Strong finish to year

Countrywide plc, the UK’s largest estate agency and residential property services group, can thank a strong second half for a half-decent result in the year to the end of December.Countrywide plc, the UK’s largest estate agency and residential property services group, can thank a strong second half for a half-decent result in the year to the end of December.

Profit before tax dipped to £31.7m from £40m but house exchanges were up and the average house price also rose to £179,300 from 2004’s £173,200.

Chairman Christopher Sporborg reported a strong pipeline of sales at year-end awaiting exchange – totalling £64.3m against £48.3m this time last year.