ONE of Basingstoke's oldest buildings has become home to one of north Hampshire's newest estate agencies.

Mark Charlton and Lee Grace, the founding partners of the independent estate agents Charlton Grace, have opened their second office in just over a year.

The first Charlton Grace office opened in Hartley Wintney in time for the autumn market of 2003.

Now the partners have launched a new branch in The Warren, a beamed building on the corner of Cross Street in Basingstoke.

Between them, Mr Charlton and Mr Grace have some 30 years' experience of the Basingstoke market.

They had both been managers of other estate agencies in the town before launching their own business.

Mr Charlton said: "We have returned to an area we were both successful in - we've not just looked at a map and targeted Basingstoke as a growth area."

Since opening in Hartley Wintney, Charlton Grace has sold more than £3million worth of property - including some in Basingstoke - from its village office.

Sales have included a listed Georgian house in Hartley Wintney, which sold in excess of its £1m guide price after going to best and final offers with five bidders.

In Basingstoke, the agents will be targeting the market of £250,000-plus homes and the office will be run by Mr Grace along with new members of the team - sales manager Neil Oates and sales administrator Sarah Porter.

Mr Charlton has been joined by Jon Morris, as senior negotiator, and Adrienne Grace, the mother of his estate agency partner.

Mr Grace added: "The property market is good. It is tough but there are a lot of motivated people wanting to buy and sell. The market hasn't crashed but it's one where customer service comes to the forefront."

Future plans for Charlton Grace include moving from residential sales to opening a lettings division.