Dwelly has made its first move into the London rental market after completing its third acquisition of the year, adding Eden Harper to its growing network.
The deal gives Dwelly a foothold in one of the UK’s most competitive lettings markets, while adding around 250 fully managed properties to its portfolio.
Founded in 2002, Eden Harper has built a strong local reputation across South West London, with a focus on service-led lettings and sales. The acquisition marks a significant step in Dwelly’s expansion strategy following its recent £69m funding raise and reinforces its position among the UK’s largest lettings operators by units under management.
Under the terms of the deal, co-founder Richard Symes (main picture, left) will remain with the business as managing director, leading the next phase of growth, while Ajaye Gopal will exit. The transaction was advised on by Atomic Consultancy.
MARKET CONSOLIDATION
The move highlights continued consolidation across the lettings sector, with well-funded operators targeting established local agencies as a route to scale, particularly in high-demand urban markets.
Richard Symes, Managing Director of Eden Harper, says: “Since launching Eden Harper, our focus has always been on providing the highest possible level of service to our landlords, tenants and sellers across Brixton, Battersea and the surrounding areas.
“It was important to find a partner that recognised the value in what we had built.”
“As the business has grown, it was important to find a partner that recognised the value in what we had built and shared our belief that the strength of a local agency lies in the people, relationships and reputation behind it.
“From the outset, it was clear that Dwelly places real importance on preserving what makes the businesses it acquires successful. Their approach is centred on supporting and strengthening those foundations, whilst introducing the technology and operational support that helps the business continue to evolve, and that gave me real confidence that Eden Harper is in the right hands moving forward.”
HIGH STANDARDS
Sam Humphreys (main picture, right), Head of M&A at Dwelly, adds: “We’re delighted to have completed our third acquisition of the year and, in doing so, make our first move into the London rental market.
“Richard and Ajaye have built an excellent business with a strong reputation across South West London, and it is exactly the type of agency we want to partner with, one that has earned the trust of its clients through consistently high standards and a deep understanding of its local market.
“Our role is to provide the support, technology and infrastructure that allows businesses like Eden Harper to continue doing what they do best, while helping them strengthen and grow for the future. Establishing a presence in London is an important step for Dwelly and we’re excited about the opportunities it creates.”
