Agent Speaks... Angie Cruse

How long have you been based in Highgate?
"It seems longer than the seven years I have traded in the village. I suppose when you join a company like Anscombe & Ringland with such a long standing relationship with the area you quickly get to know both the people and networks that make Highgate so interesting and vibrant."

How has 2009 been for you so far?
"The last quarter of last year seems so long ago. We all easily forget the doom and gloom surrounding the market during that phase. Over the last ten years it has increasingly been about supply or the lack of it and today is no different. However, the volume of willing buyers has surprised me. Certainly if you had offered me today's market last year I would have gladly taken it."

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...
"It's always frustrating the see such generalised reports that envelop Sutton Coldfield, as pleasant as it is, with the highly popular Highgate and north west London market. Equally, their reports are based in the main on Land registry data, which is five months behind the true market conditions. Other reports do come to light from time to time, but usually skewed to support a different agenda. So although more favourable of late, they are still only reporting on spring conditions, which were poor by the market of today."

It's been a difficult year, but has Highgate bucked the falling house price trend?
"If I was on the proverbial donkey I would be selling plots on Saturn. London has and always will have a different market. Highgate in particular is an incredibly popular area, and area that you can safely say you have 'made it' if you are fortunate to have property in. As a result the majority of our buyers have been able to gain finance, which is most probably the main factor in bucking the UK trend."

Is this part of the capital perfect for a particular demographic?
"We attract a wide audience. Downsizes and young families along with many investors and end users, looking to exploit what is left of the 50s builds etc. Highgate offers a varied range of properties for these specific buyers and an array of architecture that keeps my work more than just a job."

What's the typical property you have on your books at present?
"It is wrong to specialise in a particular niche in the Highgate market. All clients must expect a professional service that is both pleasant and efficient, and one that maximises their assets value."

Are you optimistic for the rest of the year?
"I am an Estate Agent in the Highgate, which is about as good as it gets, so I will always remain optimistic. With respect to market conditions my experience is that economists and market analysts can tell you how it happens, but don't seem to have a good track record on advising on what will happen. So I'm sure there will be some challenges ahead but I am confident that we will deal with anything thrown at us. We at Anscombe & Ringland have the expertise in providing a tailored service. We also cover a large area and benefit from a large network of 50 offices, so we can meet our customer needs no matter what their requirements or market conditions."

Top of the props

One must see property on the books of Anscombe & Ringland Highgate

TO BUY
Highgate West Hill, N6
£550,000 Share of Freehold

With unrivalled views over Parliament Hill and a south west facing balcony, this three bedroom split level apartment offers space and a sought after location adjoining Hampstead Heath. This property also enjoys the vibrant area of the Swains Lane cafes and bistros, with exceptionally good access to the West End. In summary, the property boasts a reception room, balcony, kitchen, three bedrooms, bathroom and eaves storage.

For more information on this property and Anscombe & Ringland, contact Angie Cruse on 020 8340 2600 or visit www.anscombes.co.uk

Agent Speaks... Angie Cruse

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