20 QUESTIONS Coralie Phelan With

Coralie Phelan is Partner and Head of New Build Homes at Prince Evans Solicitors LLP. Coralie joined Prince Evans in March 2022 having had a career spanning two decades specialising in all forms of affordable homeownership conveyancing. She is a Solicitor, having read Law at King's College London and been admitted to the role in 2006. Coralie has worked hard forging long-term relationships with key housing associations and is proud of her team who deliver a first class service

What room at home is your favourite?

I love our open-plan kitchen and dining area. The open-plan style lends itself to family meals and entertaining. It is a real focal point and where we all spend most of our time.

What is your favourite gadget or technology at home?

I have a milk frother next to my coffee maker, which makes the perfect foam for a cappuccino. I cannot function in the morning without the perfect coffee.

What colour do you think everyone should have in their home? I think neutral colours work best as you can then buy furniture and accessories to accent and brighten up a room. It also means you are not limited in your choice of colour for furniture.

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

I could never not invite my husband and then it would have to be Stephen King as I am a huge fan and love to read scary stories. I would also invite Andrew Lloyd Webber as I love a good West End show and he could tell us stories about all the celebrities he has met in the past.

What is your favourite memory from your childhood home? When I was growing up, we used to enjoy a Sunday roast around the dinner table every week. It was lovely family time. That is a treasured memory.

What interior trend do you hate?

I prefer open-plan space, which is much more in tune with modern living. I prefer fewer, larger rooms than lots of smaller ones.

Would you rather have a garden or a balcony?

It has to be a garden as our son is an incredibly active football mad nine-year-old. Our garden is currently plain lawn and serves as a football pitch. When he grows up I will claim it back as my own and it have it landscaped.

Do you prefer modern homes or period properties?

I prefer period properties as I like the character and features. Our house is a chalet house with original features such as an open fire. I feel period properties are more cosy and homely.

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

I love to read so it would be a well-stocked library room. I love to relax with a good book at the end of a hard day.

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

I would say sumptuous shower. I do not have time for baths these days, so a sumptuous shower would suit me best.

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

I prefer countryside to bustling city. I am fortunate enough to live in a town that is far enough away from London to be green, pretty and relatively quiet. It has good rail connections enabling me to be in central London within 30 minutes. This is the perfect mix for me.

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

I’ve never really considered buying abroad but if we did it would be somewhere in Europe such as Spain, which has good weather and short flight times.

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

For me location is the priority as it does have a huge impact on everything, from day-to-day living to value.

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

From a professional point of view, I could not live without Wi-Fi, which obviously enables me to work from home. From a personal point of view, I’d say my coffee maker as I do like a decent cup of coffee in the morning.

What is your favourite way to unwind at home after work?

I love a good read and there is no better way for me to relax than curling up on the sofa with a good book.

What’s your favourite thing about your home

I love the fact that we are in a quiet close with lovely neighbours and my son has plenty of room to play outside in our garden. Where did you buy your first home?

Our first house was in Crayford in the Borough of Dartford, Kent. We could not afford to buy in our hometown. We had to move further out, away from London, to get better value for money and for affordability.

What advice would you give a first time buyer?

When you are looking to purchase your first home save as much as you can, research all the Government schemes to see if you qualify, and don’t limit your property and location options. And, of course, make sure you instruct a reputable solicitor or conveyancer. What are your views on shared ownership?

The importance of shared ownership is often underestimated. It has helped so many with their first crucial step on the ladder. I think it will become more popular following the end of the Help to Buy scheme as first time buyers seek alternative affordable housing options.

What are your views on the property market?

We are obviously experiencing a period of uncertainty. There will always be first time buyers wanting a step on the ladder and my team and I are always delighted to assist first time buyers on their exciting journey. I think the Government should invest more in education in schools regarding housing options and the conveyancing process so that first time buyers are armed with all the knowledge they need to make informed decisions regarding their future.

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