We Saw an Opportunity to Do Things Differently
There are plenty of companies building websites for estate agents.
But many of the solutions available follow a similar model – choose a template, apply the agency's branding, connect the property data and charge an ongoing monthly fee.
We thought there was room for another approach.
A genuinely bespoke website designed around the individual estate agency, combined with proven specialist property technology underneath it.
That's where our relationship with Property Hive comes in.
We Specialise in Online Performance
StuLane has been designing websites and helping businesses market themselves online for more than two decades.
That experience shapes how we approach every estate agency website.
We're not only thinking about colours, layouts and property listings.
We're thinking about:
How will people find the website?
What will make them trust the agency?
How do we turn a homeowner into a valuation enquiry?
How do we demonstrate local expertise?
How do we promote services beyond property listings?
How do we know whether the website is actually working?
That's what we mean by online performance.
You'll Know Who You're Working With
Stu Lane
Director, StuLane Marketing
I've worked in websites, technology and digital marketing for more than 20 years.
Over that time the technology has changed enormously, but the basic principle hasn't: a website needs to help the business behind it succeed.
My role is to understand what you're trying to achieve, look at the website from a marketing and commercial point of view, and make sure we're building something that's genuinely useful to your agency rather than simply ticking boxes.
You'll deal with me throughout the project – and I'll still be around after the website goes live.
“I don't want to build estate agents the same website over and over again. The interesting bit is understanding what makes an agency different and then creating something around that.”
Stu Lane
Director
MEET THE TEAM
A Small Team With a Lot of Experience
We're a close-knit team, with each person bringing specialist skills to the projects we work on.
From strategy and development to design, content and digital marketing, the people involved in your website understand their part in making it perform.
And because we're a small team, you're never far removed from the people actually doing the work.
Stu Lane
Managing Director
Stu's obsession with performance runs through everything we do. He focuses on client relationships, strategy and finding ways to help businesses get more from their online presence.
Nick Shaw
Project Manager a Developer
Nick has over 18 years' experience in web development. His technical knowledge and attention to detail are central to the websites we build, and he manages projects from development through to launch.
Jack Howell
Designer
Jack is our brand and design specialist, creating distinctive digital experiences that help businesses build trust, credibility and engagement.
Our Property Hive Partnership
Creating a great estate agency website requires more than good design. It needs specialist property technology behind it.
That's why we work in partnership with Property Hive.
We've used Property Hive across multiple website projects, we're listed on their developer directory and work directly with the team behind the platform.
Property Hive brings specialist estate agency technology, CRM connectivity and property functionality.
StuLane brings bespoke design, development, marketing and online-performance expertise.
Together, it means we can create something genuinely individual for an estate agency while building on technology developed specifically for the property industry.
We've Been Doing This for a While
The platforms, devices and search engines have changed dramatically since we started building websites.
Our approach has evolved with them.
Today we're thinking about responsive design, CRM integration, conversion tracking, structured data, Google, AI-driven search and customer journeys.
Tomorrow there'll be something else.
That's one of the advantages of working with a team that sees a website as something that should evolve rather than something you build once and forget about.
We Use AI. We Just Don't Let It Design Your Business.
I think we can have a little fun with this.
AI is an incredibly useful tool and it's becoming part of how businesses work online.
We use it ourselves.
But typing a prompt into a website generator isn't the same as understanding an estate agency, its customers, local market, services and commercial objectives.
Your website should feel like your agency, not like something a machine generated in thirty seconds.
We use technology to help us work smarter, while keeping people responsible for the thinking, design and decisions that matter.
Built Around the Agency
Oakfield is a good example of why we favour bespoke design.
Rather than starting with a generic estate agency template, the website was created around Oakfield's brand, locations, services and customers, with Property Hive providing the specialist property functionality underneath.
What We're Like to Work With Matters
A website project can last several months. The relationship behind it can last considerably longer.
We've worked with many StuLane clients for years, helping them adapt their websites and marketing as their businesses have changed.
Rather than tell you what we're like to work with, we'd rather let our clients do it.
HOW WE WORK
I'd make this a simple four-stage visual rather than lots of copy.
01 – Understand
We start with your agency, customers, CRM, services, competitors and objectives.
02 – Create
We design something specifically around the business rather than forcing the business into a template.
03 – Connect
Property Hive brings in the specialist property functionality and connects the website with supported CRM systems.
04 – Improve
Once the website is live, analytics, search data and real customer behaviour can help us continue improving performance.
My Approach
I'd rather have a proper conversation about what isn't working with your current website than turn up with a package and tell you what you need. Every agency is different, so understanding the business has to come first.
FAQ's
Why do you use Property Hive?
Property Hive gives estate agent websites the specialist functionality they need to manage, import and display properties properly.
