Teddington Nub News aims to be supportive to EVERY element of the community from business and shops to people and charities and clubs and sports organisations.

Everyone is finding it tough at the moment and is desperate to get back to normal. Estate agents and non-essential shops have already re-opened.

We have been profiling some of these local businesses and groups regularly over coming weeks in a feature called UP CLOSE IN TEDDINGTON in the hope that we can be a supportive springboard for their full return to business.

This week we talk to Donna Littman, a Director at DEXTERS ESTATE AGENTS in High Street, Teddington.

During an in-depth Q and A session Donna talks about the business, the challenges with the pandemic and her love of Teddington.[.B]

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Was there anything special about Teddington that you liked? What are the main differences between Teddington then and Teddington now?

For me the word "special" describes Teddington perfectly. I first bought in Teddington because I was unable to afford what I was looking for in St Margarets. I soon realised the feel of Teddington was similar to St Margarets with its bustling High Street and independent shops. Another draw for me was the River and Bushy Park, it felt like a mini Richmond and that's how I continue to describe the area even now! The main change I've seen over the years are the amount of people that have moved here from inner London. Teddington now feels more of a recognised area to live, as historically most people would stop their search at Twickenham when searching beyond Richmond. More recently, the High Street has seen the addition of larger retailers, however the friendly, family orientated vibe and local community spirit remains.

Tell us more about your business. What do you consider the points of differences to be between Dexters and other estate agents?

Dexters continues to grow and now has a network of 70 offices across London. We are busy dominating the London market, however our culture, drive and local expertise remains unchanged. The team are the same as they were at the beginning and we are still located on the High Street ready to offer advice and support to all of our clients who benefit from over twenty years of our local experience.

Your business is very much at the heart of the community. Do you think Teddington is a friendly place to live and work?

Without a doubt! I live in a very small central cul de sac, where we know everyone, maybe not all of the names but faces. My children are at a nearby school and both my husband and I work locally. There is nowhere we would rather live or work. Never has this been appreciated more than now! In these strangest of times, seeing neighbours and community pull together - saying hello, smiling and acknowledging we are all experiencing the same thing at the same time.

What's it like working for Dexters and what are the job opportunities? What would you say are the key qualities for someone with ambitions to work at Dexters?

I started 20 years ago as a trainee sales consultant with plenty of ambition. Dexters is ambitious! We have a 50/50 split of male and female employees from trainees up to Directors. I have had a very successful career which has been continually supported and I've benefited from various courses run at the Dexters training academy which is based in Pimlico. Even during maternity leave, which can be a very tricky time for a new mother or father, I felt totally supported and included, like part of an extended family!

Can you give some idea of who are your customers? Are they people moving out of central London or moving from other parts of the country. Are they buying or renting?

Most of our buyers tend to come from inner London, and are perhaps starting a family and looking for a future proof area where they can commute and also have excellent schooling. There is a large local market of buyers looking to upsize, as well as those whose children may have left home and are now looking to downsize.

What is the average price range of properties you are selling - houses and flats?

Family houses start from £750,000 with larger period properties into the millions. One and two bedroom flats range from £300,000 to £500,000.

How are you actively involved in the wider community of Teddington?

Most of the team live in Richmond Borough and we are huge supporters of the local schools. We currently sponsor Collis school and in the past, have been keen supporters of Teddington Lights up. We also support the NHS charities, for all the wonderful work they have been doing recently, alongside our chosen charity Thames Reach who help and support the homeless.

Obviously the pandemic has really hit the High Street. You are starting work again now – how does this work in practice and what will be the guidelines you have to adhere to.

We are determined to have safe workplaces and have put all of our efforts into making it happen. Our offices are large enough to enable us to adhere to a two-metre distance and where necessary we have altered the layout. We have created and set out guidelines for every aspect of our business, from the internal office, to viewings/valuations, property management, IT, floorplans and photography. We assisted in establishing the guidelines the government have introduced for safe and socially distanced viewings. We will make sure customers and clients wear gloves and face coverings, while managers will be routinely checking agents' temperatures and health, and enforcing strict sanitation and social distancing.

Visit the Dexters, Teddington website