Ashley, Martin and John Three key members of the Horton and Garton team reflect on a challenging period for West London property and forecast a more positive year ahead Are you thinking of buying, selling or renting in Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush or Chiswick? Owner and Director John Horton, Sales Manager Martin Clements and Lettings Manager Ashley Clements look back at recent trends in the property market and peer into their crystal balls to assess what’s in store for 2019.

John Horton Experience and local knowledge matter... ‘Despite the frequent reports of adverse conditions due to Brexit worries, last year Horton and Garton continued to expand its market share in all sectors. For us, like every growing business, it’s the number-crunching detail that counts – and both our Hammersmith/Shepherd’s Bush and Chiswick sales and lettings teams have been the local leaders over the past 12 months. You know you’re doing well when you hear competitors complimenting your track record! We recently celebrated ten years at our King Street office and the level of experience and local knowledge within our team (that’s decades in my case!) gives us a clearcompetitive edge in guiding and advising sellers and landlords through a complex, rapidly evolving market. Most importantly, we’ve found that clients appreciate our honest, informed approach; we always tell them what they need to hear – not what they want to hear.’ John Horton MNAEA MARLA +442088190510 [email protected]

Martin Clements Spotlight on sales... ‘I’m pleased to report that Horton and Garton enjoyed a record year in 2018. While prices have softened since June 2016, the demand for family homes remains strong. With the lure of outstanding schools and excellent transports links, families continue to be drawn to Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush. Stamp duty savings for first-time buyers played a role in an increase in flat sales up to the value £500,000. Prices are now at a level where purchasers feel more comfortable. There is still, however, a shortage of Buy to Let and second home purchasers; many are reticent to part with an additional three percent in stamp duty in a market where prices have been sliding. What are the prospects for 2019? As ever, accurate pricing is essential if sellers are to realise the highest price – and this depends on the local know-how of the agent. An honest list price will achieve market value and above, while unrealistic valuations will lead to price reductions and, in the long term, deflate a property’s real value.’ Martin Clements MNAEA +442088190510 [email protected]

Ashley, Martin and John Three key members of the Horton and Garton team reflect on a challenging period for West London property and forecast a more positive year ahead Are you thinking of buying, selling or renting in Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush or Chiswick? Owner and Director John Horton, Sales Manager Martin Clements and Lettings Manager Ashley Clements look back at recent trends in the property market and peer into their crystal balls to assess what’s in store for 2019.

John Horton Experience and local knowledge matter... ‘Despite the frequent reports of adverse conditions due to Brexit worries, last year Horton and Garton continued to expand its market share in all sectors. For us, like every growing business, it’s the number-crunching detail that counts – and both our Hammersmith/Shepherd’s Bush and Chiswick sales and lettings teams have been the local leaders over the past 12 months. You know you’re doing well when you hear competitors complimenting your track record! We recently celebrated ten years at our King Street office and the level of experience and local knowledge within our team (that’s decades in my case!) gives us a clearcompetitive edge in guiding and advising sellers and landlords through a complex, rapidly evolving market. Most importantly, we’ve found that clients appreciate our honest, informed approach; we always tell them what they need to hear – not what they want to hear.’ John Horton MNAEA MARLA +442088190510 [email protected]

Martin Clements Spotlight on sales... ‘I’m pleased to report that Horton and Garton enjoyed a record year in 2018. While prices have softened since June 2016, the demand for family homes remains strong. With the lure of outstanding schools and excellent transports links, families continue to be drawn to Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush. Stamp duty savings for first-time buyers played a role in an increase in flat sales up to the value £500,000. Prices are now at a level where purchasers feel more comfortable. There is still, however, a shortage of Buy to Let and second home purchasers; many are reticent to part with an additional three percent in stamp duty in a market where prices have been sliding. What are the prospects for 2019? As ever, accurate pricing is essential if sellers are to realise the highest price – and this depends on the local know-how of the agent. An honest list price will achieve market value and above, while unrealistic valuations will lead to price reductions and, in the long term, deflate a property’s real value.’ Martin Clements MNAEA +442088190510 [email protected]

John (centre) and his team Are you planning a property move? Horton and Garton is W6’s leading sales and letting agency for a good reason It was 1996 and John Horton had recently returned from 18 months backpacking in Asia. He owed his parents money, so a job – any job – was the priority. And that was when he popped into an estate agent. ‘I needed to send a fax, so I asked if I could use their machine – it was cheeky but it cost £5 at the Post Office. The lady I spoke to was really nice, we got chatting and, before I knew it, I had an interview. I started work two days later.’ John founded Horton and Garton in May 2008. He had a clear vision of the independent business he wanted to create. ‘Put simply, I wanted to provide a better level of service. That meant treating every client as an individual rather than a potential sales figure and building enduring relationships – and doing it with a smile.’ Clearly, the formula has worked. Horton and Garton is the Number One estate agency for both sales and lettings in W6 and a thriving Chiswick franchise opened in May 2016. ‘There’s no secret to our success,’ John explains. ‘We have an experienced team and they have worked here for many years and know Hammersmith like the back of their hand. We’re always transparent, we flag up issues and try to solve them without fuss. Naturally, every client wants to hear the highest price and the lowest fee; but what they need to hear is an accurate valuation and a clear strategy for achieving the best price in the market.’ John also strongly believes that a successful business should invest in its local community. ‘That’s why we’ve sponsored Hammersmith Food Bank, Artists at Home, the Petros Singers and many other local charities and school events – it’s little and often and I try not to turn people down. ‘If you are honest and clients have had a positive experience, they will come back when they are next trading up or downsizing. Longevity is at the core of our approach to business.’ Horton and Garton 176 King Street, W6 0RA +442088190510 [email protected] http://www.hortonandgarton.co.uk