20 Questions

With Adam Crawford

What room at home is your favourite?

It would have to be the family room. I live in a townhouse and the family room is on the ground floor and opens on to the garden, so it is a lovely light and airy room, but crucially it is where I watch all my football and sport on my 65in TV! My wife calls it my man cave!

What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home?

I am a big gadget fan, so it's difficult to pick just one! I have almost every gadget going and it's what I waste most of my money on. The straightforward answer would be my iPhone as it is glued to me but my most recent toy is an Nvidia Shield streaming device, which I love.

What colour do you think everyone should have in their home?

I have a lot of greys in my house which has been through an "in" phase, but I like bright colours so I would say blues and purples – they are warm and inviting colours.

Which three people would you invite over for a housewarming party if you could have any guests?

David Attenborough as I am fascinated by wildlife and he would have so many stories. David Jason because who doesn’t want to have dinner with Del Boy? Finally, I would invite my mum as she wouldn’t forgive me if I didn’t let her attend with the other two guests!

What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home?

There were so many great memories but an overall favourite memory is our childhood dog, Paddy. He was a black collie and Labrador cross and just had the nicest nature. That or my late Dad’s antics – always making jokes and messing around.

What is your favourite song and why?

This is the toughest question ever! I am huge music fan and love nothing more than going to gigs and watching live music. Right now, I will say Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit and the reason is the raw emotion and power in the song and how it brings you down then brings you straight back with the powerful chorus.

Would you rather have a garden or a balcony?

100% a garden; somewhere my dogs can play. I like the sanctity of plants and to feel like I can relax in my own little tropical paradise.

Do you prefer modern homes or period properties?

I prefer the modern look, although I also have an appreciation of a period property with a modern interior. My ideal home would be a converted barn with high glass walls and ceilings and filled with lots of gadgets (and perhaps a swimming pool!). Adam Crawford is a Partner at Prince Evans Solicitors LLP and Head of its New Build Homes team who specialise in all aspects of new build and shared ownership conveyancing. Adam is vastly experienced in shared ownership and has worked in this sector for well over 10 years, acting not just for individuals but also for many housing associations and developers. His award-winning team at Prince Evans takes great satisfaction in helping hundreds of first time buyers achieve their dream of homeownership every year. Adam is a regular writer for First Time Buyer, writing articles to help explain the legal process of buying a home to ftbs

Would you rather have a library room or media room at home?

Definitely a media room. I enjoy reading but because I read legal documents all day I am not minded to read outside of those times.

Would you prefer a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower?

I much prefer a daily shower over a bath. So, give me a power shower every day of the week.

Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country?

I like a compromise between the two. Right now, I live on the outskirts of a town; it’s two miles to town but if I leave my house and turn the other way then it is 10 miles or more of beautiful countryside, yet I can be in central London in an hour. Compromise!

If you were buying a property overseas, in what country would you buy a home?

For me this is a very easy answer and would be a villa in Goa, India. I have visited maybe 15 times – I got engaged there, I got married there, we have lifelong friends there.

Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location?

When I was young I would say location. Now I am a little older it is all about the property. We spend so much time in our house that space is essential. Your home is your castle!

What is one thing you couldn’t live without at home?

My two Chihuahuas! I know many of you will be laughing at my choice of pet but I don’t care! I love them and they bring so much joy!

What’s your favourite way to unwind at home after work?

Work and home have blurred somewhat recently, but on those nights where I make myself log off to relax it would be to watch sport or a movie with a glass of wine or Scotch.

What’s your favourite thing about your home?

It’s big and it’s mine! I was renting before and had a very nice but very small house. Owning my own home means I can make the changes I want, it is my investment and it is spacious.

Where did you buy your first home?

It was a small new build apartment in Knaphill, Woking, Surrey.

What advice would you give a first time buyer?

Save, save, save! You do not need that £4 coffee, have a free one at home! Do not rush into anything as it’s easy to go for viewings and get excited and reserve something on the spot without thinking it through. Finally, negotiate and ask about incentives.

What are your views on shared ownership?

It’s a fantastic product that allows people into homeownership who would otherwise be years away from achieving this. I would encourage anyone struggling to buy on the open market to research it.

What are your views on the property market?

One word – crazy!! The Stamp Duty holiday lit a fire under the housing market and it is yet to slowdown. Many buyers now want to live out of the major cities and somewhere they can have a garden and this is further fuelling certain parts of the market. At some point, it will level out but it is a guess as to when that may happen.

prince-evans.co.uk