Category: Managing Partners

F&P Agency was founded on a vision of integrity and a deep understanding of the people we represent.

For Gary Hammond, whose career in property spans decades and whose roots run deep in the Chiltern Hills, this philosophy feels entirely natural. Known for his considered advice and measured negotiation style, Gary remains personally involved from instruction through to completion. He believes that trust, time and accessibility remain the true foundations of exceptional estate agency.

In this interview, he reflects on his journey into property, his connection to the Chilterns and what clients can expect when working with him.

Gary, could you share a little about your professional background and what led you into property?

Like many people finishing education, I was asked what I wanted to do. I briefly considered the police force, and my grandmother suggested banking, saying people will always need money. It was my father who encouraged me into estate agency. He explained that no two days are ever the same. One day you might be out in the sunshine showing a beautiful home, the next you are negotiating a complex deal, and throughout it all you meet a fascinating range of people. He was right, and I have never looked back.

What’s your personal connection to the Chiltern Hills?

I have always lived in the Chilterns. My wife and I met through the Young Farmers in Great Missenden, so we know the community well. I also serve as a Community First Responder and keep bees in my spare time. This is not simply where I work. It is home.

What sets the Chilterns apart as a place to live?

The scenery is exceptional and you are only a short distance from London. There are excellent schools, fantastic restaurants and countless ways to relax and enjoy family life. In an increasingly frenetic world, the Chilterns offer something precious. They provide space to breathe and proper downtime.

What do clients value most from an agent today?

Technology certainly has its place, but when it comes to one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, people still value personal, one-to-one guidance. They want someone accountable, someone who truly understands their property and their priorities.

How does F&P Agency allow you to deliver that?

The model restricts the number of properties we handle, which means I can dedicate more time to each client and buyer. It allows me to provide a higher level of service and remain closely involved throughout the process.

What can clients expect when working with you?

I am available seven days a week and personally manage every stage of the sale. My aim is always to achieve the very best outcome while keeping stress to a minimum.

Finally, what would you say to homeowners or buyers who are considering working with you?

I am a sociable person who genuinely enjoys looking after my clients. Many previous customers will attest to that. Moving home marks an exciting new chapter, and my role is to help ensure it begins in the right way.

If you’re thinking of selling in the Chiltern Hills, or the surrounding area, Gary would love to help. Get in touch today for a no-obligation chat about your next move.

At F&P Agency, the focus has always been on people – not just the clients we serve, but the agents who represent the brand. By creating a model that prioritises quality over quantity, F&P attracts experienced professionals who want the freedom to deliver a truly personal, high-service approach to property.

Giles is a perfect example of this. With almost 30 years in the property market, spanning both international and local experience, he chose F&P because the model allows him to work in the way he believes clients value most. Rather than being driven by volume targets, Giles is able to focus on fewer clients, provide deeper insight, and personally manage every stage of the buying and selling journey from start to finish.

Rooted in Marlow and the surrounding villages, Giles combines in-depth local knowledge with a global perspective gained from working in prime international markets. This blend of experience, paired with the autonomy and support of the F&P model, enables him to offer advice that is thoughtful, bespoke and grounded in integrity.

In this interview, Giles shares his journey into property, his connection to the local area, and why F&P’s approach resonates with agents who care deeply about service, trust and long-term relationships. He also explains what clients can expect when they choose to work with an agent who has both the expertise and the time to put their interests first.

Giles, could you share a little about your professional background and what led you to a career in property?

I have been working in the property market for 27 years, in a number of markets, and working within Marlow and the surrounding areas for 14 years. Having left university, I travelled to Australia for 3 years working in several sales roles I returned home and wanted to get involved in an industry that allowed me to deal with people and provide exceptional customer service. Working in property gave this opportunity in spades.

What’s your personal connection to Marlow and the surrounding villages?

When I met my wife, we moved to Bourne End and have lived in the village since 2007. We spent 4 years in Dubai where I was involved in the prime property market dealing with selling luxury homes to high net worth buyers from all over the world. We returned and have raised our family in the village, loving the community feel and the exceptional local schooling, beautiful surrounding countryside and being by the Thames. Having worked in Marlow I also have dealt with property throughout the surrounding villages, east towards Henley, north including Frieth, south through Bisham and west through Bourne End and Wooburn Green. 

In your experience, what really sets Marlow apart as both a place to live and a property market?

Marlow is a vibrant market town with a great community and excellent schools, and caters for all tastes. Set on the River Thames Marlow is very picturesque and has a wide range of property to suit all tastes and needs, from Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian homes with character, through to modern homes and luxury apartments set in the town centre. Post Covid Marlow has seen an influx of buyers coming out from London, looking for somewhere close to the countryside, a great place to raise a family and yet still close enough to commute back into London if necessary. Over the years I have helped buyers find their initial home, moved them to the ‘family home’, out to surrounding villages and the larger homes with more generous gardens and then back into town as downsizers once their family has flown the nest. There has been a lot of investment by residents in their homes as they love the area and what it provides, seeing clients purchase homes with potential and creating something very special is wonderful and being involved in the process is extremely rewarding.

What do you believe clients value most from an agent in today’s market?

I believe clients value service and this is multi-faceted, including an agent who provides best advice, integrity, reliable communication, trust and honesty. Providing a bespoke and ultimately a personal service is what I believe clients are after and of course getting them the best price they can whatever the market conditions.

How does the F&P Agency model allow you to deliver a better experience for your clients?

Having  worked in the corporate agency world, the F&P model allows me to be as bespoke with a client as is possible, providing quality and results instead of being targeted on quantity. I am now able to personally deal with every aspect of the selling and buying journey from start to finish, from first contact, the appraisal, marketing, viewings, dealing with offers and the conveyancing process. I will be there to guide every client. Being able to spend more time with fewer clients and providing the best personal service I can provide. 

What can clients expect when they choose to work with you as their agent?

Clients can expect me to be there for them, providing in depth and professional advice, flexibility and integrity. Selling a home is a huge step for many clients and at the end of the day I want to ensure they get the best price for the asset and sell to a buyer who has been qualified through ensuring due diligence is carried out. It is said that selling a property is one of the most stressful things around, it does not need to be and providing a client with just one point of contact to guide them through every aspect is the service I want people to expect of me.

Finally, what would you say to homeowners or buyers who are considering working with you?

I want to assure any vendor or purchaser that I will provide them with a bespoke service which comes with an emphasis on professionalism, best advice and an in-depth knowledge of the local area and property market, working in partnership to either sell their property or find a buyer for their ideal home.

If you’re thinking of selling in Marlow, or the surrounding villages, Giles would love to help. Get in touch today for a no-obligation chat about your next move.