Foreword
TIMELESS TRUST
Welcome to 1767 - a name that reflects not just a date, but a legacy. Prickett & Ellis was founded over 250 years ago, making us one of the oldest independent estate agencies in London. Through centuries of change, our values have remained constant: integrity, knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve.
This magazine is our way of opening the door a little wider, to share insights, inspirations, and stories from the neighbourhoods we know and love. Whether you’re a long-time local or discovering North London for the first time, we hope you find something here that sparks interest or feels like home.
Inside, you’ll find a celebration of beautiful homes, expert guidance on property matters, and glimpses into the culture, people and history that make this part of London so unique. From architectural gems to new design trends, we’ve curated these articles with care and character.
Prickett & Ellis isn’t just about bricks and mortar, we’re about relationships that last. For generations, our clients have trusted us to help them make life-changing moves, always with clarity, care and experience at heart.
Thank you for joining us in this fifteenth edition of 1767. We’re proud of our heritage, and just as excited about what comes next. We hope you enjoy the journey through these pages as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing them to life.
Our history
250 YEARS IN THE MAKING
Beginnings
In 1767, John Prickett, an auctioneer born in 1733, established a family business in the small village of Highgate. He married Ann from Hornsey, who managed her family’s carpentry firm, and together they had three sons. Early projects included work at Kenwood House for the Earl of Mansfield. Their son, John Jr., mapped the estate’s grounds - setting the foundation for the firm’s enduring reputation with prestigious properties.
Second Generation
John Jr. married another Ann and had at least nine children. He expanded operations by surveying and auctioning land across London, including Hendon and Wood Green. Documents from these sales remain in the firm’s archive. His work extended beyond the capital, with plans from counties like Kent, Lincolnshire, and Devon preserved
in the London Metropolitan Archives. John Jr. also served as a lieutenant in the Loyal Highgate Volunteers. Tragically, several male family members, including nephew Charles Richard Prickett, died young - likely during the Napoleonic wars.
Third Generation
George, son of John Jr., joined the firm as a surveyor and auctioneer.
By the 1820s, it became Messrs. Prickett & Sons, including George’s brother Herbert. When Herbert departed owing money, he was excluded from their father’s will. George lived near St Pancras and ran offices in Highgate and Chancery Lane. His detailed map of Highgate was featured in his brother Frederick’s 1842 book History and Antiquities of Highgate. After George’s death in 1856, his sons George and Walter took over as the Great North Railway brought a surge of development in 1867.
Arrival of the Ellises
In the 1820s or 1830s, Charles Ellis moved from Shropshire to London with his brother Thomas. Charles married Ann Hain in 1839
and had three sons. One, Henry Ellis, worked as an auctioneer’s clerk and later became a land surveyor in Chancery Lane. He built a close partnership with Walter Prickett and was executor of his will in 1884. In the 1880s, Henry opened an office near Highgate Station - still in use today - and later took over the Prickett offices on Highgate High Street as the Prickett family stepped back. The firm name evolved through partnerships and settled as Prickett & Ellis between 1885 and 1889. Henry’s sons, William Henry and Alfred, succeeded him after his death in 1899.
World War II
The Blitz destroyed the Chancery Lane office, and William Henry Ellis died soon after. Government plans to nationalise estate agencies were eventually dropped. His son John had relocated to Shropshire to become a vet.
Post War
Alfred’s son William joined in 1953 and expanded the business, opening a Hornsey office in the 1960s. His sons, Anthony and Nigel, became the fourth generation of Ellises in the business by the 1970s.
The 1980s and Beyond
William retired in 1985, just before the 1988 property crash. Prickett & Ellis endured, expanding to Alexandra Park Road (1989), Crouch Hill (1996), East Finchley and Highgate High Street (2000), and Muswell Hill (2016). As online search replaced traditional visits, some offices were consolidated, with Muswell Hill becoming a central hub.
The Youngest Generation
Nigel Ellis’s sons, Nicholas and Philip, continue the tradition - marking the fifth generation of Ellises and ninth since John Prickett. Nigel, who grew the business to six offices, passed away in February 2025. His funeral was widely attended, reflecting his respected legacy.
