Not all estate agents are the same...
The Hamwic story
Modern Southampton is a thriving port city with over 250,000 residents. But before the mid-9th century, the city as we know it didn’t exist.
After the Roman period, a settlement called Hamtun arose on the western bank of the River Itchen. Thanks to its strategic location – near the coast, between rivers, and connected by Roman roads – it became a trading hub known as Hamwic, with “wic” meaning a trading settlement.
While Hamtun and Hamwic are often used interchangeably, “Hamwic” highlights the town’s economic importance. Archaeology shows Hamwic was well-planned, with streets organised along a central north-south route (now St Mary’s Street) crossed by an east-west road aligned with Chapel Road.
Hamwic’s trading role is underscored by a Royal Mint active between 786 and 858 AD under the Kings of Wessex. Historical records call Hamwic a royal vill from at least the 8th century. Even earlier, a richly furnished 7th-century burial beneath Southampton Football Club’s stadium revealed high-status weapons and gold jewellery, hinting at royalty or elite residents – much of this Anglo-Saxon heritage still lies beneath the pitch.
“It’s remarkable to think Southampton’s footballers play above centuries of buried history.”
Our logo, inspired by the Tudor Rose, reflects our deep connection to Southampton’s heritage. The rose is a long-standing city emblem, featured on the City of Southampton’s crest, the football club’s badge, and local council symbols. For us, it’s more than a symbol – it’s a proud nod to our roots and enduring link to this historic city.
Born and raised in Lordshill and Nursling, Richard began his career as an apprentice Toolmaker/Machinist before making a successful transition into financial services, becoming an Independent Mortgage Adviser over 20 years ago. His journey into estate agency began at Morris Dibben in Totton, and in 2015, he co-founded Hamwic Estates alongside the other directors.
Now a well-known and trusted figure in the local community, Richard lives nearby with his wife Lucy and their two children, Toby and Owen. At Hamwic, he wears many hats—working as a valuer, overseeing systems, sales marketing, and the overall production side of the business. His in-depth knowledge of every aspect of buying and selling a home, paired with his passion for property and eye for detail, ensures each home is marketed to the highest standard.
Richard takes immense pride in Hamwic’s brand, identity, and the continued success of the team since its founding.
Outside of work: Richard enjoys quality time with his family, collecting watches, watching and playing football, attempting a round of golf, and keeping his car in pristine condition!
Originally from the New Forest, Ray has been part of the Totton community since 1993, where he lives with his wife Lesley—well known locally for her 16 years at Hazel Wood Infant School. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, Ray brings a wealth of experience to Hamwic, having managed estate agency offices across the West Country, Romsey, and London Road, Southampton.
In addition to his agency background, Ray spent many years in the property development sector, working extensively across Southampton and surrounding areas. This breadth of knowledge allows him to expertly guide clients through every stage of the moving process, offering invaluable insight and support whether you're buying, selling, or navigating a more complex transaction.
Outside of work, Ray enjoys early morning bass fishing on Southampton Water, scenic walks with Lesley and their little dog Dillon, and the occasional well-earned drink at his local pub!
Born and raised in Totton, Tom’s deep-rooted knowledge of the local area is second to none. He began his career in estate agency over a decade ago, starting with a corporate firm before making the move to the independent sector. Since joining Hamwic in 2022, Tom has become a highly valued member of the team, known for his professionalism, proactive approach, and genuine enthusiasm for the industry.
Tom’s local insight is a real asset to our clients, and his courteous, can-do attitude consistently receives praise from buyers and sellers alike. As one of our main valuers, he handles property valuations with confidence and care, while also supporting viewings and offering advice throughout the sales process.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys spending quality time with his young son and partner, Chloe. A football fan through and through, he can often be found on the pitch or watching a match. He also loves exploring the outdoors—whether it's hiking mountains with friends or enjoying forest walks with his much-loved dog, Bear.
A lifelong Totton resident, Tina brings a sense of calm, care, and consistency to every stage of the after-sales process. As our dedicated Sales Coordinator, she plays an essential role in ensuring transactions progress smoothly—supporting our clients from sale agreed through to completion while keeping the office’s administration running seamlessly.
Tina is known for her patience, empathy, and meticulous attention to detail. She provides regular updates, offers reassurance when needed, and is always ready to guide clients through what can often be a complex or emotional journey. Her commitment to outstanding customer service makes her a valued and trusted member of the Hamwic team.
Outside of work, Tina serves as a trustee for a local charity, enjoys gardening, countryside walks with her husband Phil, and spending time with her much-loved rescue cat.
Informed Guidance
We provide honest, insightful marketing advice grounded in our extensive local expertise and backed by both recent trends and historical data.
Effective Marketing
Your property, development, or business is promoted with care and precision. Using our experienced team, wide-reaching database, high-quality property listings, and strong presence across web and mobile platforms, we market to achieve the best possible results.
Clear Communication
From the moment your property is listed through to exchange of contracts, we stay in close contact—liaising with solicitors, surveyors, tradespeople, and other agents to keep everything on track, especially in chain situations.
Client-First Service
We genuinely care about the experience we deliver. Our clients are always our priority, and we’re proud that many return to us or recommend us to others—something we never take for granted.
