Winkworth Bath – under new management
The Winkworth Bath office has just been sold to new franchisees and partners Matthew Leonard and Lucy McIlroy, who have more than 40 years of combined estate agency experience in and around the Bath area.
Matthew started his property career as a negotiator in his early 20’s for Allen and Harris before working his way up to branch manager. Matthew then helped to set up the Knight Frank office in Bath where he remained for 12 years and most recently held the title of partner (Head of City sales).
Lucy also brings with her a wealth of experience in sales, lettings and new developments in the local area, having spent six years at Cluttons in Bath before also going to work for Knight Frank with Matthew where she remained for 10 years.
“After many years building up our knowledge and love of Bath, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to run our own business in a location that we’re so passionate about. With much regeneration and development taking place around the city, we’re looking forward to reaping the benefits of Winkworth’s large network and client database to maximise the scope of how we can assist local home movers,” explains Matthew.
Husband and wife team Simon and Lisa Jacobs own the neighbouring Devizes and Marlborough Winkworth offices. Simon comments, “Lisa and I are thrilled that Matt and Lucy have taken on the Bath franchise, as we have known them for several years now. Their knowledge and experience of the Bath market is second to none and we are very much looking forward to working with them.”
Bath sales volumes have steadily risen since 2012 with an increase of 33% YOY in November 2018, creating a fantastic opportunity for Winkworth and the new franchisees. Second-home buyers and buy-to-let investors have dropped off slightly, however a staggering 42% of all homes sold in the first half of this year in Bath and north-east Somerset were to relocating Londoners, seemingly looking for a slower pace of life, more space for their money and fantastic schooling opportunities. With the declaration from the local council that more than 12,000 new homes would need to be built by 2029, the city is witnessing the largest domestic construction in decades, again providing a long-term opportunity for Winkworth.
Bath is the sixth Winkworth office to be sold in 2018. “We see resales as a crucial growth arm in the Winkworth franchise model,” explains Operations Manager Gina Piper. “Matching energetic and dynamic new franchisees with already established and successful offices can achieve very positive results.”
Sources: The Guardian/The Telegraph/Home.co.uk
