Hamilton May is proud to announce that it has won the prestigious Local Agency of the Year award which took place at the EuropaProperty CEE Investment & Green Building Gala at the Intercontinental Warsaw on October 26th 2017.
The gala is an annual not-to-be-missed event for the real estate industry of Poland and Central and Eastern Europe where the jury members and the nominees include representatives from illustrious companies across the investment, development, agency and property spectrum.
Craig Smith, EuropaProperty
publisher and the event organizer, emphasises that:
‘Companies which are shortlisted are decided by our independent jury (listed
on the website). So the winners really are the top preforming companies in
their sector.’
Hamilton May Real Estate agency was competing in the Local Agency of the Year category. This award represents the first major recognition of our company by its peers and is, we hope, the first of many as we look to consolidate our position in Warsaw and Krakow over the coming years.
‘This award demonstrates how far Hamilton May has come since 2004 and further cements our established position in the residential sector – states Robert Watkins, Hamilton May’s Managing Director. The market is experiencing increased activity from institutional and private investors, which will no doubt lead to major changes in the Polish residential market in the coming years. We are fortunate to be part of this story and look forward to playing an active and growing role in it.’
On deciding as to the winner, the Jury appreciated the company’s organic growth and measurable achievements of 2017 which included amongst other things:
- 20% increase of its personnel (including three business development recruits)
- 50% increase in annual revenue and client portfolio
- Strategic repositioning of its Asset Management Services for the PRS sector in Poland
‘As the market matures in Warsaw and Krakow and indeed across Poland it is an exciting time to be involved in the opportunities, challenges and changes that are rapidly taking place. – adds Ian Daniels, Hamilton May’s Business Development Manager. To be recognised by our peers with this award makes the hard work even more satisfying and is a big compliment to the efforts of our team.’
Hamilton May has over the years created a strong brand, reputation and professional approach which is a benchmark for many of its partners and clients.
‘This distinction is clear proof that Hamilton May is a team of ambitious and experienced professionals capable of achieving theirs and their clients’ goals in record-breaking time. – comments Dorota Kierbiedź, Membership Director at the British Polish Chamber of Commerce. We enjoy the award even more as Hamilton May is a member of the Chamber of many years.’
This award comes against the backdrop of significant changes in Poland and the CEE real estate sector in general, which is enjoying an unprecedented period of boom. Driven amongst other things by a housing deficit and the public's voracious demand for better, more modern accommodation this growth is enabling owners to pick from a wider selection of properties and provides greater assortment of choice to current and future tenants.
It is widely predicted that the next 7-10 years will see the residential market in Poland emulate a more Western-style approach to housing in which a significant proportion of the sector will be owned by institutional investors as demonstrated by the entrance into the market by BGK, Catella and Bouwfonds over the past year.
‘Everyone following the residential real estate market in Poland sees it growing and developing and quite clearly Hamilton is making the most of the opportunities. – says Michal Konopa (Partner - Real Estate at Tara HRC) – It has been a pleasure watching the company become an increasingly involved player in the narrative of one of Central Europe’s success stories. Personally, I find this far from surprising knowing the outstanding quality and business ethics that stands behind their operation.’
2017 started at a breakneck speed and this momentum shows no sign of abating. We are planning to maintain this positive run and are optimistic about the future. The Hamilton May team looks forward to helping its many existing and new clients with their property needs over the coming months and years.
Hamilton May was founded in Krakow in 2004 by Robert Watkins and the Warsaw office was launched in 2014. The company remains privately run and founded by Robert to this day.
