by 
By Gareth Davies, Managing Director at Davies Property Partners
As we all approach the end of the year and prepare to see in a new one, there’s a tendency to look back and evaluate the good and the bad, and reflect on the highs and the lows. It’s healthy, of course. Looking back provides the opportunity to appreciate what went well, whilst learning from what didn’t go so well.
From Davies Property Partners’ perspective, the last 12 months presented a perfect storm. The property market was hit hard by the aftermath of post-Covid high levels of inflation, which led to higher interest rates. As a result, the aspirational and more speculative movers largely stayed put.
Transaction times also increased from three to five months, which, on top of higher fall-through rates, made the business of estate agency in 2024 rather challenging.
These challenges were compounded when Grosvenor Estates took legal action over our trading style, forcing us to fund another rebrand - the second in 12 months.
Yet, despite all this, there was a lot to celebrate, too.
2024 in numbers
On the sales side, we conducted over 2,000 viewings, helped over 100 families find their dream homes and sold over £110m worth of Surrey properties.
Our lettings team fared well, too. With over 600 viewings, 90 agreed lets and a combined rental of over £3.8m, we’ve still managed to retain a degree of consistency irrespective of market conditions – something that I’m incredibly proud of.
Looking ahead to 2025, Davies Property Partners is a leaner, faster, and more resilient company. And we’re ready to enter a new year with a renewed focus.
There’s a lot to celebrate on a personal level, too.
At the time of writing, my wife, Amiera, is due to give birth to our first child, so I’m fully expecting 2025 to be a busy year at work and at home.
Incredibly grateful
It’s easy to think of any business, regardless of the sector it’s in, as just a business.
But in fact, it’s the people behind it who make the business what it is. And without them, there wouldn’t be a business to begin with.
So, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my team, who, despite the challenges faced over the last 12 months have continued to work tirelessly. I’m incredibly grateful to have a team full of skilled people who are not only very extremely good at their jobs, but who are also a joy to work with, too.
I’d also like to thank our clients on the sales and lettings side for their continued support and custom over the last 12 months. Similarly, without them, we wouldn’t have a business.
With only days left until Christmas, I hope you all have a wonderful festive break full of family, friends and, of course, food. I also hope you get the opportunity to reflect on your year’s successes, of which I’m sure there will be many.
I wish you all the best for the coming year, and hope that I get to see you – either as clients or simply as members of our wonderful Elmbridge community – in 2025.
Merry Christmas and have a very Happy New Year.
Thinking of selling your property in 2025? For expert advice from Surrey estate agents that understand the Elmbridge property market – and to beat the New Year rush – get in touch on 01932 588288