Parkers launches new Basingstoke office following strategic acquisitions of Property Explorer and Barons

Parkers has officially launched its new Basingstoke office, strengthening its presence across Hampshire and marking the latest stage in the group’s plans for continued expansion. The new office follows Parkers’ acquisitions earlier this year of established Basingstoke agencies Property Explorer and Barons, giving the business an established platform from which to build its presence in the town.

The launch brings Parkers’ network into one of the region’s largest and most active markets, complementing its existing offices in Tadley, Newbury, Reading and surrounding villages. 

For Franchise Owners Simon Gregory, Simon West and Ben Mitchell, the move represents a natural geographical fit for the business and an opportunity to establish the Parkers brand in Basingstoke. “Basingstoke fits perfectly geographically for us and our neighbouring offices, and it is great to see Parkers back in Basingstoke too,” adds Gregory.

The acquisitions of Property Explorer and Barons have provided the business with a strong foundation in the town.

Gregory said: “The acquisitions certainly gave us a running start in the town, with a very well-managed property portfolio that fits into the way we manage ours. Barons were one of the most successful agents in Basingstoke and were independently owned. While we are part of The Property Franchise Group, we still run our business independently, which is important to us.”

The decision to acquire Property Explorer was driven in part by Parkers’ existing links to the Basingstoke area through its Tadley operation, as well as the town’s significant rental market.

“We had wanted to open in Basingstoke for a while,” said Gregory. “We operate closely in the area from our Tadley office and it is a huge area for rentals, so when we were offered Property Explorer, it just made perfect sense.”

The expansion significantly increases Parkers’ reach across key regional centres, with the business now operating in major towns including Basingstoke, Newbury and Reading, alongside a network of established village offices.

Gregory believes the broader footprint will provide additional exposure for clients’ properties, as well as supporting Parkers’ Prestige division.

The company is also clear about what existing Property Explorer and Barons clients can expect from the transition.

“Our success comes from offering exceptional service and unrivalled marketing,” said West. “That is what makes Parkers different and is what we will continue to deliver in Basingstoke.”

The new office launches against the backdrop of a busy local property market, with the team reporting multiple offers on a number of properties, particularly at the lower and mid-market levels.

West believes Basingstoke continues to offer compelling fundamentals for buyers, sellers, landlords and investors. “It is a huge town with great facilities such as Festival Place, easy access to the M3 and a mainline train station,” he said. “That also makes it popular with investors.”

According to Mitchell, local knowledge will be central to Parkers’ strategy. He notes that the business has retained existing staff and has also strengthened its management team with an experienced manager who grew up in the area and has extensive knowledge of the local market.

The team has their sights on growing the business’ market share in Basingstoke over the next 12 months, with the ambition of becoming the market-leading agent and the first choice for local landlords.

The business also expects its team and service offering to develop as the operation grows. Alongside its core estate and lettings services, Parkers Basingstoke is now able to offer block management and financial services, further broadening the support available to customers.

The Basingstoke launch is also part of a wider growth strategy, with further expansion into major towns already being considered.

Toby Phillips, Group Managing Director of Parkers, said: “We are delighted to see Simon and his team launch Parkers in Basingstoke and continue to build on the strong foundations created through the recent acquisitions. They have a clear ambition for growth and a strong understanding of what makes a successful local property business. Their approach is very much aligned with the Parkers ethos of putting customers first, combining excellent service with effective marketing and local expertise. Basingstoke is an exciting addition to the Parkers network, and we look forward to supporting them as they develop the business and continue to grow his presence in the area.”