Countrywide, which is thought to have closed over a fifth of its branches in recent years, has opened a new office in London.

It’s been widely publicised throughout the industry – but without detailed comment from the company itself – that some 50-plus Countrywide branches have closed this year alone. It’s also been reported that some 180 branch closures have taken place across the Countrywide network since 2016.

However the new office – a rare piece of positive news from the company – is in Cadogan Street, Chelsea, and is operating under the John D Wood & Co banner, one of two upmarket brands run by Countrywide.

Polly Ogden Duffy, managing director at John D Wood & Co. says, “Chelsea lies at the heart of our business, and our new Cadogan Street office is an important link in expanding our network into Knightsbridge … We remain proud to say that no other agent has more offices in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.”

The company says the new office complements three other branches in Chelsea and Knightsbridge, and states: “Chelsea has long been an area where people aspire to live. The eclectic range of property styles mean there really is something for all tastes. From the grand crescents and garden squares, to the merchant houses of old Chelsea; artist studios to purpose-built blocks of all eras, and arguably the most well-known genre of all, the pastel coloured houses and cottages which run off King’s Road.”

Countrywide was asked for comment about the closure programme, and gave this response: “As we have said before where demand dictates we will open new branches and today we are delighted to be opening John D Wood & Co on Cadogan Street Chelsea (following strict Covid-secure guidelines).”

Countrywide remains the focus of a possible takeover by Connells; the deadline for confirmation of the proposed bid is 5pm on December 7.