TOWN AND COUNTRY

Bob Bickersteth, director of the London Office comments on how he promotes our properties to London-based buyers.

"We put country properties in front of London-based buyers. That's the total raison d'etre of The London Office. "It seems that more and more of us are on the move these days; according to the Office of National Statistics, 11 per cent of us move in a year. This is most apparent in London where an increasing number of people are swapping the hustle of London for the calm of the home-counties and beyond.

"Whatever the reason, be it for more space, flexible working, security or just the lure of a better lifestyle, finding the perfect home can be confusing, stressful and time-intensive. The London Office was set up in 1992 to ease the move out of London - if necessary without having to set foot outside the capital! Now comprising 33 carefully chosen independent estate agents marketing in excess of 22,000 properties a year throughout 172 offices across the country, The London Office is the London branch of our country house agents, giving them national and international marketing exposure.

"At our office in St James's, potential purchasers are able to discuss their requirements with professional, qualified staff who can answer questions about prices, market conditions, commuting times and schools - and the quality of the local pubs! They can instantly search our extensive database for suitable properties and apart from new instructions and properties being discreetly marketed, will often have the glossy brochures on hand too.

"We also host popular regional property exhibitions which enable Londoners to chat face-to-face with regional agents while our large window displays always attract interest and prompt many spontaneous enquiries. "Due to time pressures, many purchasers subscribe to a copy of our bi-annual 'Acquire' brochure which is available throughout The London Office network and enables them to do some initial research from home."

One supporter of The London Office is estate agent Douglas & Gordon who has ten offices covering areas such as Westminster, Chelsea, Kensington, Battersea, Fulham and Putney. For managing director, Ivor Dickinson, the advantages are clear: "In Wandsworth 20 per cent of our clients, mostly families, are looking to relocate outside of London, looking for more space. It's a similar story in Fulham and Putney." Membership of The London Office ensures Ivor can serve his vendors better: "I can recommend an excellent provincial agent from almost anywhere in the UK and refer them to Acquire magazine or the website. Most of our clients are looking to head south or south west; Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Wiltshire."