Nigel Ellis
1949-2025 - A TRIBUTE
Nigel Ellis, our Dad, was the man responsible for the company today. In the 1970s he transformed his fathers secretary’s office on Priory Road, into a thriving office, eventually moving it to our current Park Road office. From there he expanded into neighbouring areas.
Born in 1949 above what was to become our first Highgate office, Dad grew up across North London, Highgate, and Barnet. His parents had met and married in wartime Belgium. Dad spent many childhood holidays visiting family abroad, sometimes flying alone as young as eight. His Belgian heritage remained deeply important to him.
Travel was always part of his character. In 1973 he attempted a “round the world trip,” planning to drive to Australia to surf. After a wrong turn into Iraq and a brief stop in Kuwait, he met Susan, who was working for the
Foreign Office. They returned home to get married and Dad discovered his father was considering closing the business during a difficult period so they stepped in, beginning Dad’s 50-year chapter in the firm.
Dad represented the fourth generation of Ellises in the business, succeeding his father William (Tony), Grandfather Alfred and great-grandfather Henry, who built what is now the Barbara Gibson Properties office next to The Woodman pub. Dad took immense pride in this lineage. He organised the company’s anniversary celebrations at Kenwood House, honouring the Prickett family’s connection to the estate. He often said he was merely a custodian of something meant to last another 250 years.
Dad’s passions extended well beyond business. He loved motor racing and architecture, winning trophies hill climbing in his Gilbern Invader Mk II and remaining Goodwood member. A frequent visitor to the V&A, he drew inspiration for the distinct themes of each Prickett & Ellis office. Known for his friendly, approachable manner,
Dad was always ready to listen, to help, and to step in when needed. His kindness, integrity and quiet leadership shaped the business, and everyone who worked with him, for the better.
Nigel will be remembered by me as the kindest man I have ever known. He always thought of others before himself and if he could help in any way he would. The world is a poorer place without him and he will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He was an estate agent who could genuinely say, ‘Trust me, I’m an estate agent.’ “
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Meet Nick & Phil
OUR DIRECTORS
We are a small independent estate agency with nearly 260 years of history, a longevity built on traditional methods and genuine family values. The Prickett name has been tied to the area since the 18th century, they worked on the restoration of Kenwood House, and the Ellises joining in the 19th century. The business has remained family-run since the beginning.
I’m Nick
I’ve been working for the company since 2003 officially, although my brothers and I used to earn pocket money for licking envelopes and folding particulars in the days before the
internet radically transformed the industry. My talents lie on the creative side, having started as the photographer, my dad trained me to take pictures like he did, because he insisted no one else could do photos as well as he could. From there I branched out into all things marketing and compliance behind the scenes, whilst still working front of office, helping people find their dream homes.
I’m Philip
I joined in 2005, right when floorplans were becoming a thing estate agents needed, so carved out a role for myself doing them for the company, and eventually a few other local companies too. I also started to take over some of the IT department duties to save on outsourced costs. Gradually I knew I had to get stuck in at the front end of the business and worked as an agent in both our Crouch End and Highgate offices in the 2010s. Then in 2021 post-Covid an opportunity presented itself to retrain as a surveyor and gradually take over that side of the business, which is now where I spend most of my time, though I expect 2026 to be spent more balanced between selling homes and surveying them.
Our working principles
We put relationships before transactions. One thing our dad showed us and kept telling us is that this business is about making friends and getting along. He always used to say he would know if he could sell someone a house based on if he could make them laugh at their first encounter. Every instruction is treated as a partnership, with sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants given the same clarity, honesty and respect.
We focus on careful valuation, thoughtful marketing, fair negotiation and attentive aftercare. By listening and adapting to each client’s circumstances and recognise the seriousness of moving home, a major financial decision made under personal and family pressures. Our job is to provide clear, realistic information so clients can act confidently. This means avoiding false promises and offering straightforward guidance.
Our history is a responsibility as well as a privilege. A reputation built over generations cannot withstand favouritism or hidden facts. Each generation is expected to protect the standards handed down and keep the business worthy of the next. Remaining independent and family-led is a deliberate choice that preserves our ethos.
