Interviews Simon Connell
from Property Vision
The episode, available on Apple, Amazon and Spotify delves into Simon’s career moving from property sales to becoming a buying agent and offers invaluable advice for those aspiring to enter the property industry.
After graduating from Newcastle University, Simon moved to London and spent four years learning his trade at Foxton’s estate agency, which is where he originally met Geoff. Having seen how things were done on the sales side of the fence, Simon decided to make the switch to becoming a buying agent. Simon has been with Property Vision since 2005 and advises clients on the acquisition of property across London.
Listeners to the podcast will hear Simon discussing his transition to Property Vision and what he perceives are the advantages of being on the buying side. Simon also talks about his grandfather, who founded Connell’s estate agency in 1936 and sold the business in the mid-70s to become an entrepreneur.
Simon and Geoff also discuss the impact that the newly elected Labour government, changes to non-dom status and upcoming budget are having on the property market. Simon comments: “A lot of my clients are now waiting for the budget, which is definitely having a bearing on the market. The non-dom thing is not good. We feel a little bit like we’re shooting ourselves in the foot. We should be encouraging affluents and people to invest in the UK, not trying to get rid of them. Our guys in Italy have been very, very busy with non-doms in Milan.
“But then on the flip side I think they’re going to help other little bits of the market, like the property system, in terms of planning. It’s definitely going to improve if they can see through what they’re talking about, because the planning system is broken.
“The family that I’m part of are lucky enough to go through a number of development pieces of land, and it’s difficult, it’s incredibly costly, and it takes years, and it just feels that that whole system is broken. So, if Labour can sort that out, then they’re going to suddenly get the houses…they’re making the right noises.”
Geoff Wilford, host of “The Attended Exchange, comments: “My friendship with Simon goes back to our days at Foxtons, and this episode offers a captivating look into his career journey and his decision to switch from selling to buying. Simon provides valuable insights into the other side of the transaction coin, his successes and learnings in buying, emphasising the importance of honest advice and building longstanding relationships in business.
“Simon’s perspective on London’s changing market, especially under the new government, is particularly thought-provoking. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the property world from an insider’s viewpoint and gaining a deeper understanding of what drives success in this competitive field.”
