An interview with Yorkshire property expert Andrew Baxter

This article was originally posted on our sister-publication Moving Yorkshire.

Throughout the series, we’ll be speaking to influential names from across the Yorkshire property industry.

These will range from Managing Directors of some of the regions best Independent Agents, renowned property developers and various others.

Firstly, we’re proud to welcome Andrew Baxter, Managing Director of Enfields Estate Agents in Pontefract.

For those who frequent Instagram, you’ll know him well. He’s a skilled Estate Agent, with an incredible track record.

We wanted to learn about his experience in the industry, as well as get his insight into how the industry might evolve in the near future.

Please tell us about your background. 

I accidentally fell into estate agency at 17, I was an instant hit and decided this was where my future lied. I planned to work for the best agent in the country, and in my opinion, at that time (following lots of research) it was Foxtons. 

After almost four years of cutting my teeth, I came back to Gods country as a lettings manager in North Leeds, climb the ladder, and in 2016 I joined Enfields as co-owner and director.

How and why did you first start in the property industry? 

I had a summer job chasing standing orders from uni students and got moved into lettings after two weeks. I was very confident on the phone, and they were impressed.

What is Enfields best known for? 

Lots of things, but I would best describe us using our core values – Authentic, Bold, Creative, Do the right thing, Energetic and like a Family. We are also community-driven.

What is your proudest achievement whilst with your company? 

Now managed by Chris (my business partner,) we have created our sister brand LUXE that one of the fastest-growing high-end estate agent in Yorkshire.

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self? 

Learn more. Sooner.

Why should people move to Pontefract?

Well, the 5towns is a little hidden gem. Some benefits include; the proximity to the motorways, shopping amenities, racecourse, schooling, countryside walks and most importantly the people. Additionally, the average houses prices are far lower than the surrounding towns and cities like Leeds and Wakefield.

What changes do you expect to see in the industry in the next 5 years, and how will they affect the Yorkshire market? 

I can’t think that far ahead, we should expect some ‘market correction’. 

Once the furlough scheme ends all but a few are expecting job losses which I imagine will reduce the demand we currently have, and this could be a catalyst for a correction. The banks will be on high alert when it comes to lending too. 

What plans does Enfields have for the immediate future that we should be excited about? 

We are, right now, looking to secure a new office for our Luxe department because of growth and we will be looking to add people to both companies. Moving forward we have our sights set on a new location in Yorkshire for our 3rd office… but I can’t say anymore.

How has COVID-19 impacted your company? 

The two months we were out of the game, so that was devastating for us—no new sales or valuations. However, since we came out of lockdown, we have regained market-leading position, increased market share from pre lockdown and now had three consecutive record months for sales in both Enfields and Enfields Luxe. 

Finally, as we’re a Yorkshire publication, we ask everyone this closing question. What would your perfect (post-COVID) Yorkshire weekend look like? 

Excellent question – I have an ideal weekend for each of the seasons, so it’s hard for me to say, but I’ll go with this; Saturday, walk around Haworth with the kid’s, wife and dog. Then an evening meal in Leeds at the Ivy and a few drinks with our friends sat outside down Greek Street. Sunday spent on the banks of Bolton abbey with the family; BBQ, Beers and games. 

Thank you to Andrew for being the first property professional to feature in our #Asktheinfluencer series. We’ve got even more interviews lined up in the coming weeks and months, so make sure to follow us on Facebook or Linkedin to keep up with the series.

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