Real Estate and Property Awards 2020

BUILD Real Estate & Property Awards 2020 14 firm fixture in Oxford’s local business and property scene, Wallers Estate Agents is an independent, family- run firm, founded and directed by Rowan Waller. The company seeks to offer a high level of service to sectors of the market that may not typically be able to access premium services. Rowan and his team operate in the entry-to-mid level of the market but provide a service that could be expected of an elite-homes estate agency. Rowan chose this focus for the business as a result of his experience working in the industry. When working for a corporate agency, he found that they tended to offer a two-tier service, basic market services and a premium service for larger, more expensive homes. This struck him as unfair as it was denying a huge portion of the market the best quality estate agency resources. “I wanted a two-bed terrace at £250,000 to get equal treatment to the seven-bed manor house at £2,500,000,” he explained. To this end, the firm supply a range of premium-level services. Professional photography, virtual tours and high-end advertising to name a few. They deal with Residential Sales and Lettings, and also now Commercial Estate Agency We asked Rowan Waller about a recent project that his firm have worked on. “I love working with a developer called Ssassy Property,” he said. “They build carbon-neutral eco homes. They are carbon neutral in construction, not just in use, and the estate we are marketing for them in Oxfordshire is the first of its type in the UK – and little old me is their chosen agent!” This project was especially challenging because the properties were custom build homes. It means that Rowan and his team have to educate buyers not only on the ecological credentials of the houses but also on the custom build processes. Rowan has a strong vision for the future of the company and a cemented plan to get them there. He said: “I want to build an independent chain with 16 offices across Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire and South Warwickshire. Currently, we have two offices, having just launched our Swindon branch. There is a long way to go, and I have set myself the personal goal of achieving it in 12 years.” Estate Agency of the Year 2020 - Oxford How do you run a successful company without it all being about business? Rowan Waller has created an estate agency that has a relaxed and comfortable, yet effective, work ethic. Happy workers make for happy clients, and for Wallers Estate Agents, happy clients have led to huge success. A Aug20011 Why the drive to create a miniature empire? “In 20 years, I want to be able to pass the firm down to my daughters. It is all about building a traditional family firm that remembers its traditional estate agency principles whilst embracing modern methods and tech.” For now, Wallers Estate Agents is focussed on the new Swindon branch. While that stabilises, they will be doubling down on the letting operation in Oxford. This will help form a stable base for them to launch the third and fourth offices sometime in 2022. As the firm expands, one of the key attributes that Rowan is keen to instil in each new branch is the company culture and approach to business. In their agency, there are no suits or ties, and no rows of desks. The offices are crafted to feel more like a café than a branch. The staff members come in at 9.30 or 10.00 in the morning, giving them plenty of time to complete the school run. Overall, the agency cultivates a relaxed feel, and suits clients looking for a friendly, fun and relaxed team. At its heart, Wallers Estate Agents is family oriented. It isn’t mandatory for staff to be in the branch if their work can be done from home. It allows the staff members to spend more time with their family. “I don’t even record holiday days, except to comply with HR standards, and make sure [the employees] take at least the legal minimum,” Rowan said. “As long as the work gets done. Happy staff equals great results, equals happy clients.” Company: Wallers Estate Agents Contact: Rowan Waller Website: www.wallersestateagents.com