An interview with Jan Dale (Far right), Urban Base
Did you always envisage a career in property?
Always! I love property! My beautiful fashionista mum tried to get me to follow her passion, but bricks and mortar had me captivated from the age of 21. The Halifax building society and property department was my baptism of fire which ignited a career I have embraced with passion for the industry ever since.
Tell me about your current role?
As owner of the region’s most dynamic Land & New Homes agency, the days are long, the work is exciting and I am dedicated to the industry, aiming for excellence in everything we get involved with. From North Yorkshire to Rothbury, castles to studios, we have the region covered. Establishing a new site from planning permissions through to design, development and build, to welcome the very first residents moving in, never fails to excite me. I optimise the phrase; if you love what you do you won’t work a day in your life. I would tweak this to; If you love what you do, work incredibly hard, you may enjoy almost every day in your life. I may be biased but it really is a wonderful business.
How has the housing market changed since you started your career?
The art of building new homes has improved in so many ways, but the skills of the individual tradesmen on site remains a key component to a quality home. Sustainable building, and green construction is gaining in popularity. Using green building methods allows you to save energy and therefore decrease your energy bill and at the same time become more eco-friendly by reducing your CO² emissions, something I believe the volume house builders should be considering on more schemes.
How would you advise people looking to buy property?
BEFORE you buy the property ASK ASK ASK lots of questions from every professional you know. We often get asked an opinion after the purchase, and no one wants to say the horse has bolted. Property is a great investment if you buy right, with so many important factors; timing, funding, location and try to consider the exit strategy at time of buying. Talk to us. What is the most exciting thing you’re working on? There are so many exciting projects including the Ouseburn regeneration by PFP-igloo, and the amazing Plaza in Gosforth by Regents Gate Homes, but I think when it comes to luxury and style, the launch of Homes By Carlton by Craig & Norman Peterson on Yarm High Street has to be one of the most pioneering visionary developers I have the exciting privilege and pleasure of working with.
What is your fondest career memory?
I had the enormous pleasure of working with the wonderful David Dixon at Gentoo Construction, then latterly with him on the launch and inaugural development of Tolent Homes. David was a pleasure to work with, and I have very fond memories of a gentleman in a strongman’s world. We often spoke about our passion for football, holidays and food – occasionally we spoke about property. Very sadly missed every single day, and his genuine kindness will always be in my heart.
What are your remaining career aspirations?
We launched urban base in 2005 and are entering our fifteenth year in business. To reach this accolade has been a recognition of some of the finest property professionals I have had the pleasure in working with, including Deborah Robinson who has been with us along this journey, along with the professional support of Hunter Johnstone Marketing, Aero IT, and RMT accountants. My aspiration would be to continue to the next level of growth to reach our projected turnover supporting £140 Million of newbuild homes over the next two years.
What are your favourite places to live in the North East?
If I ever had to leave old Durham Town, the leaving would get me down – DURHAM DURHAM DURHAM, and with Lambton Park by Miller Homes now somewhere to call home, I believe we live in a great region offering diverse city, coast and country housing. Tell me about your team?The urban base family – I love them all! Head office has Deborah, Glynis, Gordon and Kurt, the business runs smoothly – they make this a cert. There’s Gavin and Julia, Ashley and Chloe, looking after the resi, and Landlord rent money. Shannon, Sophie, Laura, Laura-Jane & Lauren, the New Homes dynamics, once met not forgotten. Then me at the top, driving the base – a team I’m so proud of, and selling with pace! How do you like to relax? It’s not a word I’m over-familiar with. However, every Sunday morning The Dale family (and JoJo the Italian Greyhound) meet at The Barn, read the Sunday Times, and put the world to right… it’s my ‘reality’ time – Sundays are spent with the ones I love most, and sometimes that means a trip to one of our new homes sites. #LoveWork
