Chapman Stickels: ‘It’s All About People’

If you are looking to buy or sell your home, you want three key things from your estate agent: a professional team that knows the local area, but has a national digital reach; has years of experience under its belt; and understands what you need.

Independent estate agent Chapman Stickels offers all this… and much more. The company was set up and headquartered
in Hadleigh in September 2019, and has already made a significant impression in Suffolk and North Essex, securing sales on £34 million worth of property!

This success is largely due to the calibre of the dynamic and highly experienced team behind it, headed up by founding partners Robert Chapman and Benedict Stickels, who boast over 45 years’ combined experience.

Robert says: “Benedict and I have lived and worked in Suffolk and north Essex for most of our lives, and held senior positions in other leading estate agents, including several with offices in London. Combining our skills to form this company was a logical step, and many of our established clients have followed us into this new venture. There are quite a few houses in this area that I have handled the sale for several times over the years.

“When we started the business, we also brought with us two other high-level professionals, Cleo Shiel and Emily Hilson, who complement and complete our team. As the most experienced, I really enjoy mentoring the younger members of the team, because we are a family, and the way we work together is what sets us apart from other estate agents. Everyone here shares the core values of doing it ‘the right way’, which we believe is customer service first and foremost, and
always giving clients the truth, rather than what we think they want to hear.

“Our service is always personal, professional and friendly, and we pride ourselves on offering the very best informed advice on all aspects of property. We are a great mix of experience and traditional but combined with a strong hi-tech
digital presence. Ultimately, it’s all about the people and going the extra mile. Building strong relationships with buyers and sellers is a vital part of what makes Chapman Stickels so unique.

“I would describe us as very dynamic and proactive. We can quickly respond to the rapid changes in the industry, and we
are always looking at creating opportunities. Quite simply, we are the very best at what we do, and we love helping clients to find the right fit… it’s what makes us tick.”

So what kind of properties does Chapman Stickels handle?

“Most of our work is centred in Suffolk and north Essex and we are at the mid to high end of the market. Our focus is on village and country houses, development sites, conversions, planning matters and lettings. Everything from a 2-bedroomed terrace to a £3.5 million house. There are so many beautiful properties in this area, and our knowledge of the region is key in helping people to fi nd their perfect home. We have a very strong digital presence which captures the
London market and allows us to outperform national agents, even the London-based ones.”

What does the future look like for Chapman Stickels?

“In the past year, we have seen a big increase in the number of people wanting to move up from London and west Essex into more rural locations, and I think this will continue. The lifestyle is better, it’s cheaper, safer and the schools are great. I think this region will go from strength to strength and we are very excited to be part of that growth.”