Durden & Hunt acquires Diggins & Co in South Essex expansion
The independent agency has acquired established local firm Diggins & Co, with 40% of the properties transferred already having agreed sales.
Durden & Hunt has acquired South Essex agency Diggins & Co as it continues to expand its regional network.
The deal brings together Diggins & Co’s 40 years of local market knowledge and client relationships with Durden & Hunt’s marketing resources, buyer network and wider UK and international reach.
The acquisition strengthens Durden & Hunt’s presence across Rayleigh, Rochford, Hockley and the surrounding South Essex market. Its South Essex operations will be managed from the company’s Broadway West branch in Leigh-on-Sea, which opened in July.
Immediate impact
The agency says the transition is already underway, with properties previously marketed by Diggins & Co now re-marketed across the Durden & Hunt website and major property portals.
Andy Binnington, Branch Partner at Durden & Hunt Leigh-on-Sea, said: “It’s been great to see the immediate impact of our service and marketing. With our professional photography and videography, detailed floorplans, elevated marketing and bespoke approach, properties have generated fresh interest and secured offers within days of being brought across to us.
“In fact, we’ve already agreed sales on 40% of the properties we’ve acquired, with all properties now live across our portals.”
Diggins & Co founder Darren Diggins (main image, left) will remain with the business in a consultancy role, supporting the transition and continuing to provide local market expertise.
James Hunt, Founder of Durden & Hunt (main image, right), added: “Acquiring Diggins & Co is an exciting step forward for Durden & Hunt and one that we believe will deliver real benefits for both new and existing clients, whether they are buying, selling, letting, renting or investing.
“Darren has built an exceptional reputation in the local community over the past 40 years and we’re incredibly pleased to bring that experience and local knowledge to the Durden & Hunt team.”
With seven offices opened in seven years, Durden & Hunt says further UK and international expansion is planned, including a new branch in Stoke Newington and increased activity in Ibiza.
