Property sector stalwart Katherine Monro has moved from Knight Frank to join Graham + Sibbald as Head of Agency – Aberdeen.
Katherine joins the firm after over a decade at Knight Frank and brings experience of working across Scotland’s real estate industry including with many of the North-East region’s leading commercial operators, developers, government agencies and intermediaries.
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Katherine Monro said: “In macro terms, I believe the worst is behind us in Aberdeen and we are now in a rising market with a mood of cautious optimism in the local market. New drilling activity and contract awards coupled with the oil price remaining at around $70 is an encouraging sign. With a view to local real estate, we are predicting that much of the poorer stock that is no longer fit for purpose will be demolished and converted to alternative use and this will help reduce current levels of oversupply.”
“We are also witnessing renewed interest in Grade A space, with The Capitol and the Silver Fin building illustrating the confidence of occupiers in Aberdeen’s city centre. A number of major infrastructure projects are well underway – the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR), the development of Aberdeen’s new harbour area, the construction of the new Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre (AECC) and the recently announced relocation of Aberdeen Football Club – and these will greatly benefit the local economy and the commercial property market.”
Bruce Murdoch, Partner, Graham + Sibbald, said: “We are definitely noting a step up in activity in the region’s occupier market. The general consensus is that the market has bottomed out, however there are still really competitive terms on offer when it comes to rent, incentives and flexibility/breaks.”
Les McAndrew, Graham + Sibbald’s Managing Partner, said: “It’s quite a coup for Graham + Sibbald to bring someone of Katherine’s calibre into the business, a skilled negotiator and one of the most highly rated commercial agents in the real estate industry, and we look forward to making more hires in Aberdeen this year.”
Graham + Sibbald has over 200 employees and 24 partners working across its 15 UK offices which are largely based in Scotland supported by a base in London.
