PROPERTY UPDATE: MY VIEW:"THERE is definitely greater optimism in the market this year compared to 2009. There has been evidence of improvement – prospective buyers are out looking in greater numbers and deals are being done.

There’s no-one out there who isnt insisting on value for money and the customer/supplier relationship has never been more clear and direct.

It’s understandable that the collective consciousness of a nation that has experienced feeling ripped off is out to make sure it doesnt happen again.

At the outset of the downturn, I feared that consultancy work would dry up and I opened up a public design studio to cater for supply. I was wrong.

My client base increased to the extent that I recently left Gallery 23 to go back to my roots as a consultant.

People see the value in interior design not just because it avoids expensive mistakes but because being pointed in the right direction towards value-for-money, quality products means the consultancy usually pays for itself. People know that it’s more difficult for buyers now to raise the extra cash to do up a property .

A well-presented property at a realistic price in a good location will always have prime appeal.”