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It started with a team of three, when computers were basic and handwritten letters and phone calls were largely the way of the day… Now, estate agent Broadlands is celebrating half-a-century in business.
The estate agents first opened its doors – in Broad Street, the inspiration behind the name – in 1972.
At the time, there were fewer large housing developments, there was a 'States Loan Scheme' for first-time buyers, lower interest rates, price control on the value of properties, and tough housing regulations and controls.
The Broadlands founding trio included a secretary who typed up all property details ready for posting to interested buyers, and for publication in the local media. Interested clients would either phone up or visit the Broad Street base in person to arrange a visit for the following day.
Letters of instruction would be handwritten and given to secretaries or dictated, while fees on all sales would be around 2%, Chief Executive Roger Trower recalls.
Friday 16 September marked the company's official 50th anniversary.
Pictured: Broadlands has now expanded from just three staff to a dedicated team of 16.
"Over the years the company has grown into a driving force in Jersey's property landscape. Through time the company has helped many generations buy and sell, worked with many local families, their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren after that," the team said.
"Indeed, it's difficult to find someone who hasn't used the company's services at one time or another."
Now, there is a team of 16 including 10 negotiators – with a "combined experience of over 350 years", according to Broadlands. The business is also now fully family-run.
Despite all this change, Broadlands says its founding values are still at the heart of its operations today: "professionalism, excellent communication, and a strong knowledge base."
They said they "look forward to continuing this tradition" for the next 50 years.
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