‘Real estate offers a career with amazing properties and very interesting people’
In the first of our Q&A columns sponsored by Carter Jonas, we ask Anton Frost, who heads the firm’s Cambridge and Long Melford residential teams, what’s happening in his industry and what he loves about working and living in Cambridgeshire.
How did you get into your industry?
I started working for a small independent letting agency in Cambridge, which grew to become one of the biggest in the short space of two years. It was a fantastic experience, and it has helped shaped my career. It also meant that I got to know the nuances of Cambridge’s property market very well.
What does your job entail?
Talking to many different people and assisting with their individual needs. Working and collaborating with colleagues across different projects.
What do you like most about it?
The people I work with are a second family.
What are the main challenges?
The lettings market is the focus of much legislation and regulatory change, to provide more certainty to renters, and lettings specialists have to keep on top of these requirements. One of the biggest changes ahead will be the Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations which sets a minimum energy efficiency level. This level is being upgraded to an EPC rating of C for domestic private rented properties. We are working with all of our landlord, investor and developer clients and tenants, making them aware of the changes and the implications.
What recent developments in your business are you most excited about?
I’ve been with Carter Jonas for eight years now, and it is constantly evolving, developing new service lines to meet client demand. One such area is our Build to Rent team (BTR) which continues to grow. We are currently managing 1 per cent of the total BTR stock across the UK and have several schemes coming forward. It’s an exciting development, as is our recent affiliation with Christie’s International Real Estate. This affiliation benefits our teams, and most importantly our clients, providing access to increased international exposure for luxury properties, a global referral network, an enhanced marketing platform, and exclusive partnerships, including with Christie’s auction house.
What opportunities/challenges do you expect in the next sixth months?
There continues to be a strong appetite for sales property, and while we might not see the heights of 2020/2021, we are confident that the market is moving forward. Demand for rental property continues to outstrip supply and this is driving rents in an upward trend.
In relation to the above, what advice would you give to a client/business associate?
People don’t stop buying property due to a move in interest rates, instead they reassess what is affordable.
What is the most exciting thing about doing your job in Cambridge/Cambridgeshire?
I have an opportunity to list some of the best properties, in a city that I have loved and watched grow since a young boy. Cambridge has become a world-class hub of innovation and cutting-edge research that is appreciated globally. I feel very proud to call it home. There are of course challenges, our infrastructure and approach to new homes require a cohesive approach, but we are fortunate to have a strong network of professionals and innovators committed to helping address these challenges.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I am proud of the team and the service we provide to over 1,000 clients in Cambridge alone.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in your line of work?
Get the basics right. Real estate offers a fantastic career and the opportunity to sell/let amazing properties and, of course, meet very interesting people.
What couldn’t you get through your working week without?
Laughter. It’s infectious and helps build strong relationships.
What is your favourite local restaurant and why?
There are some great restaurants in Cambridge. My top pick would be an Italian by the river called La Mimosa. It has a really relaxed atmosphere, with beautifully cooked authentic Italian food and is a great place to watch the world go by.
What is your favourite book, painting, podcast, or show and why?
My favourite podcast is Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe’s Parenting Hell. Having three children, there are so many topics of discussion that I relate to.
Visit carterjonas.co.uk.
About Carter Jonas
Established in 1855, Carter Jonas is one of the biggest and most respected UK property partnerships. With 33 offices across England and Wales, its Cambridge hub is one of its principal locations. Its 150-strong Cambridge team advises and supports clients across residential sales and lettings, new homes, planning, development, commercial, property management, building consultancy, infrastructure, energy as well as on rural matters, including estate management, sales and natural capital. Its tailored service and advice have enabled Carter Jonas to forge lasting, intelligent, and trusting relationships with its clients. From commercial and residential landlords, developers, investors and occupiers to local authorities, pension funds, and farmers – its depth of experience is among the most recognised in UK property.