It handles the technical property data, while we focus on the website’s design, messaging, SEO and conversion journeys. That combination allows us to create a website that works well for buyers while still being designed to attract more vendors and landlords.
Are you certified Property Hive developers?
Yes. Stu Lane Marketing is an approved Property Hive developer and is listed as a certified development partner.
This gives us specialist knowledge of the platform and a direct relationship with the Property Hive team when additional support or custom development is required.
Can Property Hive connect to our existing estate agency software?
Property Hive integrates with many of the UK’s leading estate agency CRM and property management platforms.
The exact setup will depend on the system you currently use, so we’ll confirm compatibility and the best method of importing your property data before the project begins.
Can you migrate our existing estate agency website?
Yes. We can replace an existing estate agency website while retaining important content, property feeds and SEO value wherever possible.
Before development starts, we’ll review your current website, its rankings, page structure and property setup so the migration can be properly planned.
Will changing our website affect our Google rankings?
Any website migration needs to be handled carefully, but changing your website does not automatically mean losing your rankings.
We review existing pages, URLs, metadata and search performance before launch. Where appropriate, we retain valuable content and put redirects in place to protect existing visibility.
Can you redesign an existing Property Hive website?
Yes. You do not need to start from scratch simply because your current website already uses Property Hive.
We can review the existing setup and improve the design, messaging, user journeys, SEO and conversion performance while keeping the underlying property functionality where it makes sense.
Can we edit the website ourselves?
Yes. Your website will be built in WordPress, giving you control over standard pages, content and imagery.
We’ll agree how much access and flexibility your team needs during the planning stage, and we can provide guidance on making everyday updates.
Does Property Hive generate valuation enquiries?
Property Hive provides the specialist property functionality, but it does not replace a strong marketing strategy.
Valuation enquiries are generated through clear messaging, focused landing pages, strong calls to action, useful content and carefully planned user journeys. That is where our marketing and conversion expertise comes in.
Can the website include online valuation tools?
Yes. We can integrate suitable valuation tools or create dedicated valuation enquiry journeys depending on your requirements.
We’ll help you decide whether an instant valuation tool, a traditional valuation form or a combination of both is most appropriate for your agency.
Can you build websites for sales, lettings and property management?
Yes. We can build websites for sales agencies, lettings agencies, hybrid businesses, block management companies and specialist property management firms.
The website structure and messaging will be tailored around the services you provide and the types of clients you want to attract.
Do you provide hosting and ongoing support?
Yes. We can provide hosting, maintenance, updates and ongoing support after launch.
You’ll deal directly with the UK-based team responsible for your website rather than being passed through an outsourced support desk.
Can you add new features after the website has launched?
Yes. Property Hive has a wide range of extensions and integrations, and WordPress gives us the flexibility to add new pages, functionality and marketing tools as your agency grows.
We can also provide bespoke development where an off-the-shelf option does not meet your requirements.
How long does an estate agent website take to build?
The timescale depends on the size of the website, the property integration, the amount of content required and how quickly feedback is provided.
Once we understand your requirements, we’ll give you a clear project plan and realistic launch schedule.
How much does a Property Hive website cost?
Every project is different, so we do not use a single fixed price for every agency.
The cost depends on the website’s size, design requirements, integrations, content, SEO and any bespoke functionality. We’ll provide a clear proposal after discussing your agency and reviewing your current setup.
What happens after the website launches?
We can continue supporting and improving the website after launch.
That may include maintenance, content updates, SEO, landing pages, conversion improvements and additional functionality as your agency develops.
Who is behind Estate Agent Websites?
Estate Agent Websites is powered by StuLane Marketing, a UK-based digital agency specialising in websites, digital marketing and online performance.
Where are you based?
We're based in the UK and work with businesses across the country.
Who will I deal with during my website project?
You'll work directly with the small team involved in your project rather than being passed between multiple account-management layers. Stu remains closely involved from the initial conversations onwards.
How long have you been building websites?
StuLane's experience in websites and digital marketing spans more than 20 years, covering web design, development, search, advertising, analytics and wider online marketing.
Are you part of Property Hive?
No. StuLane and Property Hive are separate businesses. We're experienced Property Hive developers, listed on their developer directory, and work closely with their team when delivering Property Hive-powered estate agency websites.
Do you only work with estate agents?
No. StuLane works across different industries, which gives us wider experience in digital marketing and online performance. Estate Agent Websites is our specialist offering created specifically around the needs of estate and letting agents.
Do you use AI to build websites?
We use modern technology, including AI, where it genuinely improves the way we work. But strategy, design and important decisions remain human-led and are based around the individual business.
Let's Have a Proper Conversation About Your Website
No hard sell. No choosing a template before we've even spoken.
Tell us about your agency, the CRM you're using and what you'd like your website to do better.
We'll take it from there.