As part of its continued expansion, award-winning estate agency Durden & Hunt has announced the acquisition of established South Essex estate agency Diggins & Co, further strengthening its presence across the region.
The acquisition brings together Diggins & Co’s extensive local market knowledge and established client relationships in the area, with Durden & Hunt’s luxury marketing expertise, resources and buyer network.
James Hunt, Founder of Durden & Hunt, said: “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.”
Founded by Darren Diggins, the Diggins & Co brand operated from branches in Rochford and Rayleigh, building longstanding relationships with homeowners, buyers and the wider local community.
Following the official opening of its Leigh-on-Sea office in July 2026, Durden & Hunt’s branch structure now connects every Essex postcode, with national and international reach. All South Essex operations will now be managed from Durden & Hunt’s Broadway West branch in Leigh-on-Sea.
Darren Diggins will continue to support the business in a consultancy role, ensuring a smooth transition and continuing to contribute his extensive experience and knowledge of the local property market. The Durden & Hunt Leigh-on-Sea team, including Branch Partner Andy Binnington, Area Branch Partner Ross Chimes and the wider team, now have a combined 75 years’ experience in the local area.
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Durden & Hunt Leigh-on-Sea team with James Hunt, Founder of Durden & Hunt (third from left) and Darren Diggins, Founder of Diggins & Co (fourth from left)
For existing Diggins & Co clients, the transition is already underway. Properties have been re- marketed and are now live across the Durden & Hunt website and major property portals.
Andy Binnington, Branch Partner at Durden & Hunt Leigh-on-Sea, said: “It’s been great to see the immediate impact of our service and marketing. With our professional photography and videography, detailed floorplans, elevated marketing and bespoke approach, properties have generated fresh interest and secured offers within days of being brought across to us.
“In fact, we’ve already agreed sales on 40% of the properties we’ve acquired, with all properties now live across our portals.”
Durden & Hunt combine a personal, relationship-led approach with a strong focus on property presentation, luxury marketing and tailored strategies designed around each property and client, across sales and lettings.
Darren Diggins, Founder of Diggins & Co, said: “Becoming part of Durden & Hunt was a carefully considered decision. We wanted to find 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.
“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 acquisition significantly expands Durden & Hunt’s presence across Rayleigh, Rochford, Hockley and the surrounding South Essex market.
With seven offices opened in seven years, the company has continued to expand its UK network and is now planning further growth, including an increased presence in Ibiza and a new branch in Stoke Newington, London. Further opportunities are also under consideration as part of its ongoing UK and international expansion strategy.
James Hunt added: “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.”
