Wow—25 years in estate agency! On the 26th of March 2025, I will hit a huge milestone: a quarter of a century in this crazy, challenging, and rewarding world of buying and selling homes. And honestly? I never planned on being here! But looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.It all started in 2000 when I was working in a pub and restaurant. A friend of mine—one of the chefs—left to work at an estate agency and kept telling me I should give it a go. One day, I took the plunge. My first day was the 26th of March 2000, and the rest, as they say, is history!Back then, the job was a whole different ball game. No Rightmove, no fancy online marketing—just newspapers and a box full of index cards with buyer details. We had to match people to properties manually, and if you didn’t hit your targets, you weren’t sticking around for long. It was tough, but I loved it from the start. My first sale was a house on Tollhouse Road in Bromsgrove, and I’ll never forget the buzz of handing over those keys for the first time.Over the years, I worked my way up through the ranks, eventually moving from Dixons estate agents (Countrywide) to Shipways (part of the Connells group) managing the Redditch office. But the biggest step? Taking the leap to start SA Property. That was 12 years ago, and wow, what a ride it’s been! From selling our first house to surviving the madness of COVID, it’s been an adventure. Building a business from scratch wasn’t easy—especially in the early days when nobody knew who we were. It was all about knocking on doors, delivering leaflets, and making sure people knew we existed. Talking to people.Now, we’ve got a solid reputation and a thriving office on Gorseinon’s High Street.The industry has changed massively over the last 25 years, especially with technology. Some of it helps, some of it… not so much! But at the heart of it, estate agency is still all about people. You can have all the fancy tools in the world, but if clients don’t know about you, engage with you or trust you, none of it matters.Looking ahead, I want SA Property to keep growing. We’ve already started expanding with our first self-employed agent - the fantastic Cheryl Davies, and I’m excited to see where that takes us. One thing I’d love to change in the industry? The ridiculously slow buying process. It shouldn’t take 4-6 months to complete a sale in 2025!After 25 years, I still love this job—probably even more than when I started. It’s addictive. Winning listings, competing with other agents, finding creative solutions to help people move—it never gets old. Every day is different, and meeting new people and hearing their stories is what makes this job so special.Looking back, I feel so lucky to have started my career at a time when estate agency was at its best. I worked with some incredible people, and many of them are still smashing it in the industry today. Taking the risk to start SA Property was terrifying, but I’m so glad I did. Especially with the support from my wife Gail, I don't think I could have done it without her and of course the rest of my family and friends / colleagues.Here’s to the next 25 years of helping people move—because honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way!Cheers to 25 years!

Cheryl Davies Returns as a Local Property Agent Partnered with SA Property We’re delighted to welcome back Cheryl Davies to the SA Property family; This time as a self-employed Local Property Agent partnered with SA Property. Cheryl has always been an integral part of our team, bringing expertise, dedication, and a passion for helping clients navigate the property market.  Now, she is embarking on an exciting new chapter as an independent local property agent, still under the SA Property umbrella but working on her own, offering a unique, personal service while benefiting from our established brand and support. Cheryl’s Journey with SA Property Cheryl originally joined SA Property as a key team member, playing a vital role in sales and lettings. Her deep market knowledge and client-focused approach quickly made her a valued asset.  In April 2024, she went on maternity leave, leaving a significant gap in our team.  Now, she’s returning in a new capacity—partnering with SA Property as a self-employed agent. A New Opportunity: Independent with SA Property’s Support Returning as a self-employed partner allows Cheryl to continue doing what she loves while enjoying greater flexibility.  This model enables experienced agents like Cheryl to operate independently while leveraging SA Property’s established brand, marketing tools, and professional network.  It’s the perfect balance of autonomy and support. What This Means for Clients For buyers and sellers, Cheryl’s return means continued access to a trusted and experienced expert.  She remains committed to providing a first-class, personalised service, ensuring smooth transactions and expert guidance every step of the way. As a self-employed partner, Cheryl will: ✔ Offer expert advice to clients buying or selling properties ✔ Maintain SA Property’s high service standards ✔ Manage her own portfolio while collaborating with our team ✔ Contribute to the continued growth of SA Property ✔ Build her own successful business Looking Ahead Cheryl’s return strengthens SA Property in a new way, reinforcing our commitment to long-term relationships and exceptional service.  Her experience and dedication will enhance both SA Property’s offering and her own personal service. If you’re looking to buy or sell, Cheryl is here to help!  Get in touch today to see how Cheryl and SA Property can support your property journey. Welcome back, Cheryl—we’re excited for what’s ahead!

