82 agency offices have joined The Guild since the start of lockdown. Why?

There's no doubt COVID-19 has disrupted our industry; the property market was closed for months, we had to adapt our 'normal' ways of working, and our usually face-to-face sector was pushed into a new digital dimension. There has never been a better time to re-evaluate your business.

The Guild works in partnership with its Members, acting like the back office that many smaller, independent agencies need to compete in their areas. Our #ProudGuildMembers have access to vital tools and services, community support from other property professionals and legislative guidance.

Our Members turned COVID on its head and found the positives; collectively, Guild Members' market share rose to 5.91% in May, which was higher than the start of the year.

So the question isn't "Why would you join The Guild?", it's "Why haven't you joined The Guild?".

"Worth its weight in gold"

Managing Director of SP Sales & Lettings in Coalville, Sean Pell, says that virtual valuations were key to his success as the property market surged to life as restrictions lifted. SP Sales & Lettings grew their market share and went from fourth to second in his area. Since lockdown has lifted, the office has seen a massive amount of activity, which Sean largely attributes to the number of customers they were able to assist while still in lockdown.

“The [Guild's] virtual valuation tool, along with the advice and services we were able to provide to our customers as Guild Members, helped us gain further traction in our local market and assisted in positioning us as one of the go-to property experts in the area. For example, we were one of the only agents in the area to provide health assessment checks to vendors and buyers, which many within our community appreciated and I think we gained lifelong customers as a result,” says Sean.

“We joined The Guild of Property Professionals just before going into lockdown. It wasn’t an easy decision at the time as we are a small business and didn’t want to take on any further expense; however, I can honestly say it has been one of the best decisions we made. The advice and support throughout lockdown helped us to grow and gain market share during a challenging time in the industry, which has been worth its weight in gold.”