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Sotheby’s rejects claim TV series featuring its agents will be Brit version of Selling Sunset

Agency has released a statement after new Channel 4 show's production company suggested it was going to be a Brit version of the US series.

Nigel Lewis

sotheby's

Upmarket estate agency Sotheby’s International Realty is to be featured on TV this Christmas during an hour-long documentary during which viewers will get close-up and personal look at its negotiator and clients.

But despite the show’s production company portraying it as a British version of US reality Netflix series Selling Sunset, Sotheby’s insists it will be a serious look at the luxury property market and how it works including both agents (pictured) and clients.

Sotheby’s has reason to be nervous – one of the co-owners of the US brokerage featured in Selling Sunset later rued allowing cameras into his offices.

Statement

“We agreed to undertake filming for a documentary show on Channel 4, as an insight into the day to day workings of our business,” says Sotheby’s.

“The documentary is in no way a copycat or similar approach to other reality style US property programmes, indeed far from it.

“We are well aware that many people have an interest in property around the UK and abroad and as part of the show, a number of our clients agreed to take part and showcase some of the wonderful homes that we are proud to represent, but the reality is that our core business is across all price points and areas of the market.

“What makes a wonderful home is equally subject to opinion, some of our favourite listings and sales we have worked on have been below £1,000,000.

“We have some very talented and personable agents on our team and it was an opportunity to highlight the difference in style and approach in the way we do business.

“We hope that the show provides an insight into the world of UK Sotheby’s International Realty as well as focusing on some of the team.”

To be shown on Channel 4 during the Christmas break, the hour-long programme will be called Selling Britain’s Most Expensive Homes, although this may change, as production is still in progress. An official launch is due in two weeks.

hancockTim Hancock (pictured), Commissioning Editor, Formats and Features at Channel 4 says: “Just like the rest of us, the super-rich have reacted to lockdown by dreaming of a life in the country.

“They just do it a little differently. Combining outrageous property porn with an insight into the lives of the richest people in Britain, this documentary promises to show just how the 0.1% experienced 2020.”

The Sotheby’s Realty International franchise in the UK is owned by Robin Paterson, who is also busy at the moment as a major shareholder in Countrywide through his other business, Catalist.

November 20, 2020

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