The trend at the top end of the Marbella property market is clear. All along the Golden Mile long-established real estate agents

are coming together with globally known brands that add international cachet to the longstanding reputations and local expertise of companies that know this market like no other.

MP Dunne’s recent association with Hamptons International is a case in point – one of a select number of Marbella-based agencies seeking to internationalise their brand and business projection by linking with names that are not only instantly recognisable but also present in the main markets across the globe.

Mutual Value“We joined forces with Hamptons International because it broadens our operational and marketing reach as well as offering newcomers to this region a reference of professionalism and integrity that is inherent in the name,” says Mary Dunne, the driven but also highly personable founder of MP Dunne.

“Our association with Hamptons International means  vendors can be assured of maximum exposure not only in Marbella but also in London and on Hamptons International worldwide directory.  All our listings are automatically listed on the Hampton International website and promoted to their offices, including magazines, window displays and press advertising.”

From Hampton International’s perspective it is of value to be represented in an important and prestigious market such as Marbella. “The reason they don’t simply open an office is because they need local expertise and prefer working with professionals whose reputation speaks for itself,” says Mary.

Having said that, very high standards are required to qualify for consideration, and the ensuing selection process is not an easy one. “We first met with Hamptons International last October. It clicked and we proceeded right away, though we couldn’t qualify for co-branded partnership on reputation alone; we also had to undergo a very in-depth assessment of our business.”

The fact that MP Dunne passed ‘cum laude’ is a source of pride for Mary, who founded the company in 2010. “I know… at the height of the recession, but many of the best companies are founded in tough times. If you can get through those and grow you know you have solid foundations.” Times were initially tough, but Mary stuck to her guns and in 2013 the turnaround came.

Solid Real Estate CredentialsThe formula for this success has been hard work and determination, but also a great deal of expertise built up in over 20 years in the business. “It is through my husband that I got into real estate,” says Mary, “but as he was a property developer it was from the more technical side of things that I learned the trade.”

An engineer, he taught her how to properly value and cost a property or development, assess land values and understand the many elements and considerations that go into a successful project. Having acquired these skills and her official real estate papers, Mary moved on to the commercial side, using her natural people skills and entrepreneurial spirit to great effect. “Coming from Sweden, he was ahead of the curve, and as a result the developments we created as part of Cielo Mijas were at the forefront of promoting new qualities

and amenities that were as yet unfamiliar here.”Mary added her own innovations, becoming

one of the first developers to offer built-in kitchens in newly constructed homes and creating show flats that allowed potential buyers to visualise the potential of the property. Among the projects designed and built under the Cielo Mijas Group banner were Finca San Antonio, El Porton de Mijas and Aloha Hill Club. She joined Panorama Properties in 2006, as Sales Director until 2009, when she left to start up her own company. “The drive to run my own business proved too strong,” says Mary. “I had my eye on this prime location on the Golden Mile, and when it became available I took the plunge.”

Qualified GrowthThe early years were tough but Mary pulled through and MP Dunne began to register the kind of impressive results that have positioned it among the leading real estate agencies in Marbella. Though appearing in the TV programme Marbella Mansions brought a lot of business, she keeps her feet on the ground. “We are listing agents and for me professionalism, know-how and accountability are important. I have no desire to build up a multi-office agency, but want to use our great team to focus on quality – providing a first class service to our clients. The kind of service that made a renowned company like Hamptons International want to form an association with us.”

g Centro Expo Loc.11-12, Bulevar Alfonso Hohenlohe, Marbella.

Tel: 952 866 072. info@mpdunne.com/www.mpdunne.com

A prominent local real estate company and a brand of international standing

merge their enviable reputations as MP Dunne announces an association with renowned British property firm

Hamptons International.

come togetherTwo strong names

WORDS Michel cruz PhOtOgRaPhy kevin horn anD cOuRteSy Of MP Dunne

DunneProPerties in association with

HamPtons international

mP THE FOCUS property

essentialmaGaZine.Com OctOBeR 2015 / 73 72 / OctOBeR 2015 essentialmaGaZine.Com