Agency franchise brand expands Devon footprint

Winkworth has opened its fifth office in Devon – with what it describes as a prime spot in an affluent area of Exeter. 

Franchisee Chris Baker has taken over Weekes, an independent estate agent in St Leonard’s, following the retirement of owner Angus Donald. 

Chris already runs a Winkworth office in Southernhay in the city centre.  He is also the franchisee of the Tiverton and Crediton offices. Winkworth also has an office in Dartmouth.

Chris said: “We have just opened and it has been a really busy start. We are seeing people relocating from London looking for space and a family home, as well as local buyers looking in St Leonard’s. 

“The Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital brings many new residents to the area. The medical students start off in a small townhouse and then move up as they progress to being consultants.  There is also a high retention of students who come to Exeter for the university and fall in love with the city and stay on. 

“We often have buyers who move to Exeter to buy a family home and also invest in another property which they then make available to students or young professionals based in the city. Exeter has so much to offer – a beautiful city surrounded by countryside and the coast and close to Dartmoor, with good road and rail connections.”
 

Dominic Agace, chief executive of Winkworth, added: “Chris is an excellent example of how a franchisee can grow a successful business and expand, with the support of Winkworth.  

“We are delighted that he has identified the opportunities in the St Leonard’s area of Exeter. Chris reflects the very best qualities that we look for in our franchisees. He loves Exeter and has an incredible depth of knowledge about the breadth of properties on offer and the people who live in the city and surrounding area.”