They include offices in Ilkeston and Queensbury which were previously independent agencies but have chosen to become part of the UK franchise network.
Century 21 Ilkeston was formerly a lettings agency, Pelham Property Services, but has now also moved into sales as a result of the support and training offered by Century 21 UK.
Century 21 Queensbury in North West London previously operated as Hab and Kal Properties in the same area but decided to rebrand in order to secure further markets for its services.
Other existing offices, buoyed by their experience and support from the franchisor, are also looking to spread their wings opening new offices in second territories. The owner of Century 21 Halifax, Roger Claughton, has recently opened a new office in Salford.
Century 21 UK has been quick to stress to potential start-ups that, while desirable, property market experience is not absolutely necessary in order to operate a successful agency. The franchise provides full support to all new office owners from finding and kitting out new premises to sales and marketing training.
‘Many within the agency world are quickly realising that brand recognition is not just desirable, but a must have, particularly as they are trying to stand out from the crowd in a highly competitive marketplace,’ said Rob Clifford, chief executive of Century 21 UK.
‘While there are a number of advantages when it comes to being a small independent, many of the agents we speak to are also looking to secure far greater support and help in order to take advantage of a whole host of opportunities which are currently not within reach for them. Add to this the importance of the global marketplace and the need to put properties in a worldwide shop window and it is therefore perhaps not surprising that more agents are looking to rebrand,’ he explained.
‘There is a particular increase in interest from independent agents in the Greater London area where we have our highest concentration of offices. Many London agencies recognise they need to change to a globally recognised brand like Century 21 to attract overseas buyers,’ he pointed out.
‘Brand recognition is clearly important to overseas investors, and can provide clients with a confidence and trust that they wouldn’t necessarily have just by finding an agent online. It also helps to have a global listings website which means interested parties can view property details, make enquiries and contact the local agent to make viewings and offers,’ he added.