Estate agency group Urban & Rural has launched a dedicated new homes division as it looks to expand its services for housebuilders and developers across the South East.
The new operation, Urban & Rural New Homes, will operate across the firm’s existing network of 11 branches in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, targeting residential developments in surrounding counties and London.
The move marks a strategic expansion for the franchise agency, which was established in 1998 and has built its presence through owner-operated branches specialising in residential sales and lettings.
The new division will focus on marketing and selling newly built homes for developers, supported by a regional network that already provides broad coverage across key commuter markets.
STRONG PLATFORM
Urban & Rural New Homes will be led by Jonathan Howe (main picture, middle), who has more than a decade of experience in the new homes sector and has been appointed Director of New Homes.
The company said the existing branch network provides a strong platform to deliver both local market expertise and wider regional reach for housebuilders looking to bring developments to market.
Howe says: “Urban & Rural New Homes is built on four core principles: Passion, Creation, Commitment and Transparency, which underpin every aspect of the division.
“By combining the strength and network of Urban & Rural with my in-depth understanding of the new homes sector; particularly its distinct requirements and sales dynamics, we have created a platform that complements both disciplines.”
He adds that the business aims to build long-term partnerships with developers and specialist sales and marketing professionals across the sector.
NEW INSTRUCTIONS
Since launching, the new division has already secured instructions on eight developments spanning Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire and London.
A major early appointment includes an exclusive marketing agreement with a developer launching a new community development in Milton Keynes, where Urban & Rural New Homes has been appointed as lead UK sales agent.
The agency says the instruction represents a significant milestone for the division and provides an early foothold in the competitive new homes sector.
Urban & Rural New Homes will also leverage its membership of The Guild of Property Professionals, giving the business access to a national referral network and additional collaboration opportunities with agents across the UK.
The company says the new division enters the market with the aim of establishing a strong regional presence in the new homes sector as it builds relationships with national and regional developers.
Main picture: Urban & Rural’s Mark O’Shea, Jonathan Howe and Craig Reynolds
