First 'associate' joins freelance estate agency scheme

A former Hamptons International and Savills agent is the first to join a ‘freelance agency’ set up in prime central London.

In September EAT reported on a company called Harding Green, scheduled to launch next year and wanting to employ over 20 freelance associates who can earn commission of up to 70 per cent.

Agents will work individually or in pairs and everyone will be called an associate or associate partner. Each person will either solely manage 15 to 20 properties for sale or to let; alternatively, associates can work in pairs managing 30 to 40 properties.

Commission structures will range from a salary and 20 per cent of the commission banked to self-employed options, which offer up to 70 per cent. Pairs will enjoy similar salary/freelance structures as individuals.

Now it’s been revealed that Matthew Alexander is the first agent to join the scheme.

Having worked in the industry since 2001, Alexander joins from Hamptons International’s  Kensington office where he was assistant manager; he has also previously worked at Savills. 

He will now be responsible for managing a portfolio of instructions across Kensington and Chelsea; this includes valuation, brochure preparation, viewing, advertising, negotiation and exchange through to completion - and even PR.

The statement announcing Alexander’s appointment then says: “This allows Matthew to dedicate more time to both the client and property, facilitating a new level of client service and a higher conversion rate of instructions.”

Alexander himself describes this business model as “the future of estate agency” while the managing director of Harding Green, Nick Carter, says: “He is now able to spend 95 per cent of his working week doing what he does best - meeting people and growing his business.”

Harding Green launches next month when it moves into offices in Kensington.