In 1952, Queen Elizabeth came to the throne, and 16-year-old Henry Adams embarked on a career in property, joining Wyatt & Son in Chichester, Sussex.
Adams, who was in the crowds to watch the coronation a year later, qualified as a chartered surveyor.
In 1990, three years after Wyatt & Son were sold to Prudential, he launched Henry Adams Partnership with Simon Lush, who still operates the agricultural division.
Today, Henry Adams LLP encompasses estate agency, chartered surveying, agriculture, fine art auctions and commercial property, with 13 offices stretching across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.
Few people know more than Adams how the property world has changed: “I remember helping to measure a nice 3/4 bedroom detached house with a garage in Denvilles, just north of Havant, which belonged to the father of a pal of mine,” he recalls. “It was around 2,000 sq ft and went on the market at £3,250.”
Currently a house in Denvilles (of coincidentally 1,952 sq ft) is on the market with Henry Adams of Emsworth at £329,000. That would be an increase of over 10,000%.
Henry and his wife bought their first house in November 1964: “We moved into a brand new detached house at the princely sum of £5,250. In those days you could only borrow twice your salary and your wife’s income wouldn’t be taken into account.”
Five years later the couple bought a plot of land from the Goodwood Estate and built their dream house where they still live 43 years on.
From their flagship Chichester office, Henry’s son David Adams now heads up the professional services divisions of the firm.
Adams senior says: “I started to retire the day my son David became an equity partner in the firm on May 1, 1996, although I acted as a consultant to the company for a further five years.”
We wish him, and all our EAT readers, a very happy Jubilee weekend.
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Comments
Hush hush agent - the rumour on the grapevine is indeed just a rumour. I have it on good authority from the partners of Henry Adams that the firm is NOT being sold to Foxtons.
So fortunately the work ethics & service levels, for which Henry set the standard all those years ago, will continue well into the 21st C... a great legacy!
What a wonderful story, Many Congratulations and a Happy retirement. There are many Corporates who could learn from this Godfather of Estate Agency.
Well maybe a dying breed - heard a rumour on the grapevine HA is being sold to Foxtons - Work ethics and service changes will have to change no doubt!
I came into the business in the early 1970's and it was populated by gentlemen like Mr Adams in whom you could put your trust. I did business on a word with other agents agreeing to split fees where a buyer was introduced.
Today the business it is run by many unscrupulous liars, cheats and vagabonds and I believe there is room for improvement to go back to former ways. Our fees could be so much better and the service given would undoubtedly be improved.
Good luck in your retirement Mr Adams I hope to be on your heels quite soon.
Congratulations, Mr Adams on a marvellous achievement.
George Daws / Gary Gosney - couldn't have put it better - so I'll not even try! ;o)
Congratulations!
What a lovely story and a real passion / dedication to the profession. To be respected, trusted and dedicated for such a period is commendable and deserves success
These are the sort of people that make Estate Agency a Profession. There is no doubt that people like Henry have to be respected and thanked.