Big London independent estate agency bought by Chestertons

James Pendleton, one of London’s leading independent estate agents, has been bought by corporate giant Chestertons.

James Pendleton, which was founded in 2003 by Lee Pendleton and run with Lucy Pendleton after initially trading as Penman and Pendleton, has risen to be one London’s larger independents with nine branches.

These include a high street presence in some of south London’s more upmarket areas including Wandsworth, Battersea and Clapham.

Pendleton, who ceased to be a director of the firm earlier this year, has been a high-profile industry figure in recent years and has been a regular commentator on the housing market in the national trade and consumer press, and marketed his business heavily via often aggressive outside media promoting his and colleagues’ ‘local knowledge’ and connections.

The company had 34 employees, its latest accounts show. No figure has been given for the sale and both Lee Pendleton, and Lucy Pendleton, are no longer involved in the business.

Richard Davies, Chestertons’ Managing Director, comments: “James Pendleton is a well-respected business with some exceptional people and we are delighted to welcome them and their clients into Chestertons.

“We are committed to continuing to deliver the first-class service to which they have become accustomed, while giving them access to many of the tools, technology, services and events that Chestertons offers.

“Chestertons has grown to become one of the largest sales and lettings agencies in London, but while we are continually expanding our branch network through strategic acquisitions, we are also investing heavily behind-the-scenes to ensure that our clients, customers and staff get the best possible experience.”

Acquisitions

Chestertons was bought by Emeria (now the Campions Group) at the end of 2023 having acquired several other sales and lettings businesses over the last few years including Henry & James, Behr & Butchoff, Soames, London Residential, Morgan Randall and Snell & Snell.

Soon after the acquisition by Campions it bought Featherstone Leigh’s lettings operation in early 2024 and the firm says it continues to looking for opportunities to expand its London operations.