After nearly 260 years, what defines us is consistent respect,
We focus on careful valuation, thoughtful marketing, fair negotiation and attentive after-care. By listening and adapting to each client’s circumstances, we avoid forcing a standard script. We also recognise the seriousness of moving home, often a major financial decision made under personal and family pressures.
skill and equal treatment, values that we feel set us apart in a sector often driven by noise rather than substance.
Meet the Team
EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE
Our staff know their stuff. We have a team made up of local, experienced individuals, some of whom have even joined us after buying or selling through us themselves.
Nick
Connor Fletcher
Hidayet Huseyin
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Architecture THE JEWELS OF NORTH LONDON
North London is a vibrant tapestry of architectural brilliance, where history and modernity collide in stunning harmony.
Step into North London’s remarkable landmarks, where heritage, imagination, and community spirit come alive through architecture. From grand Victorian halls to intimate cultural gems, each place tells a story of
identity and resilience. Alexandra Palace’s sweeping presence, the proud Crouch End Clocktower, the evocative Highgate Cemetery, the stately Kenwood House, and the enduring Phoenix Cinema together form a portrait of North London’s unique cultural landscape.
These sites are more than bricks and mortar - they are symbols of history, reinvention, and creativity. Whether you’re drawn by elegance, remembrance, or the simple joy of shared experience, they reveal how architecture connects people across generations. Journey with us to discover the timeless beauty and contemporary relevance of North London’s architectural treasures.
Alexandra Palace
Affectionately known as “Ally Pally,” Alexandra Palace is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering and ambition. Built in 1873 the “People’s Palace,” offered leisure, education,
and entertainment to Londoners. With its soaring glass domes and commanding hilltop location, the building provides panoramic views over the city. Today, it thrives as a cultural hub, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and ice-skating while preserving its grand historic character.
Crouch End Clocktower
The Crouch End Clocktower, erected in 1895, is a proud redbrick landmark at the heart of the community. Built to commemorate local politician Henry Reader
Highgate Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery is both an architectural and spiritual journey. Opened in 1839, it is celebrated for its atmospheric Gothic tombs, ivy-clad pathways, and sweeping Victorian funerary design. The resting place of figures such as Karl Marx, George Eliot, and Douglas Adams, it is a site where memory, artistry, and history converge in evocative beauty.
Kenwood House
Williams, its intricate design and gothic flair reflect the civic pride of the era. The clocktower remains a gathering point, symbolising Crouch End’s identity and resilience through time.
Set within Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House is a neoclassical jewel redesigned by Robert Adam in the 18th century. Its elegant façade and refined interiors house a world-class art collection, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
The surrounding landscaped gardens create a harmonious retreat, blending architecture, art, and nature into one inspiring whole.
Phoenix Cinema
The Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley is one of the UK’s oldest continually operating cinemas, dating back to 1910. With its striking art deco auditorium and community-driven ethos, it has nurtured a century of shared cinematic experiences. Its enduring charm lies in combining
heritage with contemporary programming, ensuring it remains a beacon of cultural life.
North London’s architecture is a living story, one of grandeur, remembrance, and creativity. These landmarks embody the character of the community, each a stage upon which the city’s past and future continue to meet.
A Course for Every Level. A Club for Everyone
Muswell Hill Golf Club is a stunning parkland golf course and the ideal location to welcome golf societies.
The course is sufficiently challenging to test the very best golfer, as well as also offering a more forgiving experience to the less gifted player.
It has earned its reputation for being beautifully maintained and we are proud of its presentation. Visit our website www.muswellhillgolfclub.co.uk for a course tour.
Our convenient and accessible location makes Muswell Hill the ideal destination for your golf society. Offering views towards Alexandra Palace and beyond, we provide a number of packages and will tailor them to suit your requirements.
Our Head Golf Professional James Wood and his team can also assist with organising special prizes, clinics, Beat the Pro challenges and golf lessons. Our clubhouse boasts excellent bar and dining facilities and there is ample parking.
To arrange your golf day, please contact the general manager either by email manager@muswellhillgolfclub.co.uk or by phone 0208 888 1764.
Muswell Hill
TRANQUIL YET VIBRANT
Perched gracefully atop one of North London’s highest points, Muswell Hill offers residents breathtaking views alongside a uniquely tranquil yet vibrant atmosphere.
