A new estate agency business has got off to a flying start.

Property lettings firm Elwy have set up a new operation selling houses from their offices in Bodfor Street in Rhyl and Vale Street in Denbigh.

Unlike most estate agents who charge a percentage of the sale price, Elwy have a flat fee of £750 and no VAT.

As well as advertising in local papers, Elwy also feature the properties for sale on the www.rightmove.co.uk and the www.onthemarket.com websites.

It’s proving a winning formula because, from a standing start in January, they have already sold 10 houses, mainly in Denbighshire but also in Flintshire.

Most of the sales have achieved the full asking price or in some instances more.

Elwy are also planning sell houses in Conwy where they already have properties to let.

Their success is also going to benefit the Hope House/Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospice.

They ran a competition with local schools to design new boards for lettings and house sales and they’ll be making a donation to the hospice for every one that’s put up.

Managing director Angela Jones has taken on a new partner, sales director Kerry Grayson, to launch the new estate agency.

Angela said: “We have had an absolutely amazing start – it has exceeded all our expectations. It’s been brilliant.

“The timing has been really great because the housing market is buoyant and I think it’s still growing.

“The two sides of the business complement each other extremely well. There are times when landlords want to sell property and now we don’t have to refer them to other agents.   We’re a one-stop shop.”

According to Angela, Kerry’s years’ of experience in managing and selling property have been vital.

Kerry said: “Every day it’s a joy to come into work because we’ve had a really positive start.

“The housing market is on the up and hopefully we’ll do really well and ride the crest of the wave.

“The £750 flat fee is fantastic value but the other important factor in our success is the importance we place on providing excellent customer service.”