A Northern Ireland estate agency chain won a Gold award at a recent national property awards’ ceremony in London where it took the top honour as Regional Agency of the Year.
The Negotiator Awards 2014, which were held at the Hilton Hotel earlier this month, had a record number of entries for the competition which recognises the UK’s top estate agents.
The judges said of UPS which has 11 branches provincewide: “Claiming unrivalled service, this agency stands apart from its competitors with superb client feedback.”
Paddy Turley of UPS, who picked up the award in London, said: “It is an amazing achievement for UPS to be selected in the first place, but to pick up a Gold award among such stiff competition is a real accomplishment and a great way for us to finish a year. What differentiates UPS from other estate agents is that our people in the branches know their area like the back of their hand. It is also our ongoing commitment to customer service and consistently setting high standards which has led to this national recognition.”
Mr Turley says the local housing market has turned a corner and there is an increased demand for residential property with buyers seeking all house types from terraces to family semis and detached manors.
He added: “The biggest challenge facing Northern Ireland estate agents over the next 12-months is having enough stock to fulfil the current demand from buyers. 2014 has been a good year for UPS with sales up month on month compared to 2013 and 2012. The big issue now is having enough houses coming onto the market for sale to meet buyers’ needs.”
The local property market is also a faster moving one now, thanks to the internet and mobile technology, according to Conor Cooke, UPS Director. He said: “The housing market is no longer seasonal. Previously the market slowed down during the traditional July holiday period, but this is not the case anymore. People are contactable 24/7 even when they are on holiday with most hotels providing free Wi-Fi.”
Conor added: “As soon as a property is listed prospective buyers can register an interest or request a viewing instantly via email. We are seeing email requests for 15-25 viewings within the first two weeks. If a property is in good order, well finished and in the right location – it will sell. Now is a good time to buy as houses are competitively priced. The local housing market has turned a corner and there are good mortgage products available.”
Caption: UPS TAKES GOLD: from left, TV personality Alexander Armstrong presented a Gold Award to UPS estate agents’ Paddy Turley and Brian Shields, who were congratulated by award sponsor Brian Murphy, Rentpro, and Grant Leonard, Joint Managing Director, Propertydrum