This sought-after neighbourhood blends the warmth of village life with the sophistication of urban living, attracting discerning families, professionals, and creatives who value both community spirit and convenience.
Life in Muswell Hill is enriched by a strong sense of connection and outstanding local amenities. Renowned for its exceptional schools and family-friendly environment, the area fosters
a nurturing community that celebrates tradition while embracing modern living. Seasonal markets, cultural events, and neighbourhood gatherings weave a rich social fabric that welcomes newcomers and long-standing residents alike.
The heart of Muswell Hill pulses along its charming high street, where a curated collection of independent boutiques, artisan shops, and essential services await. Here, bespoke tailoring shops sit beside gourmet bakeries, while intimate bookshops and wellness centres offer a touch of refinement. This thoughtful mix ensures that everyday needs are met with style and personal service.
Culinary delights abound in Muswell Hill, with an impressive array of restaurants, cafés, and historic pubs to suit every palate. From sophisticated
dining experiences to relaxed brunches and vibrant social gatherings, the area’s diverse culinary scene reflects both its cultural richness and community warmth, making it a destination for food lovers and socialites alike.
For those seeking balance and wellbeing, Muswell Hill’s verdant parks and recreational facilities provide an inviting escape. Alexandra Park and Highgate Wood offer idyllic settings for leisurely walks, while local leisure centres cater to a wide range of sporting and fitness pursuits. This harmonious blend of natural beauty, refined amenities, and a close-knit community makes Muswell Hill one of North London’s most prestigious and desirable addresses.
Formed in 1952, Layzells is now one of the leading practices in North London in property and private client matters. Our friendly, open, and professional approach enables us to deliver legal solutions appropriate to the needs of both private individuals and businesses.
Layzells prides itself on its community links and its deserved reputation for being accessible and reliable. The firm offers a traditional service and always strives to put the needs of the client first at all times. Our wealth of experience, together with a modern approach, allows us to provide a cutting edge service to solving and managing legal problems.
Our services include:
• Conveyancing
• Lease Extensions
• Licence to Alterations
• Collective Enfranchisement
• Commercial Property
• Wills and Probate and LPAs
At Layzells we all have many years’ experience and knowledge in conveyancing, which helps to ensure transactions proceed as smoothly and quickly as possible. We offer a high-quality property service during which the whole transaction will be handled by an experienced fee earner. 0208 444 0202
Property showcase
WOODLAND RISE, LONDON N10
This elegant Edwardian home offers generous, light-filled living space, period features, a lowerground apartment, and a mature rear garden, moments from Highgate and Muswell Hill amenities.
The ground floor features two beautiful reception rooms either side of the hallway, both with original stunning fireplaces. The reception room to the left is slightly larger at 21ft long with an arched window to the front and the large original windows to the back flooding the room in natural light.
Upper floors provide multiple double bedrooms, many retaining original fireplaces and fitted cupboards, alongside two bathrooms. The principal bedroom benefits from dualaspect views, and one bedroom features a mezzanine level with access to loft storage.
The lower ground floor is arranged as a self-contained one-bedroom apartment with private entrance and garden access, easily reconnected to the main house. Outside, the mature, flat garden is bordered by trees, shrubs and climbing roses, with a York stone terrace.
After more than twenty-two years helping people buy and sell homes across London, I’ve learned that this work is never really about property. It’s about people.
Every move carries a story. Stories filled with hope, pride, nostalgia and, quite often, exhaustion. Buying or selling a home compresses a lifetime of emotion into a short period of time, and in that space you see people at their most open. Courage, generosity, fear and frustration all surface at once.
The Psychology of Moving
WHY EVERY PROPERTY JOURNEY IS DEEPLY HUMAN
By Glenn Lewis – Prickett & Ellis, Muswell Hill
It still amazes me how much of ourselves we pour into bricks and mortar. A home is never just a building. It holds memories, routines and identity. When someone chooses to move, they aren’t simply changing address. They’re closing one chapter of life and taking a brave step toward the next.
The Heart Behind the Sale
Every home has its own atmosphere, its own emotional weather.
I once met a seller who paused halfway down her hallway, rested her hand on the banister and quietly said, “I just need a moment.”
