20 QUESTIONS
Clive Lewzey is Co-Founder and MD of We Are Fred, a premier creative and branding agency he co-founded alongside Nick Street in 2016. With over 20 years of experience in property marketing, Clive has built a reputation for personal connections, believing that the best creative work happens when people connect, not just brands. We Are Fred has become a standout partner for the property and real estate sectors, delivering marketing solutions that resonate in a book is a great way to escape. I suppose the debate is "book worm vs movie buff" but I think the look of a library room is so inviting, especially the ones with a high ceiling and a library ladder. Would you prefer a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower? The tub is great for soothing my aching bones, but if I had to make a choice, I would have to choose a strong power shower. Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country? It is nice to pop into the city on occasion, usually for a show or dinner, but I prefer to return to the peace and quiet of the country. If you were buying a property overseas, where would it be? For me, it would be San Gimignano in Tuscany. The history and culture, mixed with the weather, the pace of life, and the red wine. Idyllic. My wife and I are also huge fans of the Florida Gulf Coast. Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location? Now the three kids have grown up and left home, the choice would be smaller in a better location. When they were growing up (and they had friends over) we needed all the space we could get. What is one thing you couldn’t live without at home? The coffee machine is a winner for me. Once I have refilled the water tank, emptied the drip tray, refilled the bean container, cleaned the brewing unit and wiped everything down, my wife is on to her second cup of tea. Time consuming, but well worth the effort. What’s your favourite way to unwind at home after work? If I get to leave the office at a decent hour, an hour on the treadmill (hopefully) justifies the chocolate I eat afterwards. Summer nights make the evenings feel longer, sat outside soaking up the last of the sun. A cheeky mid-week BBQ can break up the routine. What’s your favourite thing about your home? We have created a very warm and welcoming house for all to enjoy. The doorbell rarely rings, as close friends and family just wander in. The kids' friends still pop round, even though our kids have long since left home. Cold drinks in the fridge, snacks in the larder and ice lollies in the summer for all to enjoy; just come on in. Where did you buy your first home? Our first home was a three bed semi in Hockley, Essex, for £62,500 in 1995.You had a choice between a repayment or endowment mortgage. The lending ratio was three times main wage earner or 2.5 times combined. That was it. Much more simple back then. What advice would you give a first time buyer? View lots of different places. On paper, they may all offer the same, but when you walk into the right place, you will instantly know. Somehow, it just feels right. What are your views on Shared Ownership? Shared Ownership is essential to help get people into their own home. Even owning a percentage of the property gives you a sense of pride, responsibility and ownership. What are your views on the property market? There are so many factors that are causing hesitation, but it has to be viewed as a long term purchase. If a buyer takes out a mortgage over 35 years, the landscape will be ever-changing over that period, positively and negatively. Don’t procrastinate; just get on the ladder.
What room at home is your favourite? I suppose the island in the kitchen is the place to be. Group conversations, good food and wine and family poker nights. Winner. What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home? We are not a huge gadget family; we don’t have a range of tech products that can be operated from your phone (except when I bought a smart light bulb by mistake) but I must say... the electric fire lighter for the pizza oven is a game changer. What colour do you think everyone should have in their home? Definitely a British Racing Green and/or a dark navy for me. I haven’t gained the courage to paint the ceiling a dark colour yet. Which three people would you invite over for a housewarming party if you could have any guests? Barack Obama, Matt Dawson and Kenneth Branagh. Obama is for me, I find him super engaging in what he says and how he talks. If I’m honest, Matt and Kenneth are for my wife. As a rugby family supporting London Wasps, Matt was the perfect scrum half, and Kenneth is just a class act. What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home? As a child, we lived next to a large woodland which is where we spent the entirety of the summer holidays, climbing trees and building dens. No computers or gaming consoles, just orange 20 QUESTIONS Clive Lewzey
squash, water fights and be home by dark. What is your favourite song and why?
Def Leppard's Pour Some Sugar on Me played at high volume, closely followed by Aerosmith's Love in an Elevator . For something less heavy, then any country music (nothing pre-Garth Brooks). Would you rather have a garden or a balcony? The age I am now, I choose garden; a great place to relax. When the kids were younger there was always a bald patch of grass in front of the goal and the sand never stayed in the sandpit. Now they have all left home, we can enjoy the space as we had always envisioned. Do you prefer modern homes or period properties? I love the charm of a period property; fireplaces, stained glass and basements. There is always a draught and some creaky floorboards, but we put that down to "the house has character". Sometimes the thought of a high-tech, low-maintenance house is very appealing. Would you rather have a library room or media room at home? A library room. Taking 30 minutes out of your day to put your nose
wearefred.co.uk
134 First Time Buyer June/July 2026
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker