Big southern England independent estate agency sells to Lomond
Lomond Group has bought £12m-a-year turnover Miles & Barr for an undisclosed some 25 years after it was established in Ramsgate.
One of southern England’s most high-prole independent agents has been sold to Lomond as the industry giant continues its seemingly unstoppable agency-buying streak.
Miles & Barr, which was established in 1999 in Ramsgate when its first branch opened, has become a major player in Kent’s housing market with 12 branches across 13 towns and a turnover in excess of £12 million and several hundred staff.
Miles & Barr scooped three golds at The Negotiator Awards in 2022 and claims to be the ‘market leading’ agency within its operating areas. That same year, CEO Mark Brooks told The Neg that it hoped to reach 5,000 properties under management by acquiring rivals.
While Miles & Barr is a full-service agency it’s clear that Lomond much prizes its 2,400-strong lettings under management although the deal, which is understood to have been brokered by the Atomic Consultancy, includes its new homes, land and commercial arms.
“We’ve always operated Miles & Barr with a people first approach, whether that be our employees or clients,” says Miles & Barr CEO Mark Brooks (main image).
“We truly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, which is an approach that has yielded 25 years of incredible success.
“It was essential for us that any deal to be done had to be with an organisation that shares the same company culture and approach to business and it was clear that there was an immediate synergy between Miles & Barr and Lomond businesses in this respect.
“We’re delighted at the huge opportunity that now awaits us in continuing our growth journey and with the support of Lomond, it really is the start of a new chapter for Miles & Barr.”
Signboards
The estate agency is well-known in Kent in particular for its signboards, which it has used to market the firm’s brand in unusual ways including reflective signs that stand out at night and at one point, using ‘love heart’ sweet-style graphics (pictured) saying ‘Be Mine’, ‘I’m Yours’ etc.
The company made headlines just before the pandemic when its management, who will now be enjoying paydays, organised a £3.8 million buyout after its founders and school friends, Stuart Barr and Christian Miles, exited the business.
Set sights

Lomond boss Ed Phillips, says: “We’ve set our sights on a number of new regions so far this year and this has all been part of our growth strategy, as we look to further establish Lomond and its brands as the leading estate and lettings agency business in the country.
“But we don’t mark out these new territories without careful consideration and this starts with identifying the very best business in the region to lead the charge as our cornerstone brand.
“The significant opportunity across a number of key towns in Kent is evident and with Miles & Barr, there’s no doubt in my mind that we’re putting our best foot forward as the shared values and cultures of both businesses are clear to see.”