In that instant it became clear to me that estate agency, at its core, is often about letting go.
I’ve watched couples light up as they imagine a future inside rooms that, moments earlier, felt empty and undecided. I’ve also sat with owners who struggle to part with walls soaked in memory. These moments are why good estate agency is as much about empathy as it is about market knowledge.
Data matters, of course, but understanding people matters more. A good agent listens beyond words. They notice hesitation, long pauses, the unspoken doubts behind confident sentences. When you guide people through the emotional journey as well as the legal process, the work becomes deeply meaningful.
A City of Stories
London amplifies emotion like nowhere else. From West Hampstead to Bow, Islington to Canary Wharf, Marylebone
to Muswell Hill, every postcode carries its own rhythm and idea of what “home” means.
The Right to Buy scheme of the 1980s didn’t just change ownership, it changed aspiration. For the first time, ordinary Londoners were encouraged to see their homes as something permanent and personal. That shift reshaped the city.
Today, former council homes are family legacies. Streets reflect layers of ambition, pressure and pride. Yet the motivation remains constant. Whether buying a penthouse or a one-bed flat, people want the same thing: a place that feels truly theirs.
When Logic Meets Emotion
Over the years I’ve worked through the financial crash, austerity, Brexit, the pandemic and the stamp-duty surge that followed. Each moment reinforced the same truth: markets move on logic, but people move on emotion.
Fear froze buyers in 2008. Confidence returned slowly, one decision at a time. Brexit brought uncertainty of a different kind, not just about money, but about identity and direction. Then COVID arrived, and suddenly home became everything.
During lockdown, calls weren’t about viewings or prices. They were about space, light, calm and community. When restrictions lifted, urgency flooded back in. Viewings, deadlines and decisions came thick and fast. Stress rose, emotions ran high, and people revealed their true selves.
emotional and financial decisions of their lives.
Moving home is one of life’s great pressure points. It magnifies what’s already there.
What Experience Teaches You
After more than two decades, I know this: people move because life changes, not because numbers do. Families grow. Priorities shift. Places that once fit no longer do.
The best agents don’t persuade, they support. Our role is to offer steadiness, perspective and reassurance. To remind people that it’s normal to feel uncertain, that taking time is allowed, and that letting go can be gentle.
Estate agency at its best isn’t about deals. It’s about presence. It’s about standing beside people as they make one of the biggest
Markets rise and fall. Governments change. Headlines move on. But the human need for belonging never fades.
That’s what has kept me passionate after twenty-two years. The people, their stories, their courage and vulnerability. Every set of keys handed over marks far more than a transaction. It signals the beginning of someone’s next chapter.
Highgate TIMELESS ELEGANCE
Nestled in the rolling hills of North London, Highgate is a prestigious enclave renowned for its historic charm, stunning architecture, and leafy streets.
The birthplace not only of Prickett and Ellis but also our founder, Nigel Ellis, Highgate attracts an exclusive community of professionals, families, and creatives who appreciate its refined yet welcoming character.
Living in Highgate offers a lifestyle steeped in tradition and enriched by vibrant community spirit. The area is celebrated for its excellent schools, charming local events, and a strong sense of neighbourliness. Highgate’s residents take pride in preserving
the village’s heritage, while embracing a dynamic cultural scene that includes art galleries, literary societies, and music events, creating an inspiring
the discerning tastes of its community. Whether seeking a refined dining experience, a casual coffee, or an intimate gathering spot, Highgate’s food scene caters to diverse preferences while maintaining an air of understated luxury. This blend of culinary excellence and community warmth makes it a favourite destination for residents and visitors alike.
environment for all ages. Highgate’s picturesque high street is lined with a sophisticated selection of independent boutiques, artisanal food shops, and essential services.
From bespoke tailors and antique dealers to elegant cafés and wellness studios, every establishment exudes quality and attention to detail, reflecting
Highgate’s abundant green spaces, including the iconic Hampstead Heath and Highgate Wood, provide breathtaking natural retreats just moments from home. With its seamless balance of heritage, elegance, and nature, Highgate stands as one of North London’s most coveted and timeless neighbourhoods.
