Why is this agent so besotted with our city?

Occupation: Sales Manager

What’s different about your agency?

Collinson Hall are local, independent and family-owned. The services we offer cover residential/commercial sales and lettings, to property and block management. I enjoy working here as I know there’s a commitment to doing the job really well – which is how it should be.

Where do you live and with whom?

I currently live on Grange Street, which is within the “Garden Fields” conservation area of the city centre. I live with my wife Kamila (who also works for our thriving letting department) and our two children, Sophia and Sam.

Why did you buy your current home?

Location, location, location. Living in the city centre we really are spoilt for choice. Excellent schools, great restaurants, superb transportation links...oh, and my commute to work is about 7 minutes, by foot!

If you weren’t an estate agent, what would you be?

A professional footballer for QPR. The way we’re playing this season I think I could still make the first team, even at the age of 43.

What was your first property like?

My first house was a two up two down on Dalton Street in 1997 for £82,000. At the time it seemed like a huge amount of money, for me at least.

What feature would your dream house have?

It would back onto a golf course, and be within easy reach of the coast.

What would you say to someone interested in relocating to St Albans?

Once here you’ll find it very hard to leave. It’s got everything from single life in the pubs to family life in the schools. It’s proving to be the UK’s numer 1 place to live. I’d be loathed to leave; unless someone gave me a million pound salary elsewhere, or dragged me out in a box. It’s rare to live somewhwere all your life that you don’t feel the need to break away from.

If you could have a holiday home, where would it be?

Pebble Beach in California, would be ideal. Or somewhere rural, in France. Close to a golf course!