The highly respected Algarve chain of estate agencies, Christopher Garveigh, has merged with UK-based Winkworth, an estate agent established in London since 1835.
Over the years, the Christopher Garveigh chain has earned the reputation as one of the most reputable, real estate agencies in the region. It has branches stretching from Lagos to Boliqueime and can boast some of the most glamorous apartments and villas the Algarve has to offer among its client base.
Speaking to The Resident at the recent merger party, celebrated at the Hotel Tivoli in Lagos, Franchise Director, Dominique Agace, explains why the merger is such an important and significant step for the two estate agents. “We are trying to offer people in the Algarve a wider spectrum of opportunity in which to sell their houses,” he commented. “Our customer base in the UK is essentially a wealthy one and many are, therefore, in a position to consider investing in second homes or simply purchasing a holiday home.”
Agace believes that the Algarve remains one of the most desirable holiday destinations for people living in the UK. “At first, we believe that there will be more people coming from England to look for Algarve properties. However, we also envisage that it will work the other way round. We are in a position to offer Algarve clients very knowledgeable advice about the UK market, so it is highly beneficial to clients in the Algarve and the UK on different levels – purchasing and selling.”
The directors of Winkworths and Christopher Garveigh were delighted with the success of the evening, which was attended by more than 100 of the company’s new and existing clients. “We were particularly delighted that the new Director of Trade and Investment at the British Embassy, Richard Turner, was present, together with the British Consul in the Algarve, Roger Nuttall,” commented Paul Ablett, Managing Director of Christopher Garveigh. “The new and higher profile that will now be enjoyed by Winkworth-Christopher Garveigh is expected to procure a huge increase in international enquiries from the UK and Ireland.”
According to Ablett, “it is unlikely that, over the next 12 months, a new investor in property anywhere along the Algarve will make a buying decision without contacting one of the Winkworth-Christopher Garveigh offices. This will, in turn, strengthen our appeal to anybody either selling now, or considering selling in the future.”
The directors of the newly merged Winkworth-Christopher Garveigh are looking forward to maintaining the high standard of estate agency to which the people of the Algarve are now accustomed and are also looking forward to a successful future. For further information about Winkworth-Christopher Garveigh, call the head office in Lagos on 282 769 341.