Precision and Professionalism in Every Move, Locally, Nationally & Internationally
MET Removals & Storage Ltd is a professional and family-run removal and storage company proudly founded by three brothers - Michael, Ethan, and Troy - in 2022. Based in London, Essex, and Hertfordshire, MET Removals has quickly earned a reputation for its exceptional service, reliability, and discretion, trusted by homeowners, businesses, and high-profile clients alike.
Our friendly, punctual team is known for handling every move with care and attention to detail, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
Specialising in domestic, commercial, and international removals, MET Removals offers tailored services to suit all needs. These include house removals, pack & move services, office relocations, secure storage solutions, as well as European and overseas moves.
With features in the Welwyn Hatfield Times and trusted by professional athletes including Premier League stars Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Calvin Bassey, and Jaidon Anthony, MET Removals & Storage is a recognised and respected name in the industry.
We’re fully insured and licensed, and committed to delivering a smooth and stress-free moving experience. Whether you’re relocating across North London or abroad, MET Removals ensures your move is managed with professionalism, efficiency, and discretion.
From our London, Essex, and Hertfordshire bases, we serve customers across the UK and Europe.
Contact us today for a free no obligation quotation.
Crouch End
ECLECTIC CHARM
Known for its village feel and bustling streets, Crouch End draws families, professionals, and artists alike, all attracted by its unique blend of culture, convenience, and community spirit.
Living in Crouch End means embracing a dynamic lifestyle enriched by excellent local amenities and a thriving cultural scene. The area is home to highly regarded schools and hosts a range of community events, markets, and festivals that bring residents together throughout
Located in the heart of North London, Crouch End is a lively and creative neighbourhood celebrated for its eclectic character and welcoming atmosphere.
the year. This strong sense of community fosters a genuine connection among neighbours, making Crouch End a place where people truly belong.
The vibrant high street is a treasure trove of independent shops, artisan food stores, and specialist boutiques. From quirky vintage shops to bespoke homeware stores, Crouch End offers a distinctive retail experience that balances everyday convenience with creative flair. Residents benefit from a diverse array of services, from health and wellness studios to essential amenities, all within easy reach.
Crouch End’s culinary landscape is a delightful mix of cosy cafés, contemporary restaurants, and traditional pubs. Whether savouring brunch with friends, enjoying an evening meal, or catching up over coffee, the neighbourhood’s food scene offers something for every taste and occasion.
The variety and quality of dining options reflect the area’s vibrant, inclusive spirit.
For outdoor lovers, Crouch End boasts beautiful green spaces like Priory Park and Queens Wood, perfect for leisurely walks, these parks provide a natural sanctuary amidst urban life, supporting a healthy and active lifestyle.
East Finchley
HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT
This leafy suburb offers residents a peaceful retreat while maintaining excellent connections to the city, making it a highly desirable place to live for families, professionals, and creatives alike.
East Finchley is celebrated for its excellent schools and a vibrant local life centred around community events, markets, and activities that bring neighbours together. The area’s welcoming
Situated in the northern reaches of London, East Finchley is a charming neighbourhood renowned for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community.
spirit and close-knit community foster a sense of belonging, making it ideal for those seeking both tranquillity and social engagement.
The bustling high street is home to a diverse mix of independent shops, cafés, and essential services, providing a warm and personal shopping experience. From artisan bakeries and bespoke boutiques to health and wellness centres, East Finchley caters thoughtfully to the everyday needs and refined tastes of its residents.
Dining options range from cosy cafés and family-run restaurants to traditional pubs, offering a rich variety of culinary delights. Whether meeting friends for breakfast, enjoying an intimate dinner, or unwinding over a pint, residents appreciate the neighbourhood’s inviting and varied food scene that reflects its vibrant community.
Nature lovers will enjoy the nearby parks and green spaces such as Cherry Tree Wood and Highgate Woods, which provide idyllic spots for relaxation, exercise, and outdoor activities. The balance of natural beauty, community warmth, and convenient amenities makes East Finchley a suburb with a unique charm.
Property showcase
MARWOOD SQUARE, LONDON N10
Bathed in natural light and set over four expansive floors, this rare triple-aspect home in Muswell Hill offers stylish, modern living with exceptional space and versatility.
