Local estate agents Stephenson Browne, share their thoughts on the booming Sandbach property market.

The branch manager for the Stephenson Browne Sandbach office, which opened in 2008, highlights how the independent business prides themselves on offering a "personal" service to all their clients, whether they are buyers or sellers.

Alannah Taylor, branch manager at Sandbach, which is located in the town centre, told Nub News that Stephenson Browne build relationships on trust and transparency, which are underpinned by good communication.

The housing market in Sandbach has been "extremely buoyant", and Stephenson Browne have experienced the busiest months they have "ever had", which has been mainly driven by the stamp duty holiday with buyers "keen to take advantage of it".

Alannah said: "We have been receiving multiple offers on our properties, especially those in the £150,000 to £250,000 price bracket, and we do expect this to continue until September when the second phase of the stamp duty holiday comes to an end."

The beauty of working with Stephenson Browne is that they cover the entire housing market, from starter homes right the way up to large, detached family homes.

Alannah believes that it is "really important" that Stephenson Browne have a good idea "exactly" what buyers are looking for, so when clients register with them, this means a whole range of questions will be asked for their benefit.

This enables Stephenson Browne to find out what is "essential" for their clients, once the independent business has identified this, they will then use their expertise to link clients up to suitable available properties and encourage them to view.

Alannah added: "The same goes for sellers that are looking to buy on, at valuation stage I will ask what they are looking for in their next home, so I can straight away keep an eye out for them for new properties coming up that I go to value and let those vendors know that I already have someone

who I think would be interested in their home."

When asked what tips she would give to homeowners currently considering their house, Alannah replied: "I always say the same to potential vendors – it is so important how your home is presented, so declutter and depersonalise as much as possible, so you create a blank canvas where buyers can imagine themselves living there.

"We also advise vendors to have their paperwork such as guarantees and service records ready at hand, so when they do sell, they are ahead of the game."

Stephenson Browne currently has listings for three new apartments in the centre of Sandbach that have recently been converted in a character property.

Speaking about the apartments, Alannah said: "They are fantastic and something a little bit different as they appeal to a wide range of buyers, from first time buyers to those wishing to downsize or even wanting a great investment."

Sandbach is a place that Alannah holds close to her heart and after leaving university in 2013 and landing a job in estate agency just a month later, Alannah hasn't "looked back since".

She continues: "I grew up in Sandbach and still live here, so to be based in a branch in my hometown is fantastic, I love this area and I have an excellent understanding of the local property market.

"I started off for one of the leading corporate agents which gave me great experience, but I always wanted to work for an independent agent and so in 2015 when I started for Stephenson Browne as a senior sales negotiator that's when the fun began.

"I took over as the manager a couple of years later. Working for an independent agent allows close contact with our client's day in, day out, here in Sandbach we are known for our excellent customer service, it really is what we pride ourselves on.

"My team has a wealth of knowledge with over 35 years of experience between us."

Debbie Gibbon, lettings manager at the Sandbach office, has worked in estate agency for over 30 years, both in sales and lettings, and for the last 20 of those years, she has been working for Stephenson Browne.

When Debbie started, Stephenson Browne only had the Alsager office, but there are now eight different branches as the independent business "continues to grow".

Debbie believes a big reason behind Stephenson Browne's success is that their "unique" service is tailored to their clients' needs and most importantly every "proactive" staff member "loves their job".

As part of their commitment to the community, Stephenson Browne are now proud sponsors of the property section at Sandbach Nub News.

Our exciting partnership will showcase great properties in and around the town, plus news and features relating to the local property market and how it might affect people in Sandbach.

Speaking on the partnership, Nub News chief executive Karl Hancock said: "Estate agents are such an integral part of any community so it's great to have Stephenson Browne on board as the property sponsor for Sandbach.

"I look forward to reading Property of the Week features and regular articles on the local market."

About Stephenson Browne:

The offices are situated on High Street with separate premises for lettings and sales.

Stephen Bird (Managing Director) and Craig Whitney (Sales Director) of Stephenson Browne said:

"We are extremely thankful to be in the position that we are in after what for many businesses has

been an awful time over the last 15 months.

"The market, whether that be sales or lettings has grown far beyond anyone's expectations, stamp duty holiday aside, the people we speak with daily now appear to be making lifestyle changes due to the effects of Covid.

"Whilst it hasn't been easy, we couldn't be prouder of our employees across the board for their continued hard work through these unprecedented times and on behalf of everyone at Stephenson Browne would like to thank all our clients for their custom but more importantly, their

understanding and frequent kind words."

See more from Stephenson Browne here.