Sussex Exclusive caught up with Horsham estate agent Hayley Georgiou recently to find out more about the shape of estate agency in 2026, what makes Hayley Georgiou Property different and what plans are afoot for next year and beyond.
Let’s start with you, Hayley – tell us a bit about your journey. What inspired you to build your own business, and what motivates you day to day?
Before launching my business, I spent years in marketing – most recently as Head of Marketing for the adventure division at Travelopia, which included brands like Exodus Travels. I loved the creativity, storytelling and brand-building side of it, but I always had this dream of doing something more personal, more connected to people’s lives.
When I moved into property, I realised there was such an opportunity to merge those worlds – to bring a marketing mindset and an eye for design into estate agency, while still having that one-to-one impact. What motivates me now is my mission: to simplify and elevate the property journey by offering a holistic, concierge-style service that supports homeowners, buyers, and landlords at every stage. It’s about taking the stress out of moving and helping people feel genuinely supported – not just “sold to.”
Brand & Deliver* is all about authentic brand building. What would you say makes your brand you – what’s at the heart of how you show up in business?
At the heart of my brand is warmth, service, and style. I wanted Hayley Georgiou Property to feel approachable and human, but also premium and design-led. Every touchpoint – from my website to the welcome hampers I give buyers and sellers – is thought through from the client’s perspective. Authenticity, for me, means showing up as myself. I’m not trying to be a “corporate” agent in a suit; I’m here to listen, guide, and celebrate the milestone moments with my clients. The brand is really an extension of who I am – a blend of creativity, care, and high standards.
The property world can sometimes feel quite traditional. How have you brought a more modern, human touch to it?
Honestly, by reimagining how an estate agent can operate. I keep my client list intentionally small so that I can give each person a truly tailored service – from WhatsApp updates to home staging advice. I want people to feel like they’ve got someone in their corner who genuinely cares about the outcome.
The rebrand I did last year was a huge part of that. I wanted the visual identity to feel luxurious but also warm and welcoming – rich tones, organic textures, biophilic influences. It’s inspired by beautiful interiors rather than corporate property branding. It signals to people that this is a different kind of agency – one that’s as much about lifestyle and design as it is about bricks and mortar.
You’re sponsoring this year’s Brand & Deliver event. What made you want to get involved?
I love what Brand & Deliver stands for – showing people that marketing and branding don’t have to be scary or salesy. For me, it’s about connection and creativity. I wanted to support the event because it’s exactly what I believe in: getting out of your comfort zone, telling your story, and showing your personality in business. Plus, I want to show that estate agents don’t have to be fusty and old-school! We can be modern, design-led, and genuinely community-focused.
As a business owner, we all know it’s not always plain sailing. What’s one lesson or mindset shift that’s made the biggest difference to you?
The biggest shift has been letting go of perfection and leaning into progress. In the early days, I wanted every photo, every post, every word to be flawless – but the truth is, people connect to honesty more than polish. Once I embraced that, everything got easier.
There’s a lot of talk about “personal brand” at the moment. How important do you think it is for small business owners to build a strong personal brand?
It’s everything. People buy from people, and especially in a local business, your reputation is your brand. A personal brand isn’t about being loud or showy – it’s about clarity and consistency. If people know what you stand for, they’ll trust you. For me, showing my face, sharing my story, and being active in the community have all been key to building that trust.
At Brand & Deliver, we’ll hear about showing up authentically online. How do you approach social media and marketing – what’s worked best for you and what have you learned along the way?
My marketing background definitely helps! I treat my social media like storytelling – it’s not just about listings, it’s about lifestyle. I mix behind-the-scenes snippets, local recommendations, and design inspiration with property updates. What’s worked best is being myself. People like seeing the human side – the coffee-fuelled mornings, the family chaos, the passion behind the business. I’ve learned that showing up consistently matters more than chasing perfection.
If someone came to you thinking about selling their home, what’s the one piece of advice you’d want them to remember?
Presentation matters more than ever. Buyers fall in love with a feeling, not just a floor plan. That’s why I’m so passionate about staging – it helps people see the potential and feel at home. My advice would be: take the time to prepare your property properly. It can make all the difference.
What’s next for you and Hayley Georgiou Property – any exciting plans, goals, or dreams for 2026?
Yes! The next big step is growing the staging side of the business. We’ve seen such incredible results from helping clients elevate their homes before sale, and we want to make that service more accessible. Longer term, I’d love to have a beautiful high-street space – part agency, part design studio – where people can come for advice, browse interiors, and really feel part of our world.
For more information about Hayley, visit: https://hayleygeorgiouproperty.com/
*Brand & Deliver is a vibrant, empowering, and supportive event aimed at the solopreneur and small business owner.
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