Fine & Country agent rebrands as arch rival Fine

A Hampshire estate agency which had been trading as Fine & Country has been sold to arch rival Spicerhaart – which has rebranded it to Fine.

Nick Smith, who owned Fine & Country in Winchester, was a founder member of Fine & Country’s National Advisory Council.

He and his managing director, Anne Marie Green, and her team are now with Fine.

Spicerhaart chief executive Paul Smith said: “These are very exciting times and we are delighted that Nick and his team are joining Fine. They have a wealth of experience and expertise which will enhance our business and ensure its continued growth and success.”

Fine, led by national sales director Dean Heaviside, has been embroiled in a rancorous legal dispute with Fine & Country over their very similar lifestyle property marketing.

Nick Smith, who has more than 20 years’ expertise in the property industry, said he had decided to relinquish his Fine & Country licence and sell to Fine because he preferred the latter’s approach.

He said: “Fine is demonstrating a clarity of vision which is in a completely different league to other agents.

“Fine has a true understanding of lifestyle marketing. What purchasers want to know are the nuances of the lifestyle that a premium home can offer. They are committed to using specialist journalists who interview their clients and articulate why the client chose to live in that home and how much they have enjoyed it. This understanding is what differentiates Fine from all the others marketing similar property.”

He added: “In the current economic climate, clients want premium brands that can deliver a bespoke service and maximise the value of their home. A key part of my decision in selling to Fine is my belief that they can deliver for my vendors better than any other agent in the market.

“For me, this move presents a unique opportunity to become part of a company that is achieving great things. In fact, anyone who is involved with Fine should be very excited about the future.”