ByCharlie Jacoby, Charlie Jacoby
Harrow East MP Bob Blackman has opened Stanmore estate agent Preston Bennett's newly refurbished offices. More than 200 guests came to the relaunch party. Mr Blackman told guests that Preston Bennett has "had a long association with the property market - for over 50 years - and a reputation that is the envy of many. I wish them every success for the future."
Preston Bennett managing director Sue Fisher adds: "We are extremely excited about the attractive, contemporary look of our new offices, which we are sure will be welcomed by all our clients and business partners, judging by the enthusiastic attendance at our opening."
The refurbishment is not confined to bricks and mortar. Preston Bennett also has a new, more dynamic website, which is easier to use and navigate. It also has a redesigned logo.
Ms Fisher says: "The new logo retains our instantly recognisable livery of blue and gold around which all our departments revolve - Residential Sales; New Homes; Fine Homes; Planning, Land & Development; Lettings & Management and new Commercial & Professional. It will also be quickly visible on our 'for sale' and 'sold' boards in the area."
"As part of our substantial investment in the latest back-office software, we have enhanced the Preston Bennett website to make it easier to navigate and especially for buyers to select their new home. The search for a new home is also more user-friendly, with greater accuracy in selection criteria; photos can be prioritised and searches saved. Vendors can also be assured that their property is featured against a host of selection criteria, to make it as visible as possible to potential buyers.
"It also includes comprehensive information on the full range of property services that we offer and the professional, informed advice that we can provide. Our up-to-date knowledge of the local property market and what is happening in the future has proved invaluable to our clients - with our news updates an important feature."
This year started well for Preston Bennett, with real signs of a strengthening in the local property market and a substantial increase in activity from sellers and buyers. "These seeds of optimism have encouraged potential sellers to instruct us to actively market their homes. In the month of March alone, we also launched three new developments for regional and national developers," says Ms Fisher.
Among the March launches, Lime Tree Close, Chiltern Avenue, Bushey is already more than 50 per cent sold. Built by Banner Homes in a gated close, there are six four- and five-bedroom family houses, with three storeys, pitched roofs, bay windows and gables. One semi and two detached houses are still available, from £675,000.
Heywood, on Uxbridge Road, Stanmore, consists of six houses and 11 apartments, by Notting Hill Housing. Close to Stanmore tube, the development is aimed at first-time buyers.
Cedar Place, off Grants Close, Mill Hill, is the third scheme to launch in March. The eight four-bedroom townhouses, built over three floors by Moody Homes, are in a quiet location near Mill Hill East tube station. These family homes are close to all the area's amenities, including motorway and other transport links, shops and supermarkets, leisure facilities, restaurants, hospitals and schools. Prices start from £499,950.
All of these new homes are on the books of Preston Bennett.
www.prestonbennett.co.uk