Agency News
Three-bed semis best for PX
A recent Move with Us survey of over 200 independent estate agents revealed that three- bedroom semi-detached properties sell fastest in today’s market. The property services specialist reports that over 78% of agents polled had sold a property in under seven days during a six month period, over half of which had three bedrooms. When also asked which properties were selling above asking price, some 35% were reported to be semi-detached. Move with Us is a network of independent estate agents in the UK with over 1,100 members and has ten years’ experience assisting UK housebuilders with their part exchange activity. “The move cycle has increased and homeowners are staying in their properties for much longer. As a result, we are likely to see a trend emerging over the next 12 months or so of first-time buyers who are looking for a three- bedroom property rather than a flat or a smaller house,” said Move with Us director, Robin King.
Haart estate agents has increased its Suffolk presence by transforming the former Spicer McColl office in Kesgrave with a complete rebrand. Over £25,000 has been invested in new marketing materials, new boards, new cars and a layout that includes a break-out area for a more informal customer environment.
Heading the Kesgrave office is Bobby Swann who joined the firm in 2001 as a senior valuer. “The response from the public to the new office has been extremely positive,” said Swann. “People really seem to like the branding which is very different from other estate agents, and this is reflected in the number of additional enquiries we have received from potential customers.” The move is part of haart’s major programme of growth across East Anglia, where they plan to invest £250,000 in their branches this year, which includes the haart branch recently launched in Ipswich. More new offices are also planned for East London, where haart have just opened in Ilford & Dagenham.
Romans march on
The Romans Group has been recognised by the Best Companies’ accreditation process, which reflects the firm’s high standard of workplace engagement. The process runs alongside the Sunday Times 100 Best projects and consists of an employee survey and organisation questionnaire. Results are then measured against how highly staff score the business. “We are particularly proud to have achieved this recognition which measures employee engagement,” said Peter Coles, Romans Group managing director. “Using 70 questions to gain a comprehensive view across key factors, the accreditation is based solely on feedback from our own staff.” Coles received the award from Jonathan Austin, Best Companies CEO, who added: “As more and more companies are switching on to employee engagement and the benefits it can bring, we are seeing British workplaces becoming a better place to work each year. For Romans to be recognised in this way is truly an achievement to be proud of.”
Research from Jones Lang LaSalle predicts an increase of up to 40% on mainstream prices between now and when Crossrail trains start running in 2018. London areas set to benefit most are Canary Wharf, Farringdon and Tottenham Court Road.
Adam Challis, head of residential research at Jones Lang LaSalle, said: “Some local residential markets will see a greater benefit from Crossrail. For example, the perennial problem with Canary Wharf has been accessibility to Heathrow. Journey times will be cut to 40 minutes and convenience greatly improved for both employment and residential.
“Tottenham Court Road is the strongest performer in our research. This location is undergoing major regeneration made viable by Crossrail, with public realm improvements and new office and residential development. Almacantar’s plans for Centre Point, if approved, will generate new residential price records in the local market.” For new build property along the route, the research suggests Crossrail will contribute to residential price increases of between 6% and 19% above already strong house price inflation and expects price growth of nearly 30% on average for all Central London residential development by 2018.
Bridget Cordy can be contacted at
bridgetcordy@live.co.uk showhouseMay 2013 | 35
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