A LOCAL firm of chartered surveyors and land agents is moving into larger premises – due to an expanding workload.

Broadley & Coulson, who are also thriving auctioneers and valuers, have outgrown their existing offices in Wesley Street, Crook.

The eight staff and three partners will move into larger premises in South Street on June 1.

David Coulson, founding partner, said that although the property side of the business had been “difficult” during the recession, the agricultural side was doing well.

Livestock prices were up and a lot of farmers were benefiting from the euro exchange rate increasing their single farm payments.

Many farmers are actively seeking land to buy – something which has compensated for the fall in demand from the pony and horse sector, caused by fears over job security and the need to cut back on spending.

Broadley and Coulson, who have a second office in Bishop Auckland, also operate an estate agency which specialises in rural properties – particularly in Weardale and the Wear Valley – along with property and estate management.

Mr Coulson, who is chairman and spokesman for the North- East Rural Institute of Chartered Surveyors, has noticed an increasing number of second homes coming back on the market as owners struggle with the mortgage.

Although house prices have fallen, first-time buyers are finding it impossible to buy because of the deposit required – often anything between 25pc to 40pc of the asking price.

The company prides itself on giving a personal service and has years of experience to draw on.

Mr Coulson has worked in the area since leaving school and formed the company with Tom Broadley in 1984.

Mr Broadley retired in 2001 and Mr Coulson is now in partnership with his wife, Angela, who looks after the estates and housing rents side of the business, and Stuart Allan.