Voices in Property - Oliver Ingles

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

In this edition, Oliver Ingles, Advisor at DDRE shares his 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?

To be honest, I am proud of every transaction I achieve for my clients. You are only ever as good as your last deal and that mindset has kept me sharp from day one. I have now transacted on more than £800m worth of property and every deal, whether it is £1m or £30m, has had its own nuance, pressure points and moments where the right advice makes all the difference.

What I am most proud of is navigating those challenges with clients who trust me to guide them through decisions. It is not always about the quantum of the deal.

First property job and how you got it?

I fell into my first job in property, as many people do. I was working as a membership advisor at a gym and the owner of an estate agency walked in one day. After I secured his three year membership, we spoke at length and that conversation sparked my interest in the property sector.

From the moment I walked in on day one, I was hooked. I love my career, my position within the market and my role at DDRE. The rest is history, and there is more history to write.

What motivates you?

Honestly, I am a good self-motivator. I have to be, because as a self-employed advisor I run my own business and everything is down to me. I have always wanted to succeed and to be the best version of myself in anything I do. I hate losing.

As my career has developed, I have met people who motivate me even further. Not just other advisors, but clients who have become friends. They inspire me to aim higher, to stay consistent every day and to put myself in uncomfortable positions so I can continue to grow.

Best advice for preparing for an interview?

Know exactly who you are and what you bring. Research the company, understand the role and be clear on why you want to be there. People respond to clarity and purpose. Be honest about your strengths and realistic about your weaknesses. You do not need to be perfect, but you do need to be self-aware.

Prepare real examples because anyone can speak in general terms. The people who stand out are the ones who can show how they think and how they handle pressure.

What advice would you give your 18 year old self?

Keep learning. Learn every day. Take yourself out of your comfort zone because that is when you grow. Become a sponge, learn and listen to people. More importantly, keep being a good person. Be honest and sincere and that will take you far in life.

Which leader, entrepreneur, founder or CEO inspires you?

This will sound cliche, and he has not paid me, but Daniel Daggers has had a real impact on me as a leader and a thought leader over the last three years at DDRE. His vision, his approach and his kindness have helped me through difficult moments. He has pushed me every day to be better and I cannot thank him enough.

Your best deal?

Like I mentioned earlier, the best deals are not always the highest value homes. This year I completed a £26m deal and it was more straightforward than an £8.3m transaction on the river. I enjoy a challenge and I enjoy the deals where you have to implement a strategy and think carefully about every move. The intricacies of negotiating and knowing how to navigate a tricky sales progression are what make a deal memorable.

They are all my best deals, from my first £130,000 transaction twelve years ago to this year’s £26m sale.

What is your favourite restaurant?

It depends what day you catch me on. I enjoy everything from sushi to a British roast. I ate at The Hero in Maida Vale last night and it was delicious. The duck was excellent, so let us go with that for today.  Ask me tomorrow and I will probably give you a different answer.

Apple or Android?

Apple for me. I have always used Apple and it is easy for me to navigate.

About DDRE

Find out more about DDRE here and connect with Oliver Ingles here.

Collins Property Recruitment is a business with a purpose: to enable talent and businesses to meet and do great things together. We make this happen through an unrivalled network, a values-led, consultative approach and a hard-earned reputation as the go-to recruiter in property.

Should you have any enquiries, email us at info@collinspropertyrecruitment.com or give us a call on 020 7435 0309.