How SA Property is Helping You Navigate the February Property Market February is here, and with it comes fresh opportunities in the ever-evolving property market. At SA Property, we’re not just keeping up with the trends—we’re actively working to ensure our clients have the best support to succeed in their property journeys. Whether you’re buying, selling, letting, or renting, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Current Market Trends in the SA Postcode Area As we step into 2025, the property market in the SA postcode area is already showing promising signs. Demand remains strong, especially for family homes and well-presented rental properties. Buyers are eager to find their dream homes, but they’re also cautious, carefully considering location, value, and features. Sellers are recognising the importance of timing and presentation to stand out in a competitive market. For landlords, the rental market continues to thrive, with tenants looking for quality properties and reliable landlords. It’s a dynamic environment, and staying ahead means partnering with the right estate agent. What SA Property is Doing to Support You At SA Property, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of this market. Here’s how we’re making a difference: For Sellers: Maximising Property Appeal: We provide expert advice on marketing your home, ensuring it makes a lasting impression on potential buyers. From decluttering tips to highlighting key features, we’ve got you covered. Professional Marketing: Every property we list benefits from photography, detailed descriptions, and wide exposure through platforms like Zoopla and OnTheMarket, all included. Our goal is to showcase your property in the best light. Success Stories: Recently, we successfully sold properties in Southview, Gorseinon, and Parc Richard, Llwynhendy, achieving excellent results for our clients. Your property could be next! For Buyers: Personalised Guidance: Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upsize, we take the time to understand your needs and preferences. Exclusive Opportunities: Keep an eye on our website and social media for new listings. For example, we recently brought to market an immaculate 2-bedroom maisonette in West Cross, with stunning views over Mumbles Bay. Cutting-Edge Tools: We’re leveraging technology like short property videos to make your search easier and more convenient. For Landlords: Tailored Lettings Services: From finding the right tenants to managing your property, we offer comprehensive support to help you get the most from your investment. Tenant Satisfaction: We work hard to ensure happy tenants, which means fewer void periods and better returns for you. Market Insights: Rental demand is high—now is a great time to explore letting your property with us. A Peek Behind the Scenes This February, the SA Property team is busier than ever! We’re thrilled to have Sophia Simon settling into her role after joining us at the start of the year. Her energy and enthusiasm are already making a positive impact.  Behind the scenes, we’re also focusing on ensuring that we deal efficiently with the properties and clients that we have. We do this by not putting massive amounts of properties on the market but taking our time to deal with what we have in the best possible way ensuring in turn the best possible outcome for our clients.We truly believe that we can and do make a difference! Looking Ahead The future is bright at SA Property. In the coming weeks, we’ll be introducing exciting new properties to the market, strengthening our community partnerships, and continuing to deliver exceptional service to our clients. We’re also planning more blog content to keep you informed and inspired throughout 2025. Get in Touch If you’re thinking about buying, selling, letting, or renting a property, we’d love to help. Visit our website at www.saproperty.co.uk or contact us directly to learn more about how we can support your property journey. And don’t forget to follow us on social media for the latest updates and market insights. Let’s make February—and the rest of 2025—a success together! Warm regards,Ben Thomas SA Property

Starting 2025 with Excitement and Ambition at SA Property As we step into a brand-new year, we at SA Property are brimming with excitement and optimism for what lies ahead in 2025.  But before we dive into our goals and plans, let’s take a moment to reflect on the highlights of 2024 and celebrate the achievements that have shaped our journey so far. Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and Gratitude Last year was truly transformative for SA Property.  We were privileged to help so many individuals and families find their dream homes, secure investments, or let properties with confidence. From Southview in Gorseinon to Warwick Place in West Cross, each property told its own story, and we are proud to have been a part of those chapters. 2024 also brought significant changes to our team. In April, Cheryl Davies went on maternity leave, leaving a big gap in the SA Property family. Her absence was deeply felt, and we cannot wait to welcome her back when the time comes (with some significant changes to her roll).  Towards the end of the year, Tracy Sturgess joined us part-time to assist with our sales pipeline. Tracy’s expertise and support were invaluable as we navigated a busy period. Of course, 2024 wasn’t without its challenges. The property market kept us on our toes, but our commitment to personalised service and delivering exceptional results remained unwavering. We owe a huge thank you to our clients, partners, and the community for their trust and support throughout the year. In general though, 2024 was a great year for SA Property and we cant wait to see how 2025 evolves. Welcoming 2025: A New Chapter Another exciting milestone is the addition of Sophia Simon to our team at the beginning of 2025. Transitioning from the hospitality industry to estate agency, Sophia has brought a fresh perspective, incredible energy, and a passion for helping clients. Her arrival marks the beginning of a bright new chapter for us, and we’re thrilled to have her on board. Looking Ahead: Our Vision for 2025 This year, we’re aiming even higher. Here are just a few of the exciting goals we have for 2025: Changes to Our Team: We’re excited to see how Sophia develops and with the imminent return of Cheryl, are keen to see how this year will evolve and hopefully look forward to further expansion. Enhancing Client Experiences: We’re committed to leveraging technology like video tours and detailed online resources to make buying, selling, letting, or renting as smooth as possible. Growing Our Community Engagement: From collaborating with local businesses to offering insightful blogs, we want to strengthen our ties with the SA postcode area and beyond. Improving Brand Awareness: With a focus on targeted marketing and SEO, we’re working to ensure SA Property remains the go-to name for property services in South Wales. What’s New at SA Property? One of our most exciting new initiatives for 2025 is this very blog!  Each month, we’ll bring you behind-the-scenes insights, property spotlights, success stories, market updates, and much more. We hope these updates will give you a deeper understanding of what makes SA Property unique and how we’re working to serve you better. A Personal Note From all of us at SA Property, we want to thank you for being part of our journey.  Your trust and support mean the world to us, and we’re honoured to be your trusted estate agent. Here’s to making 2025 a year filled with success, growth, and memorable moments for us all. If you’re thinking about buying, selling, letting, or renting a property this year, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us today or follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest news and updates. Let’s make 2025 extraordinary together! Warm regards, Ben ThomasSA Property