Wed, 16 Sep 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
An estate agency with branches across London and Essex has expanded with the acquisition of a counterpart based in South Essex. Durden & Hunt’s acquisition of Diggins & Co, which operated branches in Rochford and Rayleigh, means the company now has coverage across every postcode in Essex.
The deal follows the opening of Durden & Hunt's Broadway West branch in Leigh-on-Sea, from which all of the company’s South Essex operations will now be managed, in July of this year.
The post-acquisition transition is already underway, with Diggins & Co properties now re-marketed and live across the Durden & Hunt website and major property portals. Diggins & Co founder Darren Diggins will continue to support the business in a consultancy role following the acquisition.
James Hunt, founder of Durden & Hunt, commented: "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."
Darren Diggins said that joining Durden & Hunt was “a carefully considered decision” and that the firm had been seeking “a partner that understood the importance of local knowledge and personal relationships, while also having the resources, ambition and reach to take the business forward.”
He continued: "We believe Durden & Hunt is the right fit for the next chapter. Their approach to property, investment in marketing and plans for continued growth give our clients access to even greater opportunities, while the local knowledge and relationships that have always been at the heart of Diggins & Co remain incredibly important."
The deal continues a strong period of growth for Durden & Hunt, which has opened seven offices in seven years and is planning further expansion. The company is targeting an increased presence in Ibiza, along with a new branch in Stoke Newington, London.
James Hunt said: "We have ambitious plans for Durden & Hunt. We're continuing to look at opportunities where we believe we can bring something different to the market, invest in great people and provide clients with a genuinely better property experience."
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