Winkworth letting manager Jason De Sousa has acquired the franchise for the firm’s North Kensington office in West London.
With nearly 20 years’ experience in London estate agency, De Sousa joined Winkworth’s Kensal Rise office before moving to North Kensington in 2020, where he has led the lettings team.
The office, located between Ladbroke Grove and Portobello Market, has operated since 1998. The existing sales, lettings, and property management team will remain in place.
De Sousa said: “My goal has always been to run my own business and I am thrilled to take over Winkworth North Kensington. It’s such an interesting area.
“My first home in London was in Ladbroke Grove and I love the strong community feel locally. As an office, we like to get involved and be part of the neighbourhood. We have recently sponsored five children to attend classes at a local dance school. We also support the food bank at the local methodist church, which distributes food and essential supplies to people in need in the area.”
De Sousa aims to continue to grow the letting side of the business while also focusing on the growth of the sales operation.
He continued: “It has been a cautious buy to let market. Demand from tenants is still very high. Across sales and lettings, we have seen more UK based clients and fewer international clients, reflecting the global economy. The area has great potential and I look forward to growing the business, with the long-term aim of further expansion, with the support of all that Winkworth has to offer as a leading property brand, amplified by its excellent digital presence.”
Dominic Agace, chief executive of Winkworth, added: “We are delighted that Jason has made the step up to being a franchisee. We want to attract more property professionals, who have built successful careers and have the ambition to own a business of their own, reflecting our strategy to bring in the best talent to match the platform we are investing in to be in the top three in terms of market share in all areas we operate across London.