Business Details
46 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Agents in Reading Since 1980
Established in 1980, Village Properties is the longest-standing independent estate agency in the Reading area. Our approach combines traditional personal service with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional property sales and lettings expertise. Based in Tilehurst, we serve clients across Reading, Twyford, and Calcot, offering tailored solutions for residential property transactions. With decades of local market knowledge, we provide accurate valuations, comprehensive marketing strategies, and professional property management services. Our team of directors and specialists prioritises transparency, client communication, and ethical business practices.As members of NAEA, ARLA, and The Property Ombudsman, we maintain the highest industry standards. We leverage national property portals and our prominent high-street presence to maximise property exposure. Our services extend to new home developments, land appraisals, and financial advisory partnerships. Customer testimonials consistently highlight our responsiveness, market expertise, and commitment to successful property outcomes. This enduring reputation has been built through consistent service excellence and a deep understanding of local property dynamics.
Services
Property Sales
Property Lettings
Valuation Services
Property Management
New Homes Sales
Land Appraisals
Financial Advisory
Tenant Placement
Maintenance Coordination
Lease Renewals
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of local property market expertise since 1980
- Our directors provide face-to-face valuations with market-leading accuracy
- We combine traditional agency values with modern property marketing technology
- Our property management team maintains 24/7 tenant-landlord communication
- We are bonded by three major property industry regulatory bodies
Associations and certifications
- NAEA Propertymark
- ARLA Propertymark
- The Property Ombudsman
What people say
Professional and organised
Friendly staff support
Smooth transitions ensured
Excellent communication maintained
Market expertise demonstrated
Services
Property Sales
We provide comprehensive property sales services from valuation to completion. Our directors conduct accurate face-to-face valuations while utilising national property portals for maximum exposure. The process includes professional photography, floor plans, and targeted marketing to our extensive buyer database. Our sales progression team ensures smooth transactions through chain management and proactive communication.
Property Lettings
Our lettings service combines local market expertise with professional property management. We offer find-a-tenant services and fully managed options including rent collection, maintenance coordination, and compliance management. Our locally-based team provides tenant referencing, inventory services, and deposit protection while maintaining open communication between landlords and tenants throughout the tenancy period.
Valuation Services
We offer two valuation options to meet client needs: instant online valuations for initial budgeting and detailed face-to-face assessments by director-level specialists. Our valuations incorporate current market data, recent sales comparisons, and property-specific factors to provide accurate pricing guidance for both sales and rental purposes, supported by local market expertise since 1980.
Property Management
Our property management service includes rent collection, maintenance coordination, and compliance management. We provide regular property inspections, tenant communication, and financial reporting while ensuring adherence to current property legislation. The service includes access to approved contractors and optional annual tenancy renewals, with fees structured at 12% including VAT for comprehensive management.
New Homes Sales
We specialise in new home developments and land appraisals with local market expertise since 1980. Our services include site valuation, developer negotiations, and marketing strategies for new build properties. We provide specialist advice on development potential and assist with planning applications, leveraging our established relationships within the Reading property market.
People
Charlie Higgs
Director
With over 40 years' experience since founding Village Properties in 1980, Charlie provides strategic leadership and expert property guidance. He specialises in accurate market valuations and has built strong relationships across the local property industry.
Sarahjane Smart
Lettings Manager
Leading the lettings team with extensive local knowledge, Sarahjane manages property portfolios and ensures smooth tenant-landlord relationships. She oversees post-sale progression and maintains compliance with current property legislation.
Beth Westbury
Lettings Specialist
Beth supports the lettings team with property management and tenant coordination. She works closely with landlords to ensure regulatory compliance and provides expert advice on rental market trends in the Reading area.
Dominic Brierley
Financial Advisor
As part of The Money Guardian team, Dominic provides specialist financial advice for property transactions. He offers mortgage solutions, investment strategies, and financial planning services tailored to property buyers and sellers.
Melanie Eastwood
Financial Advisor
Melanie delivers expert financial guidance for property transactions, specialising in mortgage solutions and investment planning. She works with first-time buyers and property investors to develop tailored financial strategies for property purchases.
Questions
How do I get a property valuation?
We offer two valuation options: instant online valuations for preliminary budgeting, or face-to-face assessments by our director-level specialists who visit your property for accurate market pricing.
What lettings services do you offer?
We provide find-a-tenant services from £600 or fully managed property management at 12% including VAT, covering rent collection, maintenance coordination, and compliance management.
How quickly can you sell my property?
Our average sales time is two weeks, with one recent property sold in just two days through our targeted marketing and extensive buyer database.
Are you regulated by industry bodies?
Yes, we are members of NAEA Propertymark, ARLA Propertymark, and The Property Ombudsman, ensuring adherence to the highest industry standards and ethical practices.
Do you handle new home developments?
Yes, we specialise in new home sales and land appraisals, offering expert advice on development potential and connecting clients with major developers across the Reading area.
What financial services are available?
Through our partnership with The Money Guardian, we offer mortgage advice, investment planning, and financial solutions tailored to property transactions and buyer requirements.
Reviews (7)
Steve Dopson
Jun 14, 2022
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I was recommended to use Village Properties as the agents to use to sell my house. Dealing with VP was an absolute pleasure and the whole team worked tirelessly to get us across the line. The sales team got the house sold within two weeks, and totally controlled the process and negotiations. We were then dealing with the post sale team led by Sarahjane who was absolutely amazing and I could not have asked more of her. Well done to them all, Charlie and all the other Directors (including Sarahjane) you should be very proud of the business you have built. Many thanks for everything you did for us. Steve Dopson
Nicola Grover
Jun 10, 2022
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Everybody involved in the house sale were great. Village properties were prepared to take on a house that had an unusual situation and despite numerous setbacks were supportive and went out of their way on many occasions to assist me.
Catherine Ward
Apr 09, 2022
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The team are very helpful and nothing was too much trouble. Every question was answered and the whole team were professional and friendly. I will very happily be singing my praises to my friends and family
Sofie G.
Apr 04, 2022
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We are absolutely disappointed in the agency. Awful service when the agency let owners and buyers down rushing for the first good deal. We went to view a house on Saturday (which was Easter holiday), absolutely loved it! we were getting our papers ready for Tuesday, as Monday was a bank holiday as well. We also sent an email to the agent letting them know about our upcoming very reasonable offer (above the guide price!) they didn't even share it with the owner, however we were first time buyers with no chain and good amount of money in cash.
They let the owner accept the first good offer and sold the property the same day. A good agency would never sell a house with a great potential that quickly. They would wait for better deals at least for a few days. We are gutted, because we were ready to negotiate! Owners would get more and we would get a perfect house we dreamed of! Never using the agency again, they neglect people and great offers and only work for their own profits!
They let the owner accept the first good offer and sold the property the same day. A good agency would never sell a house with a great potential that quickly. They would wait for better deals at least for a few days. We are gutted, because we were ready to negotiate! Owners would get more and we would get a perfect house we dreamed of! Never using the agency again, they neglect people and great offers and only work for their own profits!
Lauren Williamson
Mar 21, 2022
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Village properties were excellent. Super efficient and helpful throughout the whole process. Definitely recommend.
Abbie Smith X.
Mar 18, 2022
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Recently had my house valued by Village Properties and from the first phone call, registering my details, to the agent coming out, it was a quick and efficient process, along with great knowledge from the agent himself. Would highly recommend to anyone who is considering to sell or other reasons, very professional through and through.
Tori Howlett
Mar 17, 2022
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Great experience with Village Properties. I was helped by Joseph Taphouse, professional, polite and very prompt getting back to me with any queries I had. Highly recommend!
