20 QUESTIONS Abi Culley With

What room at home is your favourite?

It’s got to be our amazing dual-aspect “studio” with high sloped ceilings, which is a great side addition to the main part of the house. Over the past five years it has changed from a cinema room, to baby nursery and now a playroom for a busy four-year-old while still being a comfy place to relax and watch a film together.

What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home?

Probably our home safety system. When our son was younger we could remotely check into his room when needed, we can view cameras both internally and externally, and set an alarm via our phone. I regularly check to see what the dogs are up to when we are at work, but best of all I loved telling our son that Father Christmas was watching him last year!

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

Dark blues and grey-blues complement wood tones perfectly. Which three people would you invite over for a housewarming party if you could have any guests?

Adele to entertain everyone with her music and Tom Kerridge creating some amazing food for everyone to dig in and enjoy. Most importantly though, my best friend since I was five, who I only get to see a few times a year.

What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home?

I was fortunate to grow up in the North Norfolk countryside in a lovely home, secluded and with an amazing variety of pets. My favourite memory is of our Rayburn. While it could get very warm leaving it lit all year round, I did love how my pet chickens would let themselves through the dog door and settle down in front of it. What interior trend do you hate?

So many cushions on a sofa that you cannot physically sit on it!

Would you rather have a garden or a balcony?

Definitely a garden. It was so important to us in the first Covid lockdown, with glorious sunshine and a toddler at home we loved the fact that we had our outdoor space to keep him entertained and a space for us to relax.

Do you prefer modern homes or period properties?

I appreciate both. I grew up in a period red brick Norfolk barn conversion surrounded by fields, but having lived in Leeds since I was 18, I’m happy in a five-year-old home we bought as a new build. Would you rather have a library room or media room at home? Media room. I can't sit still for long enough to fully appreciate reading, but we love music and snuggling up to watch a film.

Abi Culley is Operations Director at LSL Land & New Homes, The PX Hub and The SO Hub. She has worked in homes sales, valuation, estate agency management and shared ownership. In 2017 she played a key role in the growth of The PX Hub, which manages the part-exchange of property for developers. In 2020, Abi was responsible for the start of The SO Hub (shared ownership), delivering volume sales and marketing to housing associations and registered providers nationally lsllandandnewhomes.co.uk

Would you prefer a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower?

A sumptuous shower is just more practical for every day. Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country?

I loved growing up in the beautiful Norfolk countryside, it’s a lovely upbringing for children and a serene way of living, and I love the idea of moving to the country someday. On the other hand, I remember my poor parents driving me everywhere as we had no bus routes, I’m a city girl now, and being just on the outskirts gives me convenience but still open countryside within walking distance. If you were buying a property overseas, in what country would you buy a home?

That’s easy, Australia!

Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location? Better location. The most important factors for me are road networks, transport links and schooling.

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

The dishwasher!

What’s your favourite way to unwind at home after work? Chatting to my son and my wife about their day and planning our next adventures.

What’s your favourite thing about your home?

Our home is special because it is the only place our son has known, and it’s so versatile, ready to adapt to us as we grow.

Where did you buy your first home?

Kirkstall in Leeds.

What advice would you give a first time buyer?

A good strategy is to write a list of your absolute non-negotiables and then have your nice-to-haves on the side and assess each home against them. Also, make sure you familiarise yourself with the area, visit at rush hours, tea time and the weekend to get a good idea of what it’s like. The whole experience can be an emotional rollercoaster so try to have a good sounding board of people who have bought a home before. If in doubt, go with your gut.

What are your views on shared ownership?

One of the businesses I am responsible for running is The SO Hub, so I have a huge passion for shared ownership and the springboard it gives people to full homeownership. In the current housing market, and with cost of living pressures, we are hearing more and more buyers say that shared ownership is now their only option to buy their own home, and ultimately, it’s often more affordable than renting. My first home was shared ownership and it allowed us to then move up the ladder once I started my career, so I have experienced first-hand how it can help homeownership aspirations. What are your views on the property market?

Things are slowing down from post-lockdown levels, but there is still a positive level of interest in properties and desire to move. The other business I am responsible for running, The PX Hub, is seeing the use of PX and Assisted Move schemes increase; with buyers having help to sell their homes, we expect that to continue. With the loss of Help to Buy we are seeing more buyers coming to the market for shared ownership at higher initial share levels. There is a desire for people to move but affordability is at the forefront of people’s minds.