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.
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