Widely regarded as a leading figure within the island’s residential property market, Stuart Leslie has stepped into a newly-created leadership role as head of residential sales at Cherry Godfrey Property at a pivotal moment for the business.
Following the recent acquisition of Guernsey estate agency Mawson Collins, his appointment signals clear intent. With more than 15 years in estate agency and a background at Savills, Stuart brings both experience and a strong appetite for transformation.
‘Cherry Godfrey wanted to make a statement about the future of the business,’ he said. ‘The aim is to grow, to challenge the mainstay agencies locally, and to offer something genuinely different.’
Central to this vision is the integration of property services with Cherry Godfrey’s established financial offering, including mortgages and insurance. The ambition is to create a seamless, one-stop shop for buyers – a model not yet fully realised in the local market. For Stuart, that breadth of opportunity was a key attraction. ‘It’s not just about driving an estate agency forward – it’s about building something much bigger,’ he said.
While leaving an established brand like Savills might seem a bold move, Stuart sees it more as a calculated leap.
‘Leaving an established business wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but the chance to help shape the future of Cherry Godfrey Property and make a real difference was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.’
The experience of transition he had during the integration of Martel Maides into Savills is something he can draw on in his role. Bringing together teams, redefining brand perception, and building a cohesive operation, made him realise how much he enjoyed the process of transformation. While much of the groundwork is already in place at Cherry Godfrey Property, the next stage requires careful development and direction.
The first few weeks of his new role have been mainly about listening and observing.
‘It would be wrong to walk in and change everything,’ he said. ‘There are already excellent processes here, and it’s about building on those rather than replacing them.’
He is focused on laying strong foundations rather than rushing change. Early priorities include improving presentation standards, refining processes, and ensuring the team is aligned and confident.
‘We’re making incremental improvements – better photography, stronger marketing materials, clearer processes,’ he said.
Equally important is maintaining stability and a positive internal culture.
‘A settled, motivated team is critical – we need that platform in place before we build further.’
In addition to operational expertise, Stuart places strong emphasis on people – both clients and colleagues. He is passionate about mentoring teams and raising standards across the board, recognising that estate agency is as much about relationships as it is about transactions.
Navigating market challenges
According to Stuart, current conditions are positive, with strong levels of activity and buyer interest.
However, buyer behaviour has shifted significantly. With a greater number of properties available, purchasers are more selective and increasingly focused on value.
‘Buyers now have choice, and that means pricing is critical,’ he said. ‘If a property doesn’t stack up, they’ll simply look elsewhere.’
This creates a more competitive environment where success depends not just on listing properties, but on actively matching the right buyers with the right homes.
‘It’s about understanding what people really want – even when they don’t realise it themselves.’
One of his key priorities is to reinforce a proactive style of estate agency – moving beyond passive listings to a more engaged, relationship-driven model.
‘We want to build strong relationships and guide buyers towards the right property, even if it’s not something they initially considered.’ This approach will also extend into off-market sales, an area he sees as an important growth opportunity. Plans are under way to develop a more curated off-market offering, where qualified buyers gain access to exclusive listings.
‘It’s about quality over quantity – understanding the buyer first, and then making the right introductions.’
Building for the future
With Cherry Godfrey operating in both Guernsey and Jersey, plus the Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, and Southampton, there is scope for growth, something Stuart is looking forward to.
‘The excitement and the opportunity of really growing something here is absolutely unique… and the opportunity to have a real impact on a business is something I couldn’t pass up,’ he said. ‘I’ve spent my career helping people navigate some of life’s biggest decisions, and what attracted me to Cherry Godfrey was the opportunity to be part of a business that’s still writing its next chapter.
‘The foundations are already incredibly strong. The brand is trusted, the people are passionate, and there’s a genuine ambition to keep evolving and raising the bar. Opportunities to join a business at this stage of its journey don’t come along very often.
‘Of course, after many years in property I could probably have taken the sensible option and looked for a quieter life, but where would the fun be in that? What excites me is the challenge. We’re building something different: a genuinely joined-up proposition where clients can access expert support across every stage of their property journey. That’s exciting, and I believe there’s enormous potential for what we can achieve together over the coming years.’
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