Self-made estate agents put fees into the community

25/08/2006

Three Richmond residents living in one of the most popular parts of the borough have set up an estate agents to help raise money for the community.

The Alberts is a conservation area built around a collection of streets and cul-de-sacs centred on Albert Road, made up of about 400 houses.

Inspired by their love for the place, Brian Walden, his wife Joanna and Riccardo Bennett-Lovsey have set up the Alberts Group in a bid to give expert advice to house buyers and sellers in the area.

Mr Walden explained: "We only focus on the Albert houses and only people interested in moving to the area."

The business is website-based, offering expert advice gained from its founder's personal experience.

He said: "I have lived in the Alberts for 19 years.

"My wife and I have bought and done up houses in the Alberts and we are on our fourth one. We know the market very well and know people here."

The couple have become immersed in their community and will be donating 7.5 per cent of their fees to the residents' association.

Since its launch in August, the website, thealbertsgroup.com, has received more than 2,000 hits and it has received support from local businesses.

Reprinted with kind permission from the Richmond and Twickenham Times.