Jackson-Stops has opened its newest branch in Colchester, Essex, expanding the network to 43 offices across England.

This follows the launch of its virtual office covering Stockbridge, West Hampshire, which will also have a physical presence in due course.

Jackson-Stops’ Colchester branch will be headed up by two well-known and experienced local estate agents from the area.

Daryl Parr comes from agent Chewton Rose, with 32 years’ of industry experience having successfully built a number of businesses and been with Haart estate agents for nine years. Joining him will be Marcus Waddilove, having previously served as Senior Sales Associate at Chewton Rose after a 25-year career in investment banking.

The pair have worked together for the last seven years as part of a prestigious local team under Chewton Rose, now ready to embark on a new and exciting challenge joining the Jackson-Stops network.

Nick Leeming, chairman of Jackson-Stops, commented: “This is an exciting time for the Jackson-Stops network. The property market has changed exponentially in the past three years, with demand remaining resolute throughout. Essex is a territory that we were always keen to do more in, with such a variety of housing types from medieval barns to commuter homes.

“Daryl and Marcus’s experience make them a dream duo for the brand, perfectly positioned to help buyers and sellers in their journey for their next home. I’m confident that their experience, together with the central resources we provide to each of our offices, is a recipe for success.”

The new Colchester team will work closely with the land & new homes divisions in nearby branches Jackson-Stops Chelmsford and Jackson-Stops Ipswich, to support a wide range of local client needs. Whilst the Stockbridge virtual office will provide new coverage across the county of Hampshire.

Jackson-Stops Stockbridge will be headed up by James Butler, who comes from a ten-year career at Hamptons. More recently he was the MD of JB Property Services, where he assisted private clients in the acquisition and sale of prime country homes.

James, who now lives in Stockbridge with his family, has extensive experience in both the London and country markets and is keen to make a dent in the prime sales surrounding Stockbridge, Winchester, and its peripheral villages.

Butler commented: “Hampshire is the perfect blend of city, coast, and countryside, making it an obvious choice for the latest Jackson-Stops branch. The numerous boutique shops, cafes and restaurants that are well established in the thriving market town of Stockbridge, coupled with country walks and picturesque views, make it a lifestyle magnet for all types of buyers. With fast access to London and other nearby cities, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing real growth from buyers here.”

Parr said: “We’re pleased to be joining the Jackson-Stops network at such a pivotal moment in time. Our deep roots to the area and passion for the sector mean our clients will receive a first-class service. The national presence of Jackson-Stops and its ubiquity with the prime market made it a natural choice for us when taking this next step.

He added: “Colchester’s surrounding villages and towns nestled between the beautiful Dedham Vale, Suffolk Coast and various nature reserves, make it truly one of the prettiest areas in the country. Our local property market is performing well with demand from downsizers, families and professionals keeping house prices on a steady track for the rest of the year.”

Nick Leeming, Chairman of Jackson-Stops, concluded: “After a modest few months in the face of rising inflation and economic pressures, the industry expectation is that the laws of supply and demand in key parts of the country are likely to keep transactions and house prices buoyed. We’re seeing more downsizers enter the market than ever before, with prime country sales performing exceptionally well; a market that Jackson-Stops agents inherently understand and appreciate.”