A LEADING estate agent has been celebrating after recording one of the best years since the recession took hold in 2007.

J W Wood, in Old Elvet, Durham, maintained its consistent lead in the area by selling almost double the number of properties compared with its nearest rival in the DH1 postcode area, according to a survey of property websites.

The study, undertaken by the independent industry market research provider Vizzihome, showed that in 2011 more than 35 per cent of all the properties sold subject to contract or under offer in DH1 were with J W Wood.

Chairman Keith Johnson said: “I am delighted to be celebrating with my team on what has been an incredible year. In 2011 Durham branch had the best year since the recession hit us, which is really encouraging.

“We have a wealth of experience in our team here and this clearly shows in the results achieved.

“Customers can come to us with any property query, from selling to letting or commercial property problems, and we can help to find a solution to get them moving.”

Winter is traditionally a quieter time for the property market, but J W Wood’s Durham branch ended November in record style with 32 sales agreed worth a total of £5.6m, its best November ever, even beating the peak of the housing market in 2004-2006.

Sale prices ranged from £58,000 to more than £700,000, proving that the firm is equipped to handle properties in every price bracket.

It all added up to sales in the final quarter of 2011 being 55 per cent up on the same period in 2010.

J W Wood was established in 1910 and has a proud tradition as a general practice firm of surveyors and estate agents.

As well as working on behalf of owners to sell or let their properties and helping tenants and buyers find homes to rent and purchase, J W Wood also provides survey and valuation services and advises on mortgages.

Its team of 28 staff in the Durham office includes ten in residential sales, eight in lettings, seven in commercial and professional services and three in the management administration team.

Keith said: “We have been opening our doors for more than 100 years in Durham and I am very proud to say many of the team have been with us for over 20 years; which shows the level of expertise we have developed.

 “We have a strong team established here and we look forward with optimism to another year of record results and another reason to celebrate.”