We chat with Chris Priestley, a partner in the New Homes division of Knight Frank, about his successful career path, current role, achievements and thoughts for the future.
Please tell us a little about yourself, your current role and what it entails.
At 39, I’m still desperately clinging to my thirties while harbouring dreams of owning a Sunseeker yacht! Having worked in property for nearly two decades, I currently work as part of Knight Frank’s New Homes team and head up the Central Region, managing developments across Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and Oxfordshire. My day-to-day responsibilities are wonderfully varied. I advise clients on unit mix, layouts, and pricing strategies, develop marketing approaches, and most crucially, proactively generate sales for our retained sites. It’s a role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution, and no two days are ever the same.
What piqued your interest in the property industry, and how did you get started working in it?
Honestly, I fell into this industry by accident – property wasn’t a childhood dream. I was applying for various positions and was offered an opportunity with a local agent. Unfortunately, I had a particularly difficult manager and didn’t last beyond a month. It nearly put me off the industry entirely.
Two years later, a recruitment agency contacted me about another local agency role. Against my better judgement, I went for the interview. They offered me the position, and I haven’t looked back since. I discovered I absolutely thrived in the right environment, loving the energy of a busy sales office and working alongside talented people in a role where every day brings new challenges.
How did you enjoy your time at MacKenzie Miller Homes?
My time at MacKenzie Miller was genuinely transformative, giving me a fascinating perspective I hadn’t experienced before. Working directly with a housebuilder opened my eyes to the complexities of the development process in ways that agency work never could. I became acutely aware of planning frustrations and their impact on SMEs trying to bring developments to market.
However, what I found most rewarding was witnessing new homeowners fall in love with their dream homes. There’s something magical about handing over keys to someone’s first home or seeing a family walk into a space that will be filled with memories. That human element reminded me that despite all the commercial aspects, we’re ultimately helping people create their futures.
What attracted you to switching over to Knight Frank?
When Knight Frank approached me, I wasn’t specifically interested in New Homes – I was quite content where I was. But Knight Frank’s reputation is formidable, and the opportunity to work with a premium brand with unparalleled market reach was incredibly appealing.
While I was curious about other areas of their business, I quickly discovered I genuinely prefer new homes specialisation. There’s a different rhythm: you’re working with developers from the ground up, involved in strategic decisions about the development itself rather than just marketing what exists. It’s more consultative and strategic, which I really enjoy.
What’s been the highlight of your career in property so far?
Successfully selling a 200-unit student development worth approximately £20million – despite never having stayed in student accommodation, let alone been involved in such a transaction. When the opportunity came up, I felt completely out of my depth. Student accommodation has unique dynamics and investment criteria I knew nothing about.
I had to learn everything from scratch quickly, immersing myself in understanding the market, yield expectations, and what investors were looking for. What this taught me was invaluable: never dismiss an opportunity outside your comfort zone. By the time I was pitching to buyers, I understood the business model inside and out. It proved that with dedication and the right approach, you can master almost anything.
What’s the most satisfying part of your job now?
After nearly 20 years, I still get a genuine thrill from securing sales – but what really gets my adrenaline pumping is tough negotiations. When you’ve got parties miles apart and you find that sweet spot where everyone walks away satisfied, that’s when I feel most alive professionally.
It’s part psychology, part strategy, part creative problem-solving. Sometimes it’s about timing, sometimes finding creative solutions to seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The satisfaction of turning a “no” into a “yes” when everyone thinks a deal is dead – that buzz keeps me coming back every day. Knowing that behind every transaction, real people’s lives are being positively impacted makes it even more satisfying.
How is your current Knight Frank comprised?
We have eight core team members, plus access to the wider Knight Frank network including PR specialists, marketing experts, and research teams. It’s an incredibly varied bunch – people ranging from mid-20s to 50s, creating a dynamic mix of energy and experience. Some have traditional surveying backgrounds, others come from marketing or business development.
What I particularly value is our collaborative culture. Unlike some firms where there’s cutthroat competition, we’ve created an environment where everyone supports each other. We celebrate successes together, and if someone needs help, there’s always someone willing to share their expertise. This collective knowledge base means we can tackle virtually any challenge.
Does Knight Frank offer staff formal opportunities to further their knowledge and experience?
Absolutely – this was a major attraction of joining such a large firm. We have extensive formal training programmes covering technical skills, market knowledge, and client relationship management. There are regular internal seminars where different departments share expertise, and the company supports professional qualifications like RICS chartered status.
Perhaps most valuably, there are mentorship opportunities and chances to work across different sectors. If I want to understand commercial property or international markets, those experts are just a conversation away. Because Knight Frank handles such diverse instructions, you’re constantly exposed to different approaches to deals and problem-solving.
Are you tempted to move back into housebuilding at some time in your future career?
That’s something I think about occasionally. However, what I value about my current role is the variety and strategic perspective. Working with multiple clients across different developments means constantly learning about new markets and approaches. The honest answer is never say never – if the right opportunity came along with an exciting developer, I’d consider it. But for now, I’m genuinely happy where I am.
