The ever evolving homes4u has opened a flagship concept estate agency in Manchester city centre.
With design by Jasper Sanders + Partners, the Deansgate branch combines the latest technology with a welcoming open plan layout to revolutionise the home search experience.
The spacious Scandi-design inspired interior combined with multi screens and current software creates an interactive experience, tailored to individual needs. It is a world away from the traditional agents shop fronts and administrative based office format.
Carolyn Mellor, owner and Managing Director of homes4u, said: “We wanted to create energy in the space by having people engaged and to set a new bench mark for the industry. With the latest tech and a welcoming environment, we can offer both.”
Design Director Jasper Sanders added: “We needed to break away from the impersonal, austere feel of the mainstream estate agency environments and create a sense of place where people could feel welcome.
“We needed to humanise the whole experience to create a dialogue and conversation between people in an environment that puts customers at ease during their search for a new home.”
Rows of intimidating desks are replaced with a central console of touch screen tablets, where customers can browse rental and sales listings at their leisure – this allows staff to have open dialogue and offer a side-by-side service.
The working office is concealed behind a large glass screen, in an acoustically controlled environment, and customers can view properties on a larger scale on a 65” interactive touch screen.
The touchscreens throughout the store use interactive marketing software by Samsung Nexshop and are powered by Zoopla. homes4u is the first estate-agent in the North to utilise the technology and has more in branch touchscreens than any other agent in the UK.
The software allows customers to browse, select favourite properties and even create comparisons. Area information, such as council tax and average house prices, can all be displayed on screens and properties can be viewed on a map where local schools and transport links can be selected.
This advanced technology enhances the customer experience by customising the home search process.
The new space has a number of seating areas including acoustically controlled booths equipped with 22” touch screens, giving customers a more intimate space for discussions. This is supplemented by relaxed areas with armchairs and stools.
Carolyn commented: “The customer experience has always been at the forefront of everything we do at homes4u. We aim to create a relaxing environment where customers can browse properties for sale or for rent at their leisure with our specialist team on hand to offer professional advice.”
Jasper added: “The new design concept will help differentiate homes4u from other estate agency brands and sustain their reputation for delivering first class customer service.”
The new homes4u branch is located on Deansgate on the corner of Liverpool Road, opposite the Hilton Hotel.
Established in 1990 homes4u offers residential and investment sales, new developments, lettings, commercial, property management and block management.
