A city estate agency "hungry to expand" is opening a third branch in a former butcher shop this autumn. 

Websters of Norwich has taken over the EE Pratt & Co premises in Drayton High Road, Drayton, and has begun an extensive renovation. 

The firm, helmed by Charlie Webster and his wife Emma, hopes to open the new branch by late October or early November. 

Websters have taken over the former EE Pratt & Co butcher shop in DraytonWebsters have taken over the former EE Pratt & Co butcher shop in Drayton (Image: Websters)

Charlie, 38, said: "We've been very busy this year, the busiest we've been in 13 years.  

"There's no other estate agent in Drayton so we think there's a high demand for a quality, honest agency here."

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The move comes just six months after the Unthank Road-based business opened its second location in Coltishall, taking over from Pendefords letting agency and expanding its catchment to include properties in north Norfolk and across the Broads. 

It was the fourth such takeover by Websters in recent years, following the purchases of Savannah Estates, First Lettings Norwich and Langfords Estates.

Charlie Webster, managing director, said there is demand for a good quality estate agent in the Drayton areaCharlie Webster, managing director, said there is demand for a good quality estate agent in the Drayton area (Image: Websters)

Charlie added: "There's a much more stable market now than before. 

"Prices are dropping and interest rates are down, with houses still selling so we think we are well placed and can do some good in Drayton."

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Charlie says the firm's recent boom in growth follows his recovery from a liver illness which has allowed him to invest more time into it. 

He added: "Now that I have the energy to work again, I'm hungry to expand and push the business forward. 

The premises is undergoing extensive renovation inside and outThe premises is undergoing extensive renovation inside and out (Image: Google)

"I've seen that some people are concerned that an estate agent is moving into the shop and not a more community-focussed amenity but we invest a lot into our communities.

"In Coltishall, we sponsor events and raise money for the local school, giving back where we can."

The EE Pratt & Co butcher shop was open for around 50 years before closing last year and going on the market with Brown & Co for £425,000.