20 QUESTIONS
Markus Kendall-Young is the Director of Vibe Living, a company providing sales and marketing consultancy support to housing associations, local authorities and private developers across the UK. Markus has spent nearly 20 years working with some of the UK’s best known housing developers, retirement living providers and also G15 housing associations such as Catalyst Housing and Sanctuary Group. Markus combines his experience of private homeownership with his work supporting the affordable housing sector and is passionate about the homebuying experience being accessible for all Would you rather have a library room or media room at home? Media room for me. I wish I was a big reader but it’s never grabbed me. I would rather listen to something good, or watch a nice movie. Would you prefer a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower? Absolutely the shower… I’m all about the convenience. Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country? I’ve tried both, but I’ve settled for the country now and I love waking up to lovely views every day. I can still easily get into a city. If you were buying a property overseas, in what country would you buy a home? I think it would be Spain, probably the Canary Islands. I love the year- round climate there. It’s definitely somewhere I’d love to retire to. Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location? That’s a hard one, I think if you do your research, you can get both, but ultimately I think you should buy the best property you can in the best location you can. What is one thing you couldn’t live without at home? I think these days its good broadband, sadly! Since the pandemic, I think we’ve all learnt to work from home more and good broadband is now essential. What’s your favourite way to unwind at home after work? For me, it’s nothing more than a lovely chat with a friend, a G&T and possibly a quick soak in the hot tub! What’s your favourite thing about your home? My view, I’m super lucky to have a little pond across from the house with swans who reside in there. It’s just magical! Where did you buy your first home? My first home was a little two bedroom flat in Birmingham. It was perfect for commuter links and the train, and served its purpose well until I outgrew it. What advice would you give a first time buyer? Consider your location carefully, and how you can get to the places you need to be. Look at the specification and make sure it includes everything you want. Don’t rule out any buying schemes until you have done all of your research. What are your views on shared ownership? This is a fantastic way for potential homeowners to be able to get on the market now.Why wait and spend money on rent when you can be investing this in a home of your own now? It just makes perfect sense. What are your views on the housing market at the moment? I think the housing market is definitely showing green shoots and signs of improving. Like any investment, it will always go up and down, but the long game is what it’s all about. I think there are some great opportunities around to buy right now. It’s worth starting your journey sooner rather than later.
What room at home is your favourite? My favourite room would have to my kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of every home, and it’s certainly a social space in my home. Since I last moved house, I’ve been lucky enough to have enough room in my new kitchen to entertain guests while we cook and even get a small sofa in there. It’s certainly the hub of the home for me! What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home? More recently this has become my Amazon Alexa. I was never one for smart gadgets in the home, however, I now have Alexa controlling lots of home automation like putting my lights on for me when it’s getting dark and making sure everything is turned off when it’s time to go to bed. What colour do you think everyone should have in their home? Something calming and tranquil, so for me it’s green. A lovely earthy, calming colour that I think everyone should have in their home. Which three people would you invite over for a housewarming party if you could have any guests? My lifetime idol has to be Madonna. I love the fact that she constantly evolved herself throughout her career and I would love to hear all about her life story. I’d also love to invite Richard Branson. As I used to work for Virgin Atlantic in my early career, Richard was someone I was always starstruck by and I think he’d have some really interesting tales to tell. Lastly, I’d love to invite someone like Lord Sugar, who hopefully would give me the benefit of his business experience over a glass of wine! What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home? It was absolutely the warmth and security of a family Christmas at home, when it was cold outside and everyone was laughing and enjoying the festivities. Having friends and family visit and that entertaining space was amazing. What is your favourite song and why? Being a child of the 90s… for me it was Black Box and Ride on Time . I remember having it on repeat in my room until my father told me to switch it off. This song always brought memories of hearing it played at the local fair on the rides. I loved it. Would you rather have a garden or a balcony? Definitely a garden for me, although I’m rubbish at gardening! Do you prefer modern homes or period properties? It has to be modern. I love the no-maintenance aspect and the ability to move in and get on with life without doing renovations. 20 QUESTIONS Markus Kendall-Young
vibeliving.co.uk
142 First Time Buyer June/July 2024
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