THE opening of a new St Albans office for a leading local estate agent could be one of the first positive signs that the property market is once again on the move. Market conditions have substantially improved in the district over the last year, with vari

THE opening of a new St Albans office for a leading local estate agent could be one of the first positive signs that the property market is once again on the move.

Market conditions have substantially improved in the district over the last year, with various properties that had been for sale for many months now sold, and estate agents say there is a genuine shortage of good quality properties available.

They believe demand for properties in the area has now outstripped supply, and there is growing confidence within the industry that the worst of the recession is now over, which in turn is leading to enhanced prices being realised in a short time frame.

It is into this optimistic environment that estate agent Putterills has taken the decision to open a new office in Chequer Street, St Albans, adjacent to the Town Hall and opposite the Maltings Shopping Centre.

The new office is jointly headed by partners Andrew Bradford and Liam Howley, who can draw on a combined 30 years experience as estate agents in the area, including the last year as sales directors at Putterills' office in Harpenden - and the two offices will work very closely together as a combined team.

Former Verulam School pupil Andrew, who lives in Marshalwick with his partner Lorraine, said: "Both Liam and I are really excited to be back in St Albans and are looking forward to renewing contact with clients, old friends and acquaintances alike.

"To be able to do this from such a prestigious and high-profile location is the perfect solution.

"Things have picked up considerably since the end of last year, and buyers are now much more motivated. People always need to buy property and with interest rates coming down it is becoming more affordable to do so."

"St Albans is a vibrant city with excellent links into London, and it is a very desirable place in which to live."

The new acquisition means Putterills now have eight offices in central Hertfordshire, with staff working together as a cohesive team to provide clients with the best possible service.

The new office is located right next door to where company founder Tony Putterill first started work as a trainee surveyor with Stimpson, Lock and Vince in the 1970s.

He went on to work as a director for John H James in Harpenden and St Albans during the 1980s before building on his experience and success to start his own company.

The company can now claim to be specialists in the sale of new homes, with a dedicated land team looking into site acquisition and development across the county.

They have recently been chosen to be the sole introducing agent for the prestigious Oaklands development in St Albans city centre, currently under construction by Nicholas King.

Liam, who lives with his girlfriend Cara in Hatfield Road, added: "To be recognised as the right estate agent in St Albans at such an early stage is hugely flattering - we will do all in our power to ensure that all of our clients receive a superb service of which we can all be proud."

The company is currently offering exclusive agency fees for all new clients as a way of demonstrating their high level of service. Call 01727 898150 for a free valuation and market appraisal.