Hello Property Enthusiasts and Future Homeowners,

Welcome to the latest edition of the Samuel Makepeace Newsletter!
Whether you’re on the hunt for your dream home, thinking of selling, or simply love keeping up with the local property scene, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. This month, we’re bringing you the latest market updates to keep you one step ahead—because being property savvy is always a good idea.

So, pour yourself a cuppa, settle in, and explore the newest property news and insights. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, we’re here to make your journey exciting, informed, and stress-free.

In this issue you’ll find:
• Get to know our Valuer, Jordan Massey
• Updates from the world of Samuel Makepeace
• Our featured property completion of the month
• Spotlight Feature: an exclusive preview of our beautiful new listing in Baddeley Green

We caught up with the resident Valuer of our Milton branch, Jordan Massey...

Give us a run down of your day to day duties... "When I arrive in the morning, I prepare my day ahead. This would involve doing research on properties that I will be valuing that day, sorting out keys if I have viewings in for that day & making sure I have enough travel time in between appointments. A typical day for me would usually have a mixture of valuations for both sales and lettings, viewings and sometimes photographing properties, helping out with getting these on the market in a timely manner. If I get any quiet time in the office, I will then help out office staff answering calls and booking in appointments."

What is your favourite part of your job? "My favourite part of the job is getting to see some spectacular properties, meeting and speaking with new people every day, helping vendors to achieve the price they were hoping to achieve on their home, showcasing properties that we have for sale to prospective buyers and negotiating deals, having the balance of being out on appointments and being in the office, and lastly working with an amazing team!"

What do you find most challenging? "I would probably have to say the most challenging part of the job is trying to manage a vendor's expectations on the value of their house when a corporate estate agent has been to value before me. Honesty and being realistic as possible is very important to me, so when I go out to a property and the vendors have been given a completely unrealistic valuation, that can be a challenging part of my job." 

If you could have a meal with any famous person, who would it be and why? "Pep Guardiola, he is a footballing genius and I'd love to pick his brain."

If you could pick anywhere in the world to go for a weekend getaway, where would you go and why? "Tough one! But I would go to Ibiza for the weekend. It’s one of my favourite places to holiday."

Thanks for catching up with us Jordan! I think we've learned that a workplace night out is on the cards, preferably at a karaoke bar, as that trio is too good an opportunity to miss!

Featured New Listing of the Month – Doulton Grove, Baddeley Green

Welcome to Doulton Grove – a place where charm meets modern family living! This beautiful three-bedroom semi-detached home is perfectly positioned in one of Baddeley Green’s most sought-after locations. Boasting irresistible curb appeal with its manicured front lawn, detached garage, and private driveway, it offers both style and substance. Inside, you’ll find a spacious, light-filled layout featuring a welcoming entrance hall, a stylish lounge with patio doors to the garden, a separate dining room, and a sleek modern kitchen – all complemented by elegant flooring throughout. Upstairs, three generously sized bedrooms await, including a master with a chic ensuite, plus a stunning family bathroom. The landscaped garden is a true highlight, complete with an Indian stone patio, lawn, decorative beds, a pebbled seating area, and even a tranquil fish pond. With space to grow, entertain, and relax, this is the dream home you’ve been waiting for. Contact Samuel Makepeace today to arrange your viewing – and make Doulton Grove your new home!

Corporate Agencies vs. Independent Agents: What’s the Difference?

Here’s why independent agencies stand apart:

Business model and fee structure: Independent agents often charge commission on sale, reinvesting that incentive into actively marketing and closing the deal. In contrast, some corporate or hybrid agencies use fixed upfront fees—sometimes via credit or loan arrangements—meaning they get paid regardless of sale success, with scant incentive to pursue an efficient transaction. Many corporate models also remunerate their valuers based on instructions, and not actual sales, meaning valuers are likely to “sell the dream” rather than give honest, realistic valuations.

Local presence and personalised service: Independent agents usually operate with small teams deeply rooted in their local communities. They give frequent updates, chase solicitors proactively, and treat every listing as their own. Many buyers and sellers report a starkly different experience when working with independents—more attentive, responsive, and genuinely invested.

Less pressure on buyers: Unlike some corporate agencies known to push in-house mortgage brokers or solicitors, independent agents are less likely to use conditional selling tactics—forcing buyers to use partner services and blocking offers if they don’t comply, a problem recently highlighted by the BBC Watchdog. Most agents, even independents, have partner services available or refer to other local businesses. But it is important for agents to encourage, and not force, and present EVERY qualified offer equally. The key takeaway from this however, is that encouragement to use partner services coming from an independent agent is usually done to HELP the customer. Most reputable, independent local agents, will only partner with other reputable, independent local firms, whether that be solicitors, mortgage advisors, or surveyors.

Independent agents—local, sales driven and client focused—offer a marked contrast to larger networks operating via fixed fees or bundled services. For those seeking transparency, flexibility, and dedicated support, independent agents often represent a more consumer-aligned choice.

“Samuel Makepeace recently helped us to sell our home of over 30 years. The team that we dealt with, Kieran who came to do the valuation, photography and viewings. Natalya also did some of the viewings. Ella Woodcock became our point of contact, we found communication was easy and prompt. Nothing was to much trouble for the team and we found their manner to be both professional and friendly and are all a credit to the business. Thank you all for helping us to sell our home and move to Cyprus, fulfilling our dream.”

Key Industry News this month

- Listings surge - New property listings are up 5.4% versus 2024, and 15% above 2021 levels.

- Transaction volumes are recovering with over 444,000 completions in the UK so far in 2025—making it one of the strongest years in the past eight years.

- Buyer demand remains steady thanks to reduced mortgage rates and wage growth.

Join us again at the end of August when we wrap up the summer with our next edition!

Stephanie George, Head of Operations