I am on the warpath. By nature I have a fairly even temperament, particularly regarding anything relating to business. I work in the best interest of my clients and if I lose a commission after days, weeks and, in one case, months of hard work, I’m philosophical about it. I can take it on the proverbial chin and be thankful for the deals that have worked out.

This has all changed thanks to one seller’s behaviour. My German/Canadian couple have been let down badly. They had an offer accepted on a house in Brook Green, west London. They complied with all the seller’s wishes at considerable cost to themselves. Pressure was put on the bank to process their loan in record time, surveyors were prodded relentlessly to squeeze in an extra appointment, rental contracts were renegotiated and their solicitor prioritised them to make sure all the paperwork was done and dusted before the 10-day exclusive period was over.