The lettings division of Sheldon Bosley Knight, one of the Midlands’ largest independent estate agencies, has been acquired by Dwelly in a deal that further highlights the rapid consolidation sweeping through the UK rental market.
Staff were informed of the change on Monday with the business to continue operating under the SBK name.
Sheldon Bosley Knight, headquartered in Coventry, has grown significantly in recent years, expanding to 13 branches across the region through an active acquisition strategy.
The sale of its lettings operation marks one of the most substantial transfers of a regional property management portfolio this year.
MAJOR MIDLANDS FOOTHOLD
The deal gives Dwelly a major foothold in the Midlands and strengthens its national reach after a series of targeted acquisitions in 2025.
The company has been positioning itself as a technology-led consolidator in the fragmented lettings sector, seeking to integrate traditional agencies into a modernised operating platform.
Continuity for landlords and tenants has been guaranteed, with SBK’s staff and branding set to remain in place.
The transaction also reflects the growing pressure on independent agencies to modernise legacy systems as compliance demands and operational costs rise.
DEFINING YEAR
Sam Humphreys (main picture, inset), Head of M&A at Dwelly, says: “We are delighted to welcome the lettings arm of Sheldon Bosley Knight into the Dwelly family.
“This is not only an acquisition of scale, but one of exceptional quality, bringing with it a heritage of over 180 years and a reputation that is deeply embedded across the Midlands and wider Cotswolds region.
“2025 has been a defining year for Dwelly. We have completed a series of strategic acquisitions across a range of key geographies, each one chosen for the strength of its local relationships, the calibre of its team, and the legacy it has built within its community. SBK Lettings is an outstanding example of this approach.”
BEST OF THE BEST
And he adds: “Our focus has always been to partner with the very best independent agencies in the UK, preserving the culture and service standards that made them successful while equipping them with the technology and operational infrastructure to grow even further. SBK Lettings fits this philosophy perfectly.
“With this latest deal, we significantly strengthen our national footprint and are exceptionally well positioned for an ambitious phase of expansion in 2026.
“Our priority is to protect the identity and reputation of the businesses.”
“As always, our priority is to protect the identity and reputation of the businesses we acquire, while helping their teams deliver a more efficient, transparent and modern lettings experience for landlords and tenants.
Importantly, this partnership is built on continuity, collaboration and long-term investment, and we look forward to working closely with the SBK Lettings team and wider Sheldon Bosley Knight Group for many years to come.”
RIGHT CHOICES
Mike Cleary, Custodian of Sheldon Bosley Knight, says: “As custodians of a business with roots stretching back to 1843, we are ever mindful of the need to make the right choices with the book ‘Built to Last’ being one of our guiding lights.
“In May of this year, we met with Dwelly for them to explain their vision for the future of the Lettings industry.
“We didn’t expect to be amazed but were and so faced a difficult dilemma – keep ownership and battle on with an increasingly outdated software proposition, or give up ownership and in the process enable our team and clients to have a better future.”
“Dwelly stood out for its respect for heritage.”
“Dwelly also stood out for its respect for heritage, its commitment to retaining local expertise, and its thoughtful approach to integrating technology without compromising what makes an agency successful.
“We were certain that they would enable SBK Lettings to carry on growing organically and through acquisitions as we have become accustomed.”
RIGHT DECISION
Cleary adds: “SBK has always been built on long-standing client relationships, deep community knowledge and a culture of professionalism that has set us apart in the Midlands market.
“Joining forces with Dwelly ensures that these values not only remain intact, but are strengthened with additional resources, innovation and operational support.
“We are confident that this partnership is the right decision and that being powered by Dwelly will enable the business to flourish.”
