The Old Quarter. Home, in every sense.

Comparable sales and current competition provide a useful starting point, but they do not tell the whole story. The individual street, plot, condition, layout, architectural character and quality of any alterations can all influence how the property should be positioned.

That is particularly important with older homes, where two properties that appear similar from the pavement may be very different once you step through the door.

They can add to the appeal of a property, particularly where they contribute to its overall character rather than simply existing as isolated details.

Stained glass, fireplaces, joinery, ceiling detail and traditional proportions can all help make a home memorable. Their effect on value, however, should always be considered alongside condition, layout, location and the wider property.

Not automatically. Small improvements to presentation, lighting, maintenance and decoration can sometimes have a greater impact than committing to expensive work immediately before selling.

With a character home, I would normally want to understand what buyers are likely to value before recommending larger changes. Removing individuality simply to make a property feel more conventional is not always the right answer.

I believe individual homes should be marketed around the reasons somebody would choose them, rather than being forced into the same template as every other listing.

For a period home that may mean giving greater attention to architecture, proportions, materials, extensions, gardens and smaller details through the photography and written presentation. The marketing should explain what makes the property different, not simply list what rooms it contains.

There is no responsible timescale that applies to every home. Price range, condition, presentation, competing properties and the strength of the likely buyer market will all affect the response.

I place more emphasis on creating the right launch and attracting genuine buyers than on promising an arbitrary number of days. A fast offer is useful only when the price and the buyer's position make sense for the seller.