Our founder and CEO, Alisa Zotimova, recently sat down for an engaging conversation on the Opening the Gates podcast. With over 20 years of experience navigating the property markets in both London and Moscow, Alisa shared her take on where the industry is heading and how to stay ahead in a shifting landscape.

The conversation kicked off with a look at the current UK market. While recent data shows a slight dip in sales—particularly for properties over £2 million—Alisa remains optimistic. She noted that while potential tax reforms and upcoming budgets have led some buyers to take a “wait and see” approach, real estate has a long history of weathering economic shifts. The takeaway? We are likely to see a fresh wave of activity as we head into the new year.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode focused on how the role of an estate agent is changing. Alisa advocated for a “yin and yang” approach, where agents act as both selling and buying experts.

In a world where property transactions are taking longer than ever, Alisa emphasizes the value of “handholding”—providing high-touch, personalized service that saves time and solves complex problems for busy clients. For Alisa, it’s about “controlling the controllables” and focusing on excellence, regardless of the global headlines.

Beyond market trends, Alisa spoke about the importance of professional networks. Whether it’s collaborating with private banks, law firms, or accountants, building a community is key to providing the best possible service. She also touched on the launch of her newest venture, AZ Alliance, and the importance of robust standards in protecting independent agencies.

Whether you are a seasoned investor or simply curious about the London property scene, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and a positive outlook on the future of the market.

You can listen to the full episode of Opening the Gates on all major podcast platforms to hear Alisa’s full career story and her advice for the modern property professional.