Angus Graham loves the thrill of an auction, a negotiation and that need to always win.

How did you start out in real estate? Have you always worked in the industry, or did you do something else previously?

I actually nearly got into real estate what I was 19 after only a year at university, then a few interviews later I was then encouraged by one of the interviewees to enjoy hospitality work, travel and then see him in a few years’ time. 

Then at 22, I had been on two extended holidays to Europe and South America and worked many nights in the bars and clubs, when I eventually took a job one day a week here at Hodges Sandringham where I have stayed.

How has growing up in the property world helped you with your career?

I have always loved nice houses which helped. I also grew up on the border of Hampton/Brighton and did a chemist round during school years so had a great understanding of the local area right from the start.

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What do you enjoy most about your job?

The people, the property and putting deals together.

I love sitting in a lounge room of an elderly lady who has lived there 50 years and has a wealth of stories about her pathway to that point.

I love the thrill of an auction, a negotiation and that need to always win.

I love that every day is different and that my day can be incredibly varied in activity.

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Can you tell us about an interesting property you’ve sold?

I sold the penthouse at Portofino a couple of years ago which was 280m² internally.

It has some of the best views I have ever seen and was incredibly grand.

It belonged to the grandson of the great jockey Scobie Breasley.

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What’s your advice to young people starting out in real estate?

It’s a lot of hard work and a lot of fun. It’s not easy and you really have to want it.

The best way to start is find an assistant role alongside a successful agent who will show you the ropes in the early days.

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What’s your outlook for the property market in Toorak for the next 12-18 months?

The banks have certainly tightened up and I can’t see them reversing that anytime soon.

I can’t see prices dropping off too much but at the same time I think they are unlikely to increase in the next 12 – 18 months.

Where do you live now, and what would be your dream home if you could live anywhere in the world?

I live in Prahran. That’s a tough question – probably beach front in the Golden Mile.

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