The House of Elliotts

Brighton & Hove Estate Agents Elliotts are confident and bucking the trend by opening a new branch in Hangleton

With the news full of tales of doom and gloom it makes a nice change to be able to report a company not only holding its own, but expanding, which is exactly what Elliotts have just done. Kevin Weatherill, who will run the new branch in Hangleton, and co-director Brian Huggins, explained what prompted them to open a new office at this time.

“Certainly the market is quieter than it was, compared to 2006–7 it’s quieter yes, but in real terms it is back to normal and prices have stabilised, we are expanding when the market is stable,” says Brian.

“We chose Hangleton out of a few areas that we were potentially interested in but this office came along and we seized the moment. It has a great position and, coincidentally, the same number as our Hove office,” adds Kevin. “It’s a very natural move for us as a company, and a very natural move for our clients. A lot of people move out from flats in Central Hove to buy their first freehold here and vice versa with couples looking to downsize and move back into town. We often give advice on whether people should move or should extend, but the truth is that there are always plenty of people upsizing.”

“We are currently having a very decent run of sales in the Hove Park area and towards the top end of the market things are still fairly strong, the £600,000 to £700,000 end of the market,” adds Brian. “Both with local sales, aspirational local buyers and of course some relocations from London and further afield. This area still offers more value for your money.”

Kevin Weatherill continues: “We have taken on a new man, Jonathan Weeks. Jonathan has over 5 years Estate Agency experience to his name having worked his way up the career ladder with one or two smaller agents he has joined us here at Hangleton as a fully fledged negotiator. He started with us on 3rd January 2012 and is very excited about putting Elliotts second branch firmly on the map. Jonathan is 24, lives in Hangleton and advocates the huge advantages of the area with knowledge of the schools, the public transport links and the fact he grew up in the Hangleton Valley Drive area. We will also be joined by Alana Sawyer, who left earlier this year for maternity leave, will be in Hangleton until the office is established. She has been in the business for ten years and we are very proud of that kind of company loyalty and continuation of staff.”

We have already had a lot of new local interest. Everyone has responded well to us being here and it’s a very nice, curious community. Already feedback from locals sees that our opening is a sign that the area is on the up.”

Both are very keen to emphasise that all properties that they are marketing will be held by both offices but Hangleton will certainly be focused on the new area with some obvious overlaps.

“We pride ourselves on having great local knowledge and we will be able to tell buyers about the local environment, local schools, churches and shopping. There are very good local shops and major superstores are on the doorstep and fantastic public transport links to the city centre.”

Hangleton is a big family home area, with bigger gardens, better parking and great value for money. An entry level price for a two bed house is just over £200,000 which compares to a one/two bed leasehold flat in central Hove. In addition to Hangleton Elliotts will also be covering the popular Neville Road area, and plus Portslade, Mile Oak and also the very desirable properties in Hangleton Valley.

With no interest in lettings Elliotts are always totally focused on sales, finding and selling homes for their clients. “We have an association for financial services with Mike Davies of Brighton and Hove Mortgages. But unlike some major chains we do not have any obligations and we deal with all of Brighton’s leading legal firms.”

Brian sums up: “We have had a really great end of year and we are very excited about the new year and the Hangleton office is starting to really take off. Collectively Kevin and I now have over 50 years experience in estate agency, we are a safe pair of hands and those hands are hands on, working in our two offices full time.”

‘Kemps’ High Street, Portslade Old Village
An absolutely unique 16th century link detached four storey family home with a wealth of charm and character including the original inglenook fireplace. Great gardens and ideally located in the heart of the village.
OIEO £500,000 Freehold

Farmway Close Hove
A good sized semi-detached bungalow that would benefit from some modernisation and decoration. Benefits include a garage, large L shaped kitchen diner and sizeable plot.
£260,000 Freehold

HANGLETON’S opening offer
We are opening in the face of tough economic times. Abundantly aware of this fact we are offering those that do instruct us to sell their properties during January and February some generous discounts on our usual selling fees and where possible offering to absorb the upfront cost of an Energy Performance Certificate to many sellers too. This means that it may even be a reversion to days gone by, of it being free (During January and February 2012) to at least try and move home.

Elliotts, 2 Queens Parade, Hangleton, Hove, BN3 8JG
01273 779933
Elliotts, 2 Church Road, Hove,
BN3 2FL 01273 773399
www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk