Voices in Property - Ben Wilson

Welcome to our quick-fire spotlight on industry leaders and entrepreneurs in Property.

In this edition, Ben Wilson Founder and Director of Residence One , shares personal insights and experiences with anyone who may be currently working in or aspiring to join the London property industry.

What are you most proud of in your career?

Building Residence One from the ground up with my business partner, Katrina. We started with a clear ambition to create exceptional homes and have now delivered more than £400 million of high-profile residential property across some of London’s finest neighbourhoods. I am particularly proud of the talented team we have built and the fact that our in-house capabilities now span development, interior design and construction.

What was your first property job and how did you get it?

Unusually, my first job in property was starting Residence One. I had previously worked in IT consultancy in the City, primarily with financial institutions. After developing my own home, I became fascinated by the combination of design, construction and commercial decision-making involved in property.

I then began buying and developing other properties alongside my day job in my local area of Chiswick, but it soon became clear that something had to give. I left my job and Residence One was born. We had no projects and no staff, but we set out to find development opportunities in Prime Central London and build the business from the ground up.

What motivates you?

Creating something exceptional and seeing an initial idea become a finished home. Property brings together creativity, commercial judgement, problem-solving and teamwork, so there is always a new challenge. I am also motivated by continually improving—every project should be better than the last.

What’s your best advice for preparing for an interview?

Do your research and arrive with a clear understanding of the company, its work and the role you are applying for. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate what you have achieved rather than relying on general statements. Most importantly, be yourself. Skills and experience matter, but employers are also deciding whether they can trust you and whether you will work well with their team.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Do not worry if you haven’t mapped out your entire career. Be curious, work hard and take opportunities that stretch you. Your career will rarely follow a straight line, and experience gained in one industry can become a real advantage in another. I would also tell myself to back my own judgement a little earlier.

Which leader, entrepreneur, founder or CEO inspires you?

Warren Buffett. I admire the simplicity and discipline of his thinking, his long-term perspective and his refusal to be distracted by short-term noise. His emphasis on reputation, patience and investing in businesses you genuinely understand is relevant far beyond financial markets.

Your best deal?

Our first development: a mews house in Eccleston Mews, behind Eaton Square. It had previously been used as a laundry serving one of the grand houses on the square. We took it back to brick, added a basement and transformed it into a fully turnkey home. It sold within six weeks for a record price.

It was one of our most important deals because it proved our business model and gave us the confidence and credibility to continue. You never forget the project that turns an ambition into a real business.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

The Britannia in Richmond, where I live. It is local and relaxed, with consistently great food and a fantastic atmosphere. It is the sort of restaurant you can return to regularly rather than saving for a special occasion.

Apple or Android?

Apple. The ecosystem just works for me

Find out more about Residence One here and connect with Ben Wilson here.

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