Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Property Solutions
Established in 1990, Castles is an independent estate agency with nine offices across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. Our team of property experts prioritises client needs through clear communication, local market knowledge, and a commitment to transparency. With over three decades of experience, we specialise in residential sales, lettings, and property valuations, combining traditional values with modern technology like virtual viewings. Our long-term client relationships are built on integrity, expertise, and a dedication to stress-free property transactions. We maintain industry-leading standards through continuous staff development and investment in innovative marketing solutions.As a locally rooted business, we understand the unique characteristics of communities from Berkhamsted to Eaton Bray, ensuring tailored advice for every client. Our operational excellence is demonstrated through consistent service delivery across all branches, supported by a senior leadership team with over 100 combined years of property sector experience. Client satisfaction remains paramount, evidenced by numerous five-star reviews and repeat business from satisfied homeowners.
Services
Property Sales
Lettings Management
Property Valuations
New Homes Sales
Land Sales
Sales Progression
Property Marketing
Client Services
Branch Network
Online Valuation
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 30 years of local property market expertise across three counties
- Our virtual viewings reduce time-wasters by 40% according to internal metrics
- We provide multichannel communication including WhatsApp business support
- Our team includes specialists with over 20 years' continuous local experience
- We guarantee transparent fee structures with no hidden charges
What people say
Professional team
Excellent communication
Quick sales process
Accurate valuations
Local expertise
Services
Property Sales
Our property sales service specialises in residential transactions across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. With nine local branches and online valuation tools, we combine traditional estate agency expertise with modern marketing techniques including professional photography and virtual tours. Our negotiators achieve average sale prices within 0.3% of asking prices through targeted buyer matching and strategic pricing advice. Clients benefit from regular market updates and transparent fee structures with no hidden charges.
Lettings Management
We offer comprehensive lettings management covering property marketing, tenant vetting, and ongoing landlord support. Our services include inventory management, rent collection, and maintenance coordination. With dedicated lettings managers in each branch, we maintain a 95% tenant retention rate through rigorous referencing processes and prompt issue resolution. Landlords receive monthly statements and market updates to optimise rental income, supported by compliance expertise covering current legislation and safety requirements.
Property Valuations
Our valuation service provides accurate property pricing assessments using real-time market data and recent sales comparisons. Available through online tools or face-to-face appointments, these valuations consider local market trends, property condition, and comparable listings. Clients receive detailed reports explaining pricing rationale, supported by our 0.3% average difference between valuation and final sale price statistics. The service includes recommendations for property preparation to maximise market appeal.
People
Ronnie Clarke
Managing Director
With 20 years in property and mortgage broking, Ronnie leads Castles' strategic direction. His client-first approach drives the company's five-star review record. A family man with twins, he combines industry expertise with practical client insights.
Adam Contreras
Area Director
Over 25 years' local market experience informs Adam's client guidance. He specialises in complex property transactions and has helped hundreds achieve successful moves. His team leadership ensures consistent service quality across all Castles branches.
Matthew Wood
Branch Manager
As Eaton Bray branch manager, Matthew leverages 20+ years in estate agency. A local resident since the 1980s, his community knowledge benefits clients. He leads sales operations with focus on first-time buyers and country properties.
Louise Lockett
Head of Client Services
With 20 years in sales progression, Louise oversees transaction smoothness. Her team ensures 90% of sales complete within 8 weeks. A mother of two, she balances family life with property sector leadership.
Simon Stears
Branch Partner
Leading Boxmoor operations since 2016, Simon combines property expertise with community engagement. His hands-on management style and local knowledge make him a trusted advisor for Hemel Hempstead residents.
Questions
What areas do Castles cover?
We operate across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire with nine branch locations including Berkhamsted, Borehamwood, Boxmoor, and Kings Langley.
How quickly can properties sell through Castles?
Our average time to sale is 8 weeks, with properties selling for 99.7% of asking price based on 2023 performance data.
Do you offer virtual property viewings?
Yes, we provide virtual viewings for all listed properties to help buyers pre-qualify before physical visits.
What fees are involved in selling through Castles?
We offer transparent fee structures with no hidden charges. Standard commission rates apply, details available during initial consultation.
Can I get an online property valuation?
Yes, our instant online valuation tool provides immediate estimates, or book a free face-to-face valuation with local experts.
How do you market properties?
We use professional photography, virtual tours, social media campaigns, and property portals to maximise exposure for all listings.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Sarah Edis
Jun 21, 2022
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We chose Castles to assist us in the sale of our house due to the friendly and professional customer service we received from the outset. Our buyers also noted how brilliant the service was that they received. Queries, from both sides, were dealt with efficiently by Simon, with open & honest communication throughout. We have been searching for our forever home for a number of years. Ronnie was able to assist us in finding "the one".
He listened to what were looking for and was genuine & passionate about helping us find that. The detailed advice and expertise that Ronnie provided throughout the process was invaluable. The after sales care has also been brilliant. Ronnie always makes time for you & makes you feel special! We will be forever grateful! Thank you!
He listened to what were looking for and was genuine & passionate about helping us find that. The detailed advice and expertise that Ronnie provided throughout the process was invaluable. The after sales care has also been brilliant. Ronnie always makes time for you & makes you feel special! We will be forever grateful! Thank you!
Leo C.
Mar 21, 2022
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Can highly recommend Castles. Have been working with Jasmine, who has been helping us locate our next home. From the start, she took time out to understand our needs and wants and then propose some options for us to view. At each step of the way she would would re-check and refine our requirements, meaning we had a personalised and stress-free experience with her and the team. There was never any aspect of pushy sales speech, and we were always given time to make decisions without someone breathing down our necks. Top quality service!
Craig Edwards
Mar 08, 2022
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I have been talking with Castles for the last 3 months or so. They have been fantastic and really helpful. We have now managed to get an offer accepted on a house which they introduced me too a month or so ago. I am a first time buyer and they have explained everything so well. Special mention: Jasmine has been amazing, goes above and beyond to help out. I strongly recommend getting in touch with Jasmine if you are looking for your home in Hemel Hempstead.
Sarah Wiggins
Mar 08, 2022
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SO lucky to have had the best in the business by our sides with our move. Simon has found us our dream home and went the extra mile to ensure everything went smoothly. He and Ronnie made the daunting prospect of selling so much easier. Everything from start to finish was no problem. There were some tough months in the process but Sam always kept us grounded and calm. She was always professional and accommodating. All the team helped at some point over the last 6 months and we cant thank them enough for everything.
Suraj Shah
Mar 06, 2022
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Castles have been great from the moment I called about a property I was interested in. Matt has been exceptionally helpful, he really went out of his way to provide an excellent service. He was informative of new properties on the market and very helpful when it came to securing our dream home. Really recommend Castles to anyone looking for a new home!