Upon entering the ground floor, of this triple aspect home a wide and bright entrance hall leads to the open plan kitchen/dining/ living room with doors opening out onto the garden there is also access to the garage and several storage cupboards.
Heading upstairs, the 1st floor comprises a large and particularly bright reception room thanks to its triple aspect windows, and a bedroom suite complete with built-in wardrobes, own balcony and en suite shower room.
The second floor comprises three double bedrooms including the main bedroom featuring its own dressing area and en suite shower room. The other two bedrooms share a bathroom.
The top floor boasts a large and special 16ft x 15ft room which could be used as a fifth bedroom but is currently being used as
a living/ TV Room. This room features floor to ceiling bi-fold doors and provides access to a south facing roof terrace with views towards Highgate Wood. Further features include underfloor heating throughout the house, air-conditioning in the top room.
Buying & Selling
Whether you’re buying or selling, navigating the property market can be complex. Following best practices can help you achieve the best outcome smoothly and with confidence.
For Sellers:
1. Understand the Market
• Research recent sales in your area to gauge realistic pricing.
• Consult with independent estate agents for a professional valuation.
• Consider market trends and seasonal fluctuations.
2. Presentation Matters
• Declutter and depersonalise rooms to help buyers envision their own home.
• Undertake necessary repairs or minor improvements to enhance appeal.
• Consider professional staging or high-quality photography.
3. Choose the Right Agent
• Select an independent agent with local expertise and proven sales success.
• Agree on clear terms, fees, and marketing strategies upfront.
• Ensure the agent has strong online presence and access to major property portals.
4. Marketing Your Property
• Use professional photography, detailed descriptions, floorplans and virtual tours.
• Promote across multiple platforms: online portals, social media, local press.
• Host well-organised viewings and open days.
5. Negotiating Offers
• Assess all offers carefully beyond just price (conditions, timing, financing).
• Work closely with your agent to respond promptly and professionally.
• Keep emotions in check; consider the overall package.
6. Legal and Financial Preparation
• Instruct a solicitor early to prepare for contracts and due diligence.
• Be transparent about property condition and legal matters.
• Ensure you understand your obligations, including energy performance certificates.
For Buyers:
1. Financial Readiness
• Obtain a mortgage agreement in principle before viewing properties.
• Budget realistically for purchase price, fees, and moving costs.
• Factor in potential renovation or maintenance expenses.
2. Define Your Requirements
• List must-haves vs. nice-tohaves regarding location, size, and amenities.
• Research neighbourhoods thoroughly for schools, transport, and lifestyle.
• Consider future growth and resale potential.
3. Working with Agents
• Register with reputable independent agents active in your desired area.
• Communicate your criteria clearly and maintain regular contact.
• Arrange viewings efficiently and take detailed notes.
4. Viewing Properties
• Visit multiple properties to compare and contrast.
• Inspect carefully, noting any issues or potential costs.
• Ask questions about property history, boundaries, and any planned developments.
5. Making an Offer
• Base your offer on market research and property condition.
• Be prepared to negotiate; seek advice from your agent.
• Consider conditions such as survey results or financing.
6. The Buying Process
• Instruct a solicitor or conveyancer promptly after offer acceptance.
• Organize surveys and inspections to uncover hidden problems.
• Stay engaged with all parties to ensure a timely and smooth exchange.
General Tips for Both Buyers and Sellers
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with market conditions and legal changes.
• Patience and Flexibility: Property transactions can be unpredictable - adapt and remain patient.
• Professional Advice: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from experts on taxation, surveys, or legal matters.
Lettings
LETTING MADE SIMPLE
Whether you’re a first-time landlord or a seasoned property professional, this best-practice guide covers the essential steps to ensure a smooth, compliant, and stress-free letting experience.
Letting a residential property involves more than finding a tenant - it’s about compliance, safety, and good communication. This streamlined guide outlines key responsibilities for landlords and letting agents to ensure a smooth and legal tenancy.
Landlord Pre-Letting Checklist
Safety Compliance
• Obtain a valid Gas Safety Certificate (renewed annually), EPC, and Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) (every five years).
• Fit smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide detectors where required.
Legal Requirements
Protect the tenant’s deposit in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) within 30 days.
