Property Focus caught up with Gwent estate agent Katie Darlow, of Roberts & Co, for a chat about the local property scene and what makes her tick...

PF: Who are you?

KD: Katie Darlow of Roberts & Co. I started in June 2005, so I've been in this job for 11 years this year (can’t believe it’s been that long!) I’m the manager of the Newport branch.

PF: How did you get into this line of work?

Given the family background with my dad, Alan Darlow, having been a chartered surveyor and estate agent all of his life, it seemed the ideal career for me to pursue. However, a lot of people think with the family connection I would have always planned to go into this line of business - but I didn’t always intend to. I actually did a degree in economics at Cardiff University and it was only when I started at Roberts & Co part time during the summer holidays of 2005 that I realised I loved the industry and began full time as soon as I left uni. As they say, the rest is history!

PF: What sort of properties does your agency usually sell?

KD: We sell a huge range of property from one-bedroom flats at £39,950 to fine country homes. Our most expensive in our Town & Country range is £4,250,000 at the moment.

PF: What’s in your car CD player at the moment?

KD: I like lots of different music but at the moment I can’t stop listening to Haim’s album and also (the complete opposite) the Jersey Boys soundtrack.

PF: What motivates you?

KD: I get so excited when a sale is agreed and also love completion day when you see people collecting keys to their new home. It makes the sometimes difficult sales all worthwhile. Personally, I love experiences and travelling so always want to plan my next trip/adventure and this is my main motivation for working.

PF: And what irritates you?

KD: Laziness

PF: What do you think the property scene in the area is like at the moment and how would you change it if you could?

KD: On the whole I think the property market is doing really well in Newport at present. Newport is becoming a much more desirable area to live in and is so well located in terms of getting to London, Bristol, Cardiff and the Midlands. Since the arrival of Friars Walk, the city centre has improved greatly and many people are choosing to live in Newport even though they may work in Cardiff or Bristol as the prices are too high in those areas. If I could change anything it would be to change people’s perception of Newport of old. I think it’s a great city to live in and I can only see it improving.

PF: Last film you saw and what did you think?

KD: The last film I saw was Pitch Perfect. So cheesy but I love it. Such a feel good easy watching film.

PF: If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

KD: I used to do amateur dramatics and ballet and tap when I was younger and I always think if I hadn’t gone into estate agency I would have loved to pursue a career on the stage.

PF: Who is your hero?

KD: Can I have two? My mum and dad.

PF: What one tip would you give someone trying to sell their property?

KD: De-clutter! Not everyone can look past it and first impressions are everything.

PF: And what one tip would you give someone looking to buy in the area?

KD: Drive around and look at the property from the outside first, only you can decide if the location is right for you. Be realistic with offers. Everyone usually starts lower but if you offer too low you may offend the vendor and start off on the wrong foot.

PF: If you could sell any property in the world to anyone, what would it be and who would it be to?

KD: I would sell Chatsworth House because I think it’s such a beautiful building so would love to list it and show people around. My ideal purchasers would be Ant and Dec because I’d love to meet them!

PF: Three words which sum up why buying in this area is a great idea…

KD: Location (accessibility). Price. Investment.