The Budget
I’m writing this blog just a day after the long-anticipated 2025 Budget, and I’m pleased to say that within 24 hours the phones began ringing again. Enquiries are flowing, and the property professionals I’ve spoken to seem relieved and quietly optimistic for 2026, myself included.
Changes at Collins Independent
2025 has been a year of significant change for Collins Independent. Since opening our doors in 2018, I am proud to say this has been our strongest year of business. Many of our clients have been past buyers from our early days, undoubtedly the greatest endorsement of our service.
We’ve also seen an increase in the number of higher-value properties we’ve handled, as word continues to spread about our personal, experienced, and distinctly Guildford-focused approach.
Nancy Collins Joins the Business
The biggest development by far is that Collins Independent has evolved into a true family business – a father and daughter partnership, supported by an exceptionally experienced local team.
Nancy Collins joined us this year, bringing a degree in Communications and five years’ PR experience at top London agencies. Her skillset and perspective have added tremendous value to our work and to our clients.
Highlighted Sales
Among this year’s standout sales was a long-term family home on Pewley Way, purchased by the owners back in 1970 – the year I was born. Not only did I sell their property, but I also helped them secure a wonderful modern detached home on London Road, just opposite Stoke Park.
Another much loved detached family home on Maori Road exchanged in November, with Nancy leading much of the process.
The town centre has remained active for us, particularly in Charlotteville. A notable sale was a Victorian house on Addison Road at £825,000, which I originally sold to the owners in 2019. Ten other Charlotteville homes have completed through us this year, with more lined up for 2026. We love this area, and we’re proud to remain the “go to” agent for many residents in this village-like community at the heart of Guildford.
A Dog Walk Double Deal
Milo, our Lab/Collie cross, continues to feature prominently in our social media and even in a few key handovers. This year, he played an unexpected role in a lucrative double flat sale.
A casual chat with another dog walker turned to Guildford property, and weeks later they contacted me for help finding two flats following the sale of a business. Two of our clients had recently let their town centre flats due to a slow summer market. We negotiated sales on both, tenants in situ, and achieved quick exchanges and completions. Milo may need a pay rise.
Challenges and Records Broken
The market has shifted this year, with prices stalling or softening from their peaks. Many sellers have needed to adjust expectations to achieve a sale.
Yet record prices are still being achieved. One example was a Victorian semi in Agraria Road, near the station, which exceeded £900,000. Despite wider trends, this property showed that buyers remain willing to stretch for the right home in the right location.
Looking Ahead
Predicting any market, especially before it begins, is always challenging. In fast-moving times like these external forces can emerge without warning. But having navigated numerous turbulent periods over my 30-plus year career, I remain genuinely optimistic about the future of buying and selling property in Guildford.
Major developments such as the Debenhams site, the North Street regeneration, and the ongoing improvements in Walnut Tree Close, will all stimulate activity and commerce. Schooling and commuting continue to be Guildford’s biggest draws, and it’s clear that post-Covid, the need to live near a station is rising again as the work from home era continues to reshape itself.
Closing Thoughts
As we head into the festive break, I look back on 2025 as a year of growth and transition for Collins Independent. We’ve expanded our team, served more clients than ever, and continued to build our reputation for a personal, honest, and straightforward approach to property.
We are not a High Street chain, we are not a volume business. We are your partner – committed to delivering a smooth sale or purchase, with service you’ll feel confident recommending to friends and family.
Finally, thank you to all the clients who returned to us this year. It means more than you know.
Please do get in touch with me if you’d like to have a chat about selling your property on mark@collinsguildford.co.uk or call 01483230473