The only way is acquisition - Essex independent agency snapped up

Essex-based Balgores Property Group, which operates across that county and in Kent, has snapped up Woollens estate agents in Dagenham.

Woollens has been operating in Essex since the 1960s and will be rebranded as a Balgores Property Group branch early next year. 

The move brings the Balgores branch total to 12, and the new Dagenham office will complement its existing Havering branches which include Hornchurch, Romford, and Upminster.

"Woollens is a long-established business in the Dagenham area which has carved out a fantastic reputation over the years," says Martin Gibbon, director of Balgores Property Group.

"We're therefore delighted to incorporate the agency into our fast-growing network and look forward to rebranding it as part of the Balgores Property Group in the New Year."

Lettings is a key driver behind the acquisition. 

"As the rental market in the areas we operate continues to grow rapidly, we're always looking to expand our lettings book and provide our full range of services to more landlords and tenants” says Gibbon.

Balgores Property Group says it wants further acquisitions, too, particularly of firms in Essex and Kent with large lettings portfolios.

"As some agents feel the pinch of the incoming lettings fee ban and lower commission fees, at Balgores we're going through a significant period of growth and we're on the lookout for more opportunities to expand our brand further," adds Gibbon.