20 Questions

With Ben Mole

What room at home is your favourite?

I would say the living room. We recently moved into a new house and have been redecorating. The living room was the first room we finished, so we've spent a lot of time in there, away from the mess in the rest of the house! The rest of our downstairs is all open plan, so it feels extra snug, especially since it’s got colder!

What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home?

Our Hive heater. Really useful to control through the app, if we need a little boost to the heating or to turn the heating on just before we get home. Equally, while we’re away on holiday it’s really simple to turn it off, helping to save some money on heating bills.

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

We have a lot of earthy colours in our home at the moment; all through furniture and soft furnishings. We whitewashed all the walls as soon as we moved in for a neutral starting point, so our colour comes from elsewhere. A really nice mustardy armchair complements neutral sofas in the living room and we’re quite big on house plants at the moment to bring in those greens and browns.

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

Eric Cantona was my idol growing up, but I think for the stories he could tell, Sir Alex Ferguson would have to be my football guest. I’d have so many questions! Will Ferrell perhaps for the comedy, he’s someone who just makes me laugh. And then I’d say someone like Stephen Fry, as I don’t think the conversation would ever run dry, or maybe Elton John. I’ve just finished his autobiography and he knows everyone and has endless stories and anecdotes to tell.

What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home?

I know this answer should be about something more meaningful but I still remember our first PC, which meant I could buy Championship Manager! I’d always play it at a friend's house and was so excited.

What is your favourite song and why?

This is probably the hardest question for me. I’d say Many of Horror by Biffy Clyro. Great band and one I never tire of hearing.

Would you rather have a garden or a balcony?

Garden. Our new house has a garden and I love it, having moved from a flat with no outdoor space. I love getting the barbecue out and sitting in the sun with a few beers. Roll on the summer.

Do you prefer modern homes or period properties?

I love the architecture and features of period properties but am very much one for all the mod-cons. Can I choose a hybrid? Ben Mole is Marketing Manager at Optivo, one of the largest housing providers in the UK and a member of the G15 group of London’s largest housing associations. The group operates across London, the South East and Midlands, selling homes through shared ownership, Help to Buy and open market sale. Ben has worked in the housing industry for just under 10 years, with a particular focus on shared ownership

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

Media room. I like to read but watch more TV, especially live sport.

Would you prefer a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower?

I’m more of a shower person but my wife loves her bath, so to keep the peace I’d say both!

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

City. I’ve always lived in London and love the buzz. With travel being restricted, we’ve explored the UK a lot more and enjoyed country walks and the slower pace, but not sure I could do it full time!

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

I’d say Spain I think. Somewhere south, with hot weather most of the year, easy access to the coast and near a proper traditional Spanish old town for evening tapas.

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

Better location. I’d say me and the wife are generally out more than we are in, so location is key for us. Less cleaning too…

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

I’d say my bed. I do like a weekend lie-in.

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

Normally with a bit of TV; a couple of episodes of whatever I’m bingeing at the time. Currently it’s Succession. It’s brilliant.

What’s your favourite thing about your home?

I’d say the garden. It needs a fair bit of work and I’m slowly learning from my parents how not to instantly kill all the plants, but love being able to work outside when the weather allows.

Where did you buy your first home?

In Kingston upon Thames where I grew up. I bought with my brother and a friend and treated it as an investment. It was an old rental property but in a great location near Richmond Park and 10 minutes from Kingston train station. We gutted the place, decorated everything, managed to extend and add an extra bedroom and get some value from it once we sold. We lived there about three years in the end and I have loads of great memories of living in that house.

What advice would you give a first time buyer?

Speak to a financial adviser so you get a good understanding of the different products available to you and your budget. Don’t be afraid to ask questions at any stage, because it’s new to everyone at one point, and I think I’d say trust your gut; does it feel like home as you walk in, can you see yourself living in the home? You’ll be amazed at how you’ll walk into a space and it’ll just feel right.

What are your views on shared ownership?

I’ve been in this sector, with a particular focus on shared ownership, for nearly 10 years and I’ve seen how it’s helped people achieve their homeownership dreams when they really thought they wouldn’t be able to, particularly where they have low deposits. The thing that really strikes me from my experience working for and with housing associations, is the genuine passion everyone has for it.

What are your views on the property market?

It’s ever-changing. Who knows what the next few months will bring? All that’s certain is the uncertainty!