Property People Q&A: Linden Thornton

Q: How did you start in estate agency: I was with the French oil company Total SA for 16 years culminating in a marketing communications job dealing with the motorsports partnerships such as Red Bull Racing and Renault F1. After a UK restructure I took an opportunity to leave and look for a different career path. I had always loved property and so I approached the MD of Yorkshire’s Finest and really liked the brand ethos. We decided that Calderdale would embrace the brand and have been fortunate to market some of the region’s finest homes.

Q: How is the housing market faring in Calderdale? The shoots of activity are beginning to show with new viewing requests and market appraisals up significantly over the past few weeks. There are many fantastic properties available in Calderdale across all pricing levels and of differing styles. There are sought-after areas in Halifax around the Savile Park and Skircoat Green areas, in addition to surrounding villages, such as Barkisland, Ripponden, Soyland and Norwood Green We see buyers relocating to the area to work at the Calderdale Royal Hospital and Lloyds Banking Group as well as local people both upscaling and downsizing.

Q: Are there any up-and-coming places? I would say up and coming areas would include Stainland and Greetland which offer good value character properties within easy access of the M62 motorway, which provides a link to Leeds or Manchester.

Q: If you were the Housing Minister what would you do? I would reduce the stamp duty rates on properties over £92,000K as this market has seen activity levels slow significantly.

Q: What are the best and worst things about working in property? For me the best part of the job is presenting the properties to highest standards. Coming from a marketing background I am obsessive around ensuring my listings stand out from the competition and so I use professional photographers, aerial drones and now the latest on 3D Virtual Reality tours.

The more difficult element has to be the complex and drawn out conveyancing system with many properties never actually making it to completion causing much anguish to all parties concerned.

Q: Where and what your ideal home? I am more than happy in Calderdale and I have owned several properties in the area. Ideally, I would have a period house with a couple of acres and views across one of the many stunning valleys we are blessed with here in Calderdale.