Agent speaks... Hugh Grover

By Mark Kebble on August 29th 2011

How long have you been based in Islington?

25 years.

What do you like about working in Islington?

I am Islington born and bred and enjoy meeting the many different and varied personalities we come across and the interesting properties we deal with.

How has 2011 been for you so far?

We had a great start to the year, achieving record prices in a whole number of locations. 

In an area where there are many Estate Agents, what makes Hugh Grover Associates so different?

One of the advantages of being in the area for so long is that we have a genuine knowledge of the Islington market and its properties. When I first started, there were about seven agents and now there are 35 within a mile of Islington. I think pitch is important on Upper Street, but having the level of experience that I have had and indeed living here, being part of the community and supporting the community, makes me a different estate agent compared with most. We are a single office, independent agency. Collectively, our sales team have around 70 years’ experience in selling properties in Islington.

What do you make of the constant media coverage on the market?

Recent reports have been more positive and, funnily enough, the story is off the front pages. Obviously, at the moment, we have had riots and worldwide disasters which have quite rightly taken property news off the front pages. However, I think the press sway people’s opinion. Luckily, in Islington, this does not have much of an effect at all.

Any advice for applicants/vendors in this market?

Vendors – before deciding which agent to instruct, it would be prudent to get a range of opinions and valuations from a number of estate agents and asking how each agent intends to market your home. With regard to the valuation, ask them to provide you with comparable evidence of similar properties they have sold locally in order to support their valuation. Applicants – check the various property websites on a daily basis to see what new instructions have come on to the market.  Also, get to know an individual, taking their name, at the agents you are registered with in order to build a rapport. Hopefully then your name will be on the top of their list as and when they take on new instructions.

Has Islington bucked any fall in house prices?

The demand for properties in the area is still strong. Typically we have seen property prices rising this year somewhere between 5% and 10%.

Is this part of the capital perfect for a particular demographic?

We are selling properties mainly to professional City buyers due to Islington’s proximity to the Square Mile, being around 15/20 minutes away.

Are you optimistic for the rest of the year?

Yes. The demand for properties in Islington is still strong due to its closeness to the City and West End and its varied architecture, as well as the area’s many shops, restaurants and recreational facilities.

Hugh Grover, 325 Upper Street, N1 2XQ; 020 7226 1010

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