Dwelly has kicked off 2026 with the acquisition of Brookdale Property Management, marking the latest step in a rapid expansion strategy that gathered pace throughout 2025.
The deal follows a landmark year in which Dwelly acquired six lettings businesses, taking its total number of acquisitions to eight and laying the groundwork for a more aggressive growth phase.
The firm now plans to exit what it describes as “stealth mode” and accelerate its acquisition programme over the year ahead.
Dwelly has set its sights on doubling the number of businesses within its group during 2026, with the Brookdale transaction representing the first move in that next phase of growth.
STRONG REPUTATION
Based in Peterborough, Brookdale Property Management is a long-established lettings firm with a strong local reputation.
The acquisition adds around 1,100 fully managed properties to Dwelly’s portfolio, taking the group’s total to approximately 10,000 properties nationwide.
The business was founded by Dave Curtis, who has built long-standing landlord relationships across the local market.
Following the transaction, Curtis will retire from the business, while the existing leadership team will remain in place to ensure continuity for landlords, tenants and staff. The deal was brokered by Atomic Consultancy, with audit and compliance support provided by Trust Audit.
ACQUISITION STRATEGY
Sam Humphreys (main picture, right), Head of M&A at Dwelly, says: “2025 was a pivotal year for Dwelly. We quietly built momentum, acquired six exceptional businesses and laid the foundations for what comes next.
“As we move into 2026, we’re exiting stealth mode and significantly accelerating our acquisition strategy, with a clear focus on doubling the number of businesses within the Dwelly family.
“Brookdale Property Management is a fantastic example of the type of business we’re looking to partner with. It’s well run, has a strong local reputation and a committed team in place. We’re delighted that Richard is staying on to lead the business forward, and we want to thank Dave for building such a respected operation.”
RIGHT NEXT STEP
Dave Curtis (main picture, left), Founder of Brookdale Property Management, adds: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built at Brookdale over the years, particularly the level of service and care we’ve always put at the heart of the business.
“Doing things properly has always mattered hugely to me.”
“Long-standing landlord relationships and doing things properly have always mattered hugely to me, and that’s something I was determined to protect as part of any transition.
“I’m confident that joining Dwelly is the right next step for Brookdale’s future. Their approach to growth, and their commitment to supporting both clients and teams within the businesses they acquire, aligned perfectly with what I wanted for the business.
“As I step back and move into retirement, I do so knowing Brookdale is in safe hands. With Richard continuing to lead the team and Dwelly’s support behind him, the business is well placed to go from strength to strength while maintaining the service standards our clients expect.”
HIGH QUALITY BUSINESS
Lucy Noonan, founder of Atomic Consultancy, says: “We were delighted to broker the transaction between Brookdale Property Management and Dwelly.
“Brookdale is a high-quality lettings business with a strong management team and loyal client base, making it an excellent strategic fit for Dwelly’s ambitious growth plans. It’s been a pleasure working with all parties to deliver a successful outcome.”
And Jacqueline Kilpatrick, director at Letts Acquire, adds: “Acquisitions of this nature require careful handling when it comes to client money and regulatory compliance, particularly where continuity for landlords and tenants is a priority.
“Working alongside Dwelly and the wider advisory team, our role was to ensure the transition was robust, transparent and aligned with best practice, allowing the business to move forward with confidence from day one.”
