Fine & Country opened 42 offices in 2014 and expanded into golf sector

International estate agency network Fine & Country has had its most successful year to date with 42 offices opening in the last 12 months as well as the launch of a new department Fine & Country Golf.

With 42 new offices opening across the globe in 2014, Fine & Country now has offices in over 300 locations worldwide. In the UK, offices opened in locations such as Bristol, Fulham, Padstow and Nottingham, and internationally, offices have opened in Russia, Portugal, Dubai and South Africa.
 
Mike Bidwell, head of sales at Fine & Country, said that 2014 was a year of two halves. ‘Renewed consumer confidence and positive economic indicators saw a mini boom at the beginning of 2014. This level of price inflation was unsustainable and, as we reached the summer months, the inevitable plateau materialised. Global concerns both socially and economically further dampened enthusiasm and house prices levelled,’ he explained.
 
‘The market received a much needed boost at the beginning of December with the announcement of a new stamp duty regime, seen as fairer and helping an estimated 98% of buyers,’ he said.

‘Against such a backdrop Fine & Country continued to grow at pace with over 40 offices added to the network nationally and internationally with the brand continuing to demonstrate its ability to win market share and offer a point of differentiation to independent estate agents operating in the prime residential property market,’ he added.
 
However, a tougher market is expected in 2015 with the uncertainty of the impending election and the question of mansion tax, especially in London where properties often exceed £2million.

Set to improve year on year, Fine & Country have even bigger plans for 2015. ‘It has been a very special year for Fine & Country. We have opened offices in some of the most beautiful and affluent areas in the world,’ said Bidwell.

‘Our team at the Park Lane Headquarters has grown rapidly and the business has expanded in terms of printed and digital advertising, events, charity work and technology. So 2015 is set to be as successful for Fine & Country as the previous, with exciting new developments already in the pipeline,’ he added.

In 2014, Fine & Country’s international presence was further strengthened by the launch of a brand new department Fine & Country Golf which entered into a long term strategic partnership with Troon Golf and European Tour Properties in July 2014, marketing and selling properties from an exclusive portfolio of elite golf developments around the globe.

These include including Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, Quinta Do Lago, Portugal, Linna Golf, Finaldn, and EGCC, Estonia. ‘The new venture represents an exciting step for Fine & Country. This is the first time we have specialised in golf real estate and it has already sparked interest with international investors and London buyers. We are seeing more people interested in not just buying a property but buying their dream lifestyle,’ said Robert O’Brien, head of Fine & Country Golf.