Connells Group reports progress on branch refurbishment programme
Connells Group has completed or neared completion on 38 branch refurbishments as part of its ongoing estate modernisation programme, with a further 50 branches scheduled for upgrades in 2027.
The estate agency group, which operates approximately 1,200 branches across 87 brands following its acquisition of Countrywide five years ago, launched the refurbishment initiative earlier in 2026 under the name Project Blueprint.
Early completions include the Alan de Maid branch in Locksbottom, Kent, and a Bridgfords office in Leeds. The programme includes the installation of 15,000 new PCs and telephones, alongside digital display technology for branch windows.
Performance metrics under review
Connells Group Chief Operating Officer Chris Rosindale said the company is conducting six-month reviews following each refurbishment to assess return on investment. “We’re seeing branch KPIs improve,” Rosindale stated. “That includes market share growth.”
He added that the appearance of branch premises influences customer decisions. “If a potential vendor looks at any estate agency’s branch in a town and it appears tired, then they are less likely to instruct than compared to a competitor whose branch facia looks smart and the interior clean and inviting,” Rosindale said.
Chief Executive Helen Charlesworth said the upgrades go beyond cosmetic changes. “What we didn’t want to do is just paint the walls, stick a map on the wall and put some fresh carpets in. Instead, we wanted to move with the times,” she said.
Investment amid challenging market conditions
The refurbishment programme comes as the company navigates a difficult trading environment. Recent financial results showed Connells moved from profit to loss, reflecting the impact of a weak sales market on the wider estate agency sector.
The scale of the operation presents logistical challenges, with the current completion rate suggesting a multi-year timeline to upgrade the entire estate. However, both executives acknowledged the investment as necessary despite the costs involved.
The company’s emphasis on high street presence contrasts with broader industry trends towards digital operations and CRM integrations, though Connells appears to be pursuing a dual strategy incorporating both physical and technological improvements.
With 88 branches targeted for completion or preparation by the end of 2027, the programme represents one of the larger physical estate modernisation projects in the UK property sector. The company has not disclosed the total budget allocated to Project Blueprint.
