Behind the Scenes: Olivia Dunham

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up? Whereabouts do you live now?

I grew up in Shrewsbury Shropshire where I went to school. Then I went on to Edinburgh University to do History of Art. I moved to London about four years ago and am now living in Battersea.

How long have you been a team assistant for?

Just over a year now.

How long have you worked for D&G? What’s the greatest thing about working for them?

I started at Northcote road just over a year ago. The people I work with are great, it doesn’t matter if you’re having the worst day - someone will always make you laugh.

What’s the funniest story you have from your time at Douglas & Gordon?

It must have been Kids Co Day dressed up as a reindeer knocking on peoples doors. I got to one house and the old couple who lived there asked me to come inside to entertain their granddaughter. She took one look at me and said ‘I prefer DVDs’ and walked off. She must have been about five.

When you’re not in the office or showing people around, what do you do in your spare time? Any interesting hobbies we should know about?

No interesting or surprising hobbies unfortunately, I spend most of my time keeping up with my friends, which is great!

What questions do you most commonly get asked by clients/customers?

Applicants are often keen to know if a property’s in the catchments area for the local schools, Honeywell and Belleville, as it’s a really popular area with young families. Everyone also always wants to know what we think the market will do over the next year.

What advice do you have for people looking to buy in Battersea?

If you’re looking to buy and you see something you really like then don’t hang around. Sometimes I haven’t even got the details back from the printers and the property is gone!

What do you love about Battersea? What are your favourite hangouts? Where do you grab your coffee in the morning, or take a business lunch?

There are loads of great places to eat and drink.  We also have Battersea Park on our doorstep. It might sound corny, but there is a great sense of community. It’s like living in a village really. I go to the Fox and Hounds a lot as it’s my local. Powder Keg Diplomacy is good for cocktails and Bens Canteen has great food.

What would you say to anyone looking to move into the area?

As someone who lives and works in the area I’d say do it! There’s always lots going on and, despite some people’s opinion, it is easy to get to and from with Clapham Junction as well as brilliant bus routes – that was my one reservation when moving but it’s never proved to be a problem.

If you could wave a magic wand, what is one thing you would change about the property market?

I would make it easier for first time buyers to get onto the property ladder.