20 Questions

With Gemma Harris

What room at home is your favourite?

The kitchen/dining area – it’s the real hub of our home.

What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home?

The Alexa – not only is it useful for a number of different things, it’s also great for keeping the kids entertained.

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

Grey, I just love grey!

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

Michelle Obama, Katie Piper and Jacinda Ardern – three truly inspirational women who I’m sure would also know how to party!

What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home?

Curled up on my bed on those dark winter nights with a cup of hot chocolate – I will never forget that feeling of being cosy and safe.

What interior trend do you hate?

I am not a fan of Cottagecore. I don’t really like chintzy patterns, so I couldn’t bring myself to style my house in this way.

Would you rather have a garden or a balcony?

It would have to be a garden. Having three children it’s really an extended part of our house anyway – penalty shoot-outs on a balcony just wouldn’t be the same!

Do you prefer modern homes or period properties?

I do like a bit of character, so I would probably be more inclined to say period properties. That said, housebuilders are becoming much savvier in terms of adding character features to new builds, so there is a balance to be struck.

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

It would have to be a media room. I don’t think a library room would get the same use as a media room in my house.

Would you prefer to have a luxurious bathtub or enjoy a sumptuous shower?

A luxurious bathtub – there’s nothing better than a nice long soak Gemma Harris is Head of Sales and Commercial Lettings for CHP, a locally managed and governed housing provider based in Chelmsford, Essex. Gemma joined CHP just over two years ago to lead on the delivery of the sales programme consisting of both new and existing homes. With more than 20 years’ experience of working in the affordable housing sector, Gemma is passionate about shared ownership and delivering an excellent customer experience

in a bubble bath. In reality, everything in my house is always a rush and when I do manage to have a bath, I’m constantly interrupted by the kids, so it’s not something I do very often!

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

I grew up in a village, so I am a big fan of country living. However, I do enjoy the best of both where I live now – I’m a five-minute walk away from a country park, but the town centre is also extremely close by.

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

After watching far too many TV programmes about property hunting abroad, it would have to be Australia. I’ve never actually been to Australia, but it looks amazing and I think it would be a fantastic experience for us as a family.

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

A bigger property – I have a large family, so space is essential to me. Home is where you make it!

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

My dishwasher – I really don’t know how we coped before they became such a common kitchen appliance!

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

Sat in the garden with a glass of wine (if the weather is nice enough, of course!)

What’s your favourite thing about your home?

Our loft conversion. The works were completed last year and it just adds so much to our home in terms of space and light. Now we have it, I’m not sure how we managed without it.

Where did you buy your first home?

Strood just outside Rochester in Kent. It wasn’t the most attractive of properties or locations, but it enabled us to buy a bigger home, which we just wouldn’t have been able to afford to do without moving further afield.

What advice would you give a first time buyer?

Make sure you do your research on absolutely everything! This is the biggest purchase you will ever make in your life, so you have to be sure that everything about it is right for you.

What are your views on shared ownership?

I think it’s a fantastic product that makes homeownership a reality to those on lower incomes with less of a deposit.

What are your views on the property market?

I personally wouldn’t enter into the property market for a shortterm gain. For me it’s about long-term investment and security, which means that you benefit when the market performs well, but also that you have to be prepared to ride out the storm when interest rates are high and house prices are falling. Everything comes full circle eventually, but it’s not for the faint-hearted, that’s for sure!