Hampstead has excellent schools, so start looking early if you want to relocate here with children, advises head of lettings Danny Samuels

What’s special about your agency?

Our dedicated team has over 150 years combined experience and a deep-rooted network of contacts and clients from both the UK and abroad. Our association with some of the world’s largest corporate institutions, banks, law firms, as well as to the world of entertainment and sport, regularly provide us with buyers and tenants on an exclusive basis. This coupled with our commitment to personal service and the outstanding results we achieve make us special.

Where do you live and with whom?

I live in Loughton in Essex with my wife, Anna.

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

I bought my house with my wife as we wanted somewhere bigger to start a family. We love the space and the quiet.

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

I would try my hand at being a watch dealer. I love watches and fine timepieces and I’ve always been interested in horology - plus you still get to meet plenty of people.

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

I bought my first property in 2003. It was a two bedroom garden flat in Chigwell and the interest rates were the lowest they had been for 46 years! Not as low as now but relative for the time.

What’s your dream house?

Probably a five/six bedroom detached house in Essex not too far from my friends and family. Plenty of space for everything along with perfectly tended gardens, tennis court, gym and cinema room! Something classic but with all the mod cons and techno gadgets to make it a ‘smart home’.

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

I’ve been an agent for over 18 years starting as a junior and working my way up to Head of Lettings for TK International. I’ve done pretty much every aspect of the job and am happy to get stuck in to get the job done, whatever that is. The most shocking thing I’ve seen was after confirming a viewing with the current tenants of a property, I turned up with the prospective tenants and the current ones continued to shower while ushering in the people viewing without batting an eyelid or the proper use of a shower curtain!

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

During my time in the industry apart from the changes in legislation over the years I don’t think much has changed in principle. Lettings is different to sales in as much as it’s a faster pace and slightly less to think about for some, but what astonishes me is the fact that even through the crash of 2007/8 the market has bounced back stronger than before. The private rental sector is bigger than ever and continues to grow.

What are your top tips for the local area?

Hampstead provides a wealth of culture and experience with its galleries, antiques, boutique shops and coffee houses as well as some great open spaces to walk the dog. The Hampstead arts festival that we sponsor is brilliant and schools are excellent so if you are thinking of relocating to the area with children then look early!

Are you good at Monopoly?

You would have to ask my friends this although I am highly competitive and always want to win at everything!

TK International