New Area Director at Clyde Property West End

As we are starting a new busy season, some of our branches are going through exciting staff changes. We care about our people and love seeing them grow and develop into their true potential. It is certainly the case of new Area Director to Clyde Property West End – Lewis Gilmore, who we have asked a few questions before he starts his new role on 5 September.

When did you join Clyde Property and what is your new role at West End branch?

Lewis new

I first joined Clyde Property in February 2007. My first job was actually in the West End Branch and I completely fell in love with the character of tenement flats, vibrant lifestyle that the West End of Glasgow offers and the fast pace of the property market there. I cut my teeth in the West End and was promoted to trainee valuer within six months of joining the company. At this point I began a tour of the entire company which enabled me to see different elements of the business and expand my knowledge to the level it is at today. I have actually worked in four of the main branches over the last 9 years including Stirling, Shawlands, Hamilton and Byres Road but I must say, valuing in Byres Road has always been my goal. I cannot wait to get back out there and start seeing some seriously cool property and meet some of those interesting people that the West End is known for.

What is your opinion on the current local property market?

Having worked in permanent roles in 4 of the 11 Clyde Property branches and covered in 6 of them over the years, the West End is my favourite market. It is the fastest paced, most dynamic market that I have ever operated in, one where competition between buyers is incredible and appetite for property is just never satisfied. This is obviously due to the West End’s plethora of local facilities, fabulous nightlife and beautiful parks which are all less than ten minutes underground ride from Glasgow City Centre and only 20 minutes to open countryside beyond Milngavie where I grew up. What more could you ask for. I also love that you can value two flats, just across the landing from each other and yet they are completely different in terms of colour, style, layout, finish and – most importantly – occupant.

What is your advice for current home buyers/sellers in Glasgow’s West End?

Based on the recent drop in interest rates and rate of growth of property values in the West End, it would make a lot of sense for people to make a move sooner rather than later. The net cost of buying and selling will never be as low and from this point onwards the gap between the home you are selling and the one you are trying to move up to will only get bigger. With rental values increasing too across all addresses within the West End, it is also an excellent time for landlords to make investments regardless of the new tax implications that affect rented properties etc. Growth in the capital value of your investment in the West End will be so strong that the second home tax and additional income tax against rental will likely be dealt with in just one year of growing property values and thereafter you will be back to business as usual.

What is the best thing about your job?

Meeting different people everyday and learning from their experiences. I get a lot out of helping people achieve their goals too – be it a seller looking to achieve a dream price to help them move on, a buyer looking for that ideal property or a colleague looking for the next challenge in their work or personal life. I love to help people out and push myself to ensure they get results.

What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?

I love to exercise and run almost every day in order to work off all the good food that is my weakness. Moving to the West End and being surrounded by restaurants is a major risk to my waistline but it is a calculated risk I am happy to take. I love to travel and am heading for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November for my 30th Birthday. I go on an annual pilgrimage to the Le Mans 24 hours race in France with my brothers and dad but next year might swap this for the Isle of Man TT.

If you would like to chat to Lewis about the local property market or selling your home in Glasgow’s West End, please use contact details below: