Chris Chalmers
‘Personable, professional agents… their local market knowledge and network of buyers and sellers is unrivalled, and their valuation was spot-on!’ – Jason Rowlands
It has been another successful year for Whitman & Co, confirming the independent agent’s position as Chiswick’s No 1 for sales and lettings. ‘Overall, transaction levels have been slightly down, but we’re delighted to have maintained a consistent 21-22% market share,’ says Sales Director Chris Chalmers.
‘According to the latest figures from Rightmove, we concluded 117 deals (by mid-November) while our nearest competitor is on 47. To be so far ahead vindicates our approach: no notice periods, no minimum-term contracts, realistic valuations and a friendly team with an in-depth knowledge of W4 and the surrounding areas.’
Looking back at 2025, the Renters’ Rights Bill loomed large over the lettings sector. The prospect of more rigorous responsibilities prompted many landlords to sell their properties, resulting in an over-supply and very competitive price points.
‘Now that the Bill has passed into law – the new Act comes into force in May 2026 – at least there is a set timeframe in which to prepare for the new environment,’ explains Chris. ‘Our specialists can help landlords navigate the complex legislation: indeed, many have already talked to us about switching their rental stock to our Fully Managed Lettings service.
‘On the sales side, prices have remained mostly stable with variations only in small pockets of the market. More recently, We have seen a cautious “wait-and-see” attitude in the run-up to the Autumn budget, and no doubt that will continue as people take time to digest the full implications.‘
Throughout the year Chris and his team have made maximum use of an off-market strategy, particularly for higher value homes. ‘The property is not visibly for sale and there’s no digital footprint,’ he says. ‘Rather, it is promoted to a select group of buyers on our extensive database. For buyers that means there’s an incentive to make the first and best offer and vendors can be discreet about their plans.’
Chiswick’s commercial sector continues to perform positively. ‘To a large extent the retail scene here is bucking the headwinds affecting the nation’s high streets,’ says Whitman & Co Director, Jeremy Day. ‘The mild autumn has provided strong footfall, notwithstanding M&S‘s closure for refurbishment, and as we enter the busy Christmas season voids are now incredibly few and far between.
‘The past quarter has seen openings on the High Road by Bird & Blend Tea, Arlo & Jacobs Furniture and, most recently, O2 has returned to Chiswick at the former Paperchase site – Whitman Commercial advised the owner on that deal. We have just begun marketing the ex-Devonshire Glass premises on Devonshire Road. It is available to let for the first time in a generation and we hope that the new occupier will contribute to the continuing resurgence of the road.
‘In the office sector there has been a modest uptick in enquiries and we have completed two lettings in the past months. However, it does surprise us how few small businesses have switched from home-working or a serviced office to take their own self-contained space. We may be biased, but we think the office is still the best place to do business!’
‘The next month or so is the perfect time to come and talk to us about your property plans,’ adds Chris. ‘In particular, if you are thinking of selling we can put everything in place – valuation, photographs, floor plans, EPC rating – in order to launch at a later date in 2026. We look forward to meeting you.’
Whitman & Co
5-7 Turnham Green Terrace
Chiswick W4 1RG
020 8747 8800
sales@whitmanandco.com
lettings@whitmanandco.com
https://www.whitmanandco.com
https://www.whitmancommercial.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/whitmanandco
https://www.instagram.com/whitmancommercial