• Serve the latest “How to Rent” guide, EPC, gas certificate, and deposit protection details before move-in.
• Complete Right to Rent checks on all tenants. Documentation
• Provide a clear Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement and a detailed inventory.
• Share full landlord or managing agent contact details as per legal obligations.
• Ensure the property is clean, safe, and ready to occupy.
Letting Best Practice (During Tenancy)
Tenant Onboarding
• Clearly explain responsibilities, rent payment terms, and emergency procedures.
• Provide welcome information about bin days, meters, local amenities, and appliance instructions.
Property Management
• Conduct regular inspections (typically every 3–6 months), giving at least 24 hours’ notice.
• Address repair issues promptly and document all maintenance work.
• Keep communication professional, consistent, and logged.
End of Tenancy
• Provide clear instructions for checkout and return of keys.
• Carry out a final inspection with inventory reference.
• Return deposit promptly, minus agreed deductions.
Additional Tips
• Use digital systems for communication, rent tracking, and document sharing.
• Stay updated on legislative changes, especially the upcoming Renters Reform Bill, which will impact eviction rights, rent increases, and fixedterm contracts.
• Aim for energy efficiency improvements ahead of future EPC changes, which may soon require a minimum of Band C.
Following this checklist helps ensure a compliant, respectful, and professional rental experience - for both landlords and tenants.
Moving Checklist
HAVE A SUCCESSFUL MOVE
Moving home is one of life’s biggest transitions - but with the right preparation, it can be smooth, efficient, and even enjoyable.
8 Weeks Before Moving
• Confirm your official completion/ move-in date with solicitors or conveyancers
• Decide how you’ll move: a removal firm, van hire, or friends helping with a DIY move
• Obtain multiple quotes for removals or van hire to compare costs in advance
• Create a moving folder or digital file to store all important documents and receipts
6–4 Weeks Ahead
• Begin decluttering non-emotional rooms (e.g. kitchen, bathroom)sell, donate, or discard items you don’t need
• Order or source packing materials early (boxes, tape, labels) - free from local shops where possible
• Start packing non-essential items room by room, labelling each box with rooms and contents
2 Weeks Prior
• Dismantle furniture, safely pack electronics and kitchenware, and empty drawers to prevent damage
Moving Day
• Take final meter readings at old and new properties (and photograph them for proof)
• Do a final tour of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind; confirm key handover with solicitor or estate agent
Set up utility switchovers: gas, electricity, water, broadband, TV, phone - give adequate notice and take meter readings
Notify banks, insurers, employer, HMRC, DVLA, TV Licensing, council tax, GP/dentist, subscriptions, and Royal Mail for redirection
• Use a spreadsheet or shared checklist to assign tasks and track progress, especially if others are involved
1 Week Before
Pack a “first-night essentials box” containing teas, mugs, chargers, toiletries, medications, basic kitchen items and bedding
Confirm with your removal company - check timing, parking, insurance, and crew arrival
• Check utilities in the new home - electricity, gas, heating, water, alarms - and change locks if needed for security
• Give clear instructions to movers and offer refreshments; keep valuables and important documents with you
Post-Move (Within 1–2 Weeks)
• Finalise change of address across any remaining services and subscriptions, and register to vote at your new address
• Change NHS GP/dentist, register with local council for council tax setup, and confirm insurance cover for new home
• Continue decluttering as you unpack - leave what you don’t need or give it a second purpose in your new home
Your Vision, Our Expertise
4Front Construction Ltd is a family-run business, with over 25 years of experience in the building industry.
We are based in the London and Essex area and we specialise in a wide range of services, including extensions, refurbishments, loft conversions, and new builds, and our commitment to excellence and attention to detail ensures that every project, no matter the size, is completed to the highest standards.
As a close-knit team, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, reliable results with a personal touch. Our clients often return to us for their future projects or refer us to friends and family, a reflection of the trust and satisfaction we’ve earned over the years. Telephone: 0208 5938769
Helping You Keep Your Heating on at Home
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• Boiler Diagnostics and Repairs
• Heating System Design and Installation
• Servicing and Gas Safety Certificates
• Unvented Cylinders - Megaflo
• Smart Controls
• LPG Certified
• Legionella Testing & Sampling