to Buckingham Palace

What’s special about your agency?

We are the oldest agency in Islington and combine our depth of knowledge about the borough with a desire to offer the best service possible to all our clients.

Where do you live and with whom?

I am married with 4 children and having bought them up in Islington, we moved to Dorset 5 years ago and so divide my time between North Dorset and Islington, so I am very lucky.

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

I bought one of the old Metropolitan police flats in Canonbury, which has been fantastic as its so quiet and peaceful. Having been born in Canonbury it is certainly my manor and I have many family members nearby.

If you weren’t an estate agent what would you be?

Well I was a ski instructor in France for 6 years so I have had my other dream job, but I guess nowadays it would be an architect as they get to do some amazing things. Islington certainly seemed to have more than its fair share of outstanding ones such as the Sanei Hopkins partnership.

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

Petherton Road and it was 20 years ago, my wife and I moved in on our wedding night. It only had 2 bedrooms so we moved on when our second child was on the way. It was a great space although it was not in great order and we could not afford to do anything to it, but we loved it just the way it was.

What’s your dream house?

Buckingham Palace, great views and great gardens otherwise anything wild, rugged and great views of the sea.

How long have you been an estate agent? What’s the most shocking/surprising thing you’ve seen on the job?

I have been an agent for 21 years and a hoarders house was the most shocking. When I first went in I had to walk over at least a foot of newspaper and plastic containers of all shapes and sizes. You could barely get into any of the rooms and it was not a small house. 25 skips later it did not look so bad as it had been covered up and not altered since the 1920’s.

How has the local property market changed since you started out?

The condition of the homes is the biggest difference and the amount that people spend on the finish has greatly increased. Finding a wreck these days now comes at a premium.

What are your top tips for the local area?

I was told by an old friend last week about the Newington green fruit and vegetable shop, which has newish owners and is fantastic. Also the Marquess Tavern for a good pint and a steak.

Are you good at Monopoly?

Love monopoly, but my children have wised up to my negotiating skills and so I rarely win nowadays.

Hotblack Desiato