Chris Edmunds has taken on the role of head of agency at Davidson and Robertson.

With strong roots in the local farming community, Chris headed the development of the Cockermouth office which launched in 2015, and was promoted to director in 2016.

Working on both sides of the border, Chris has over a decade of experience in property sales, and alongside the D and R team, he has developed a keen list of clients looking to buy and sell property on the open market and through private sales.

Commenting on his new role, Chris said: “We are always looking at how we can improve how we support clients looking to buy or sell properties. We cover Scotland and Northern England with a dedicated sales team with rural backgrounds, qualifications, experience, and regional awareness. Knowing the local market is crucial when buying and selling rural properties. Clients also appreciate the breadth of our sector specific knowledge – that includes forestry, renewables, natural capital, and development. It means we review opportunities with properties coming to market from a wider perspective.

“In south west Scotland, we completed several sales before the close of the year, including Upper Mains Farm at Annan which was on the market for offers over £2.45m. This exceptionally well-managed farm with 230 acres of land, steading, and 5 bedroomed farmhouse sold well in excess of the asking price and was one of a number of similar properties sold.

“Overall, despite challenging economic conditions, 2023 saw a significant increase in active buyers on our database, and we realised strong sales growth – especially in south west Scotland, something we believe is set to continue.

“Sales transactions are up on the previous year – especially when comparing the last quarter, and that is across a wide range of rural properties – from development land, residential and small holdings to large prime grass-growing farms.

“2024 is already looking very promising, with a strong start for property enquiries and a number of exciting launches coming to market in the spring. People are certainly planning ahead this year with more interest at this stage than we have seen in the past.”

Chris is supported by Will Dalrymple across Scotland, Andrew Hamilton in south-west Scotland, and Abigail Wass in Cumbria,