Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Hannah Baker

South Gloucestershire estate agency acquired by local property expert

A South Gloucestershire estate agency founded more than 30 years ago has been acquired by a local property specialist.

Chipping Sodbury’s Country Property has been bought by surveyor Andrew Simmonds, who joins the management team.

Mr Simmonds will initially work alongside Nick Cragg, who set up Country Property in 1989.

Mr Cragg, a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), said: “We are really pleased to welcome Andrew on board. He has the energy and experience to lead the team and business forward as we plan for the future. He will be retaining our ethos, independence and commitment to straightforward advice for those wanting to buy, sell, let or rent property in this region.”

Mr Simmonds is an associate member of the RICS who has worked in the residential property sector since 2005 and his business interests include Parker’s Estate Agents in North Somerset.

His experience includes working with developers on sales strategies for new-build homes and as managing director of one of the region's largest businesses managing apartments for private portfolio landlords.

Mr Simmonds, who said he was "really excited" to become part of the team at Country Property, said the company's "ethos, track record and reputation" had attracted him to acquire the business.

“Nick’s credentials as a fellow of the RICS and 50 years in the profession are second to none, and although the agency is operating out of a listed building, has always been considered ahead of the curve with their property technology which will be increasingly important in the future," he said.

“There is a diverse range of properties in and around Chipping Sodbury, a strong rental market and more landlords who require professionally qualified and experienced management services. We will continue to be the local and regional professionals that can help with any property challenge.”

In February, Mr Simmonds told BusinessLive the average house price in North Somerset had almost doubled in value over the last 20 years to more than half a million pounds.

“Few people that bought in those first few years of the new Millennium could have forecast the massive financial impact their decision would have on the rest of their lives,” he said at the time.

Like this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.