First-night private chefs for buyers? Agency moves into luxury sales sector

Midlands estate agency Centrick has launched a new specialist division to focus on the luxury homes market across the West Midlands and Warwickshire.

'Signature Collection' will build on the five-branch agency's existing sales, lettings and management services.

The new division, which aims to offer sellers a 'truly tailored' and 'hands-off approach', is being led by the firm's chairman James Ackrill (pictured centre left) and director Jane Morcom (centre right).

As well as virtual tours, showcase events and individual listing marketing, Centrick's new offering also offers first-night hampers and private chefs - which it says are 'special touches' that align with its customer service values.

"Having established Centrick as one of the region’s leading property companies, it felt right to bring together our local knowledge, high levels of customer service, and in-house marketing expertise to offer something unique to the property market," says Ackrill.

The Signature Collection has already sold a number of properties, including the million-pound Langbourne in Tanworth-in-Arden and a property in Leamington Spa which sold for the full asking price within five days of being listed.

The agency has recruited Marco Rubio-Ruiz (pictured far right) to focus on the new luxury division. He has almost two decades of industry experience, from selling luxury homes in Warwickshire to property development in South West France.

"We’re offering a service that is expertly informed by our experience in selling high end properties, movements in the local property market, and intel from the wider industry," says Rubio-Ruiz.

"We manage every single stage; from initial marketing collateral, right through to first-night private chefs. Every home is as unique as its owner and we recognise that every approach to selling needs to reflect this," he says.

Established in 2005, Centrick has a team of 125, over 15,000 properties on its books and manages over £1.5 billion in client assets.