Agency shuts after 30 years to concentrate on legal services

An Oxfordshire estate agency is shutting up shop at the end of this week in order to allow its parent company to concentrate on expanding the delivery of legal services.

The website of Lightfoots estate agency in Thame says: Our Estate Agency will close in June 2018 to enable us to focus on the rapid growth of our core area of business delivering legal services. We are no longer accepting new Estate Agency instructions, however existing properties can be viewed here until June 17.

Business websites report that the firm is confident it can expand on the legal side. A partner, Joe Middleton, has told local news outlet Thame Today: “In recent years the firm has experienced massive growth in our legal services business not only amongst our loyal local client base but also nationally. We are delighted that this is recognised by our being included in the shortlist for three national industry awards.

“We have decided that it is in the best interests of the firm and its clients to focus on our core areas in order to manage growth. We have therefore reluctantly taken the decision to close our estate agency after some 30 years in that business. 

“In the last 12 months we have employed staff in over 40 new positions in Thame, as well as opening a new office in Princes Risborough. We look forward to further expansion in the coming years, with Thame continuing to be the centre of this growth.”

Lightfoots has already sold its lettings business to Oxford-based College and County lettings agency, which will continue trading from Thame.