Q&A: Five minutes with Asha Agarwal, founder of consultancy Inspire New Homes

Asha Agarwal, founder of consultancy Inspire New Homes

How did you join the property industry?

I started my career at 17 working in retail banking as a cashier. I went on to train as a mortgage adviser. One day, I saw a job advert for a role at London & Quadrant (L&Q) as a staircasing and resale officer. That was my entry into housing. After that, I worked my way up to become a director at Savills, leading its shared ownership department.

What does your job entail?

I now run a consultancy called Inspire New Homes. We work with developers and housing associations to set up high-performing sales teams that deliver affordable and shared ownership homes. I am also expanding the business to offer training, mentoring and coaching – helping others progress in their careers and find their voice in the industry.

What do you like most about the industry?

I love helping and guiding people to buy their first home. They say there are three key life milestones: getting married, having your first child and buying your first home. To be part of someone’s journey towards the goal of home ownership is incredibly rewarding.

And what do you dislike most about it?

The affordability challenges that some potential buyers face are really tough. It frustrates me that we cannot help every buyer on to the property ladder. I care deeply about the homebuying journey and believe the customer experience should be consistent, no matter which provider they go with. If I had the power, I would simplify the entire process.

What is your favourite building?

The Taj Mahal. I grew up visiting this building and the story behind it always inspired me – it was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife. I am a sucker for a romantic love story. Beyond its beauty, there is something about standing there that makes you feel the love it was built to represent.

Who in property has inspired you?

Steve Walker, who was chief executive of Tower Homes, where I first started. I was 19, not very confident and probably not the easiest person to manage, but I had aspirations and a hunger to succeed. Steve helped me find the right environment to grow. He built a culture that felt like family and many of us went on to build long-term property careers thanks to the support we had there.

If you had not gone into property, what would you be doing?

When I was younger, I wanted to be a TV presenter. I even enrolled in media training at college but dropped out. Maybe I will come full circle and do some presenting within the housing sector one day.

What barriers or challenges do you feel you have overcome?

Growing up as a council tenant, I experienced homelessness and hardship. I did not have the same advantages as many of my peers, and being a woman of colour in this sector came with its own challenges. I have had to prove myself at every step, but I have never let those barriers define me. I have always believed in showing up, working hard and backing myself.

What are you most proud of in your career?

Starting my own business and building a trusted brand that is number one on Google and recognised through industry awards. I am proud of every person I have helped get on to the property ladder and of the teams I have built and mentored along the way.

What advice would you give someone starting a career in the property industry?

Be resilient, be curious and never be afraid to ask questions. Build relationships and stay true to your purpose. Don’t wait to be invited in – sometimes you have to create your own space.