Winkworth, the UK’s leading franchise network of estate agents, is expanding further in the South-west, with a new office opening in the Bishopston area of Bristol.
Winkworth, the UK’s leading franchise network of estate agents, is expanding further in the South-west, with a new office opening in the Bishopston area of Bristol – to capitalise on student demand and from purchasers relocating from London and other major cities.
Winkworth Bishopston is the second office for joint franchisees Matthew Leonard and Lucy McIlroy, who run Winkworth’s office in Bath. The new office will focus on sales and lettings.
Bishopston is situated to the north of the city centre around the popular Gloucester Road (the A38), renowned for its great local shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. There is a broad range of properties in the area, from apartments to Victorian terraces and larger period family homes, with prices for houses ranging from £600,000 to £1m plus. The highest demand currently is for properties between £460,000 and £860,000 and there is a good balance between supply and demand, according to Rightmove.
The area has a large student population and also attracts many young professionals and families who are moving from London and other major cities and relocating to Bristol, often working for one of the major law firms or banks with regional offices, as well as entrepreneurial start-ups. Another draw for families is the high performing schools in and around Bishopston, which are Ofsted rated outstanding or good.
Matthew Leonard said: “We have acquired a large rental portfolio and will be looking to grow this side of the business, with many landlords looking to buy in the area to extend their HMO portfolios. For investors, the rental yield is really good while properties also grow in capital appreciation. Bishopston has excellent potential in the sales market, with some very attractive family houses. We will also be focusing on this market as the only national agent in the area with London offices, as demand continues from those looking to move from the capital as flexible working has become more popular. The city has a good balance for all ages and cultures, with lots of green spaces and is similar to London in many ways - but more relaxed and accessible.
“The houses are cheaper for London buyers and they are able to get more for their money here. There is a significant level of development in and around the city which also offers opportunities for us.”
Bishopston is extremely well connected, with Redland and Montpelier stations offering a 12-minute service to Bristol Temple Meads national rail station, where there are fast connections to London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Glasgow, the Midlands and to the South-west. Road links to the M32 and M4, and M5 are a short drive away.
Dominic Agace, Chief Executive, Winkworth, with over 100 franchised offices nationwide, including 60 in London, said: “Bristol is a leading relocation destination from London and other cities, with exceptional employment opportunities, high graduate retention, outstanding schools and an excellent lifestyle in a beautiful setting. We are delighted to be supporting Matthew and Lucy, already successful franchisees with Winkworth, in their expansion with an office in a flourishing part of Bristol, where they will be able to offer their customers the benefits of links with our nationwide network of offices, including our substantial presence in London. It’s part of our policy to invest in successful franchisees and help them grow further and we look forward to doing more in the future.
“We are looking to expand elsewhere in the South-west region and would like to hear from property professionals who want to own their own business, with the support of the Winkworth brand, our excellent head office team and our nationwide network.”
The Bishopston office address is 14 The Promenade, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8AL and the office number is
0117 9838383. www.winkworth.co.uk
To find out more about becoming a Winkworth franchisee, contact Lucy Britton, Head of Talent, New Franchising & Recruitment [email protected]
