‘When you see your ideal home, it becomes a love affair’ advises Archway estate agent

Malcolm Levy, the sales manager at Hotblack Desiato’s new Archway branch is a seasoned north Londoner whose ideal home is Windsor Castle.

Where do you live and with whom?

I have always lived in North or North West London. I couldn’t think of living anywhere else. I live my wife, my children and Milo the dog.

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

It’s funny as I have recently moved as the kids are growing up and have begun to flee the nest and get their own places. People’s needs change as they move through life and I am loving living a bit further out of town. It’s not quite the countryside but I am enjoying the greenery.

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

Some of the new builds I see now are so well built with all mod cons to make living so much easier. Having said that, you can’t beat a Victorian terrace with all the original features. I don’t think that’s an easy decision, it really depends on the individual property.

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

Well, as I’ve only just bought it, hopefully I did it using my many years of knowledge built up by working in property! My kids often ask me for advice and I try to help them but at the end of the day, if a place is going to be home you have to love it – I really think that when you see your ideal home, it becomes a love affair.

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

In 1979 my wife and I bought our first marital home. I have fond memories of raising our young children in that home. I guess if I was buying my first place now, I would be looking around Archway as it has such good transport links and the dynamics of the area are constantly changing.

What’s your dream house?

Windsor Castle

How long have you been an estate agent? What’s the worst thing you’ve seen on the job?

I’ve seen many things in my 40 or so years but I see less weird things these days – maybe we’re all becoming more sensible!

What are the most common mistakes clients make?

Not using Hotblack Desiato to sell their home!

What are your top tips for the local area?

We have only been here a week and I have discovered the best coffee in north London at Bread and Bean on Junction road. The best Italian restaurant around here is 500 at the top end of Holloway road. Pubs? Not really been to many yet but the St Johns has always been good.