Property people Q&A: Patrick McCutcheon

How did you end up in estate agency? A university education wasn’t the norm in our family and, despite the protests of my teachers at Bradford Grammar, I was determined to work as soon as I left school. The careers evening in our final year was attended by various outsiders, all keen to promote the merits of their chosen career paths. I looked out of the window to see who had the nicest car. Sadly, neither the lawyer or accountant had come that day – hence my trajectory 
into estate agency.

How is the housing market faring? Wharfedale remains one of the most vibrant property markets. This year we have seen a slower start than 2017, but as the weather is warming, hopefully the market will follow suit.

What would you do if you were Housing Minister? The most recent stamp duty changes are impacting on a family’s ability to move home, so that would go. I am also a passionate believer that there should be more higher quality social housing – celebrating fresh modern design and specification. Quality design creates pride and a stronger community.

Where and what your ideal home? Being a Yorkshireman, 
it would have to be a classic 1920s stone-built period property – so typical of Ilkley. Except it needs to have a Cornish seaside view and a winter climate akin to that of southern Spain.