We find out what sets the newest agent in town apart from the rest

OliverFinn is set to shake up the sedate world of estate agency. The new firm recognises that many estate agents are a throw back to a bygone era. Who really starts their search for a new home by looking in shop windows these days? The vast majority of sophisticated buyers start their search online – one report even suggests that over 85% begin looking for a new home via websites. Nevertheless, purely internet based estate agencies have never really taken off because they are little more than marketers and have to rely on vendors to do their own viewings. A solution had to be found that brought estate agency into the 21st century while still providing an all-round service and local knowledge. OliverFinn believes it has found that solution.

Gone are the showrooms cluttering up traditional high streets. As members of the local community, OliverFinn believes that high streets should be the preserve of the butcher, the baker and the (scented) candle stick maker. Instead, OliverFinn base themselves from normal offices staffed with experts in the local property market. Why should consumers ultimately have to pay for high street rents when they are just expensive places to park estate agents? OliverFinn want to make things as simple as possible for their clients.

Furthermore, OliverFinn is looking to bring transparency to the market. Estate agency is one of the least trusted professions in the UK. It is no surprise considering the smoke and mirrors approach many firms have to fees. OliverFinn takes a different approach by charging flat fees: £2,500 to sell any flat and £5,000 to sell any house. Why should you pay more if your property is worth more? It doesn’t cost any more to market. There are no additional charges for multiple agency, either. Landlords also benefit from a transparent fee structure. OliverFinn charges £1,500 to let any property including full management, rent collection, inventory and gas safety inspections.

OliverFinn is currently operating in Chiswick but will soon expand into Notting Hill with plans for a network of offices throughout London.

Christian Harper, managing director of OliverFinn and Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents, comments, “Estate agency is finally waking up to the realities of 21st century living. We no longer need showrooms because that simply isn’t the way people search for properties these days. We see the way forward in providing quality of service and local knowledge within a fixed fee structure.”

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October 27, 2006