Time for a cuppa? 5-Minutes with Tessa Stanford

Tessa Stanford is the Lettings Manager at Beresfords’ branch in Colchester. 

We caught up with her to find out more about her role, her journey into estate agency, and her advice for anyone looking to move to the Colchester area.

I manage the Colchester lettings team day-to-day, from carrying out valuations and conducting property viewings to supporting landlords and tenants through the lettings process. No two days are ever the same, which keeps it exciting.

Honestly, it happened quite by chance! When I returned to work after having my children, I joined a lettings agency in an admin role. From there, I discovered I had a real passion for the industry and worked my way up into management.

I can’t think of one piece of advice in particular, but I’ve always believed in working hard, staying curious, and learning from the people around me.

The fast pace and the variety. Every day brings something new — whether it’s meeting different clients, managing properties, or problem-solving. It keeps me on my toes and I love that.

You need to be a true people person, with strong communication skills and a genuine interest in property. It can be demanding, but if you enjoy helping people and thrive in a busy environment, it’s a really rewarding career.

 At the moment, the market is steady. We’re seeing strong tenant demand, but there’s a shortage of available properties, which can make things competitive.

Many investors are choosing freehold properties rather than flats, mainly because of the rising and often unpredictable service charges associated with leasehold homes.

A lot of investors want to buy properties to turn into HMOs to maximise their rental income and yield. The best areas for that in Colchester is near the University and hospital. 

That all agents do the same job, and it doesn’t matter which agent you use. In reality, there’s a huge difference in service quality. Choosing the right agent can save you time, stress, and even money in the long run.

Speak to a reputable local agent and really listen to their advice. Ask questions about the buying process, find out what services they provide, and make sure they’re a good fit for your needs. Having that support can make the whole experience much smoother.

Alongside speaking with an agent and getting professional advice, I’d recommend working out your finances early, so you know exactly what’s achievable. If you’re also buying an investment property, make sure you’ve considered the likely rent and any liabilities, so you know the purchase is financially viable.