North East property firm lays foundations for growth with city centre mortgage shop

A North East property group has expanded operations across the region with the launch of a new mortgage shop in the heart of Sunderland.

Estate agency Andrew Craig Group has taken over premises on High Street West in the city’s centre for its new Mortgages Now business.

The new premises will remain home to Sunderland’s Yorkshire Building Society, with Mortgages Now operating from a separate part of the building.

The Andrew Craig Group already employs almost 100 people, with estate agency branches in Gateshead, Birtley, Boldon, Chester le Street, Low Fell, Hebburn, Jarrow, Gosforth, South Shields, Sunderland and Whickham.

Andrew Craig, managing director of the Andrew Craig Group, commented: “The housing market remains extremely buoyant, with the estate agency part of our business recording its busiest month ever in September.

“I have had a view to set up a mortgage business for some time, and when we were approached to consider taking the YBS branch, it felt like the right opportunity to make it happen.

“We’re keen to expand the Mortgages Now business, and although this branch has only just opened, we’re already looking at two further stores, which would allow us to establish the company with customers and support them to find the best deal and to save money.”

Sharon Appleby, head of business operations at Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID), added: “The city centre is regenerating at pace, and it is fantastic to see this kind of private sector investment delivering a vibrant high street for Sunderland.”

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