Diary of an estate agent: Fitzrovia

Monday
A valuation of a large two-bedroom flat on Fitzroy Square makes for an early start. There’s a beautiful living space here with big sliding doors to a roomy terrace that’s bordered by lemon trees.

Happily, my valuation is just what the owners had in mind, and they give me the instruction on the spot. Fitzroy Square is always popular, as people enjoy the idea of being neighbours with the musicians, actors and film directors who live here.

Back at the office, it’s full of people speaking animatedly in French. A family from France who we recently found a property for have brought in some friends looking for a house close to the French school.

Luckily one of our negotiators is French. She books them in to see several properties tomorrow.

Tuesday
First up is a visit to a three-bedroom, three-bathroom flat, where we are taking over the management of an existing tenancy set up by another agent. Three male university students live here — and it’s clear that cleaning is not on their curriculum.

Later I head to Soho, where it’s a story of change. Smart new blocks and converted historic buildings make great living spaces.

I’m meeting a landlord for whom we let and manage three flats. His family has been in the area many years and he misses some aspects of old Soho — but he’s happy that regeneration has boosted property prices.

Wednesday
​Sandrine, our senior lettings consultant, is very pleased to have found the perfect apartment for a lady with mobility issues who she has been working with for several weeks.

Although it is an older building, the entrance and layout of the flat are just right.

My afternoon is spent with a student and his parents, who are struggling to understand the requirements and process of being the guarantor of their son’s tenancy.

I can help here, as one of my daughters is at uni and I act as a guarantor for her. Here in the West End we’re near a number of London’s best universities and colleges, so we’re used to helping students find local homes.

Thursday
We’re spoilt for choice for great cafés round here. Today I dash into Kaffeine in Great Titchfield Street to grab a coffee on my way to value a flat that came through a recommendation.

One of the advantages of working in the West End for over 20 years is getting to know the various apartment block porters in the area.

This particular porter is leaving his post after many years. It’s a shame as I always enjoy a good chat with him, especially as we both love motorbikes.

The one-bedroom flat I’m valuing here is nicely refurbished, although the current tenant’s interesting interior design choices include a bright purple velvet chaise longue and a pink zebra print duvet set. We may have to ask applicants to bring their sunglasses.

Friday
At 2am I’m woken up by a phone call from one of our tenants who’s locked out of his flat, so I put him in touch with our key management service.

Just as I drop off back to sleep, my phone rings again and it’s the tenant letting me know he’s safely back in his flat and thanking me for my help. My wife isn’t impressed.

This afternoon I touch base with some of our landlords who I haven’t spoken to for a few days. I get into quite a lengthy conversation with one, who always enjoys a good chat about current market conditions.

He has a healthy portfolio of properties that we let and manage for him, as he lives in Greece.

I am in the process of planning my summer holiday there, so I set off for the weekend with several of his recommended venues to look up.

I might just nip into The Real Greek restaurant in Paddington Street on my way home.