It is a sign of renewed enthusiasm for property when an estate agent opens an extra office. Barnet estate agent Statons is spreading its wings. It has added an office, in Radlett, Hertfordshire. Known as an "agent to the stars", Statons is equally happy selling smaller houses as it is selling footballers' mansions from its new location.

Among its lower-priced instructions, Statons already has a one-bedroom flat above the shops in Watling Street, for sale at £195,000. But it is also offering a brand-new home in Loom Lane, for £4.25 million.

If you are you a footballer looking for a new property in Radlett - a residence that would look suitably distinguished on the pages of Hello! magazine - then you will inevitably find your way to 47 Loom Lane.

This is a substantial family house built on the site of a smaller house, with a garden that manages to look brand new and yet to feature mature trees.

The building is fitted with a dazzling media-delivery system, lighting that has been devised by lighting designers rather than plain old sparks and a different style of bathroom with every bedroom in the place.

It would be fair to say that the design has been carried out with a light touch - and the house benefits from it. Statons and Village Estates are joint agents.

Gavyn Fresco manages Statons' new branch. "I'm very excited about the opening," he says.

"Statons has been active selling houses in Radlett for a long time. Nick Staton, the company's owner, felt that it was the right time to have a physical presence here. We have a bright new office with a terrific team of people.

"We are not selling just big houses," emphasises Mr Fresco. "We have country cottages and one-bedroom flats on our books as well.

"We're synonymous with the top end of the market, but we want to stress that we have properties that are available to all of our client base."

Among the many advantages of the new office, Mr Fresco mentions the late opening hours on Thursday evenings, when the branch welcomes clients until 8pm, the ability to network between other Statons offices in North London and South Hertfordshire - and customer car parking at the rear of the new office.

With its new outlet, Statons expects to cover more fully the areas of Radlett, Aldenham, Bricket Wood, Elstree and Park End.

"These are some of the most highly-sought-after locations in the country," says Mr Fresco. "This area fits the bill for us."

Statons' Lawrence Henry is equally happy with the addition of the Radlett branch.

He says: "We're very excited to have the new office up and running. And we're totally bowled over by the response we've had. We've been welcomed in Radlett - an unusual feeling for an estate agent!"