A tearful new homeowner (2003)

In 2003, my good friend was going through a major crisis, the business that employed many professionals, predominantly black, providing essential service to the community and situated in a prominent location in central London was at risk of closing down.

There were Chinese whispers but few would ever know the true story. Like many close people to him, I was unsure of how to provide support at this tempestuous period.

Then I got a call from him at about 6am, “I need help, I need to sell my property portfolio fast”

I got to work immediately, these were days that being able to sign your name is literally what is required to secure a mortgage.?

1,2,3,4,5 properties matched to different people, mostly first time buyers. One of these buyers were Mr & Mrs Oko, professional couple based in Nigeria. I had been introduced to them by Dele Ibitoye on one of my many working visits to Nigeria.

Ahli United Bank were best suited for offshore lending to corporate Nigerians at the time, pronto mortgage was issued and completion done.?

The clients dealt remotely, trusting me with the whole process, on completion Mrs Oko arrived to see and have an input in the furnishing of the property.

I picked her from her friend in Ladbroke Grove optimistic of her falling in love with the property. We arrived the property on Willesden Lane, bought at ￡220,000 it was a 2 bedroom apartment with both rooms en-suite and a separate guest toilet. The block was less than a year old, gated and well appointed.?

I showed Mrs O round expecting a pat on the back for a job well done, to the contrary she broke down in tears “is this what we get for all that money” I required equanimity with the way she looked at me and what she uttered.

Thankfully, her friend who lives in London came around later and was impressed about the apartment and was full of praise for a job well done, phew!

NB: The property has done well both for income and capital appreciation.