Belgarum Acquires Purdie and Swan Lettings in Winchester Expansion
Belgarum Estate Agents has acquired Purdie and Swan Lettings, uniting two of Winchester’s most trusted letting agencies. The deal strengthens Belgarum’s dominance in the local rental market while preserving Purdie and Swan’s long-standing landlord relationships. Key staff will transition seamlessly under the new ownership.
WINCHESTER — Belgarum Estate Agents has finalized the acquisition of Purdie and Swan Lettings, a move that cements its position as the city’s leading independent letting agency. The deal, completed this month, merges two businesses renowned for their deep local expertise and client-first approach, creating a combined portfolio of over 500 managed properties. John Leeson, Belgarum’s managing director, confirmed the transaction after decades of professional rapport with the Purdie and Swan leadership team.
“Purdie and Swan Lettings was an obvious choice,” Leeson stated. “We’ve known Katherine Treseder-Griffin, Kate Wakeling, and Andy for more than 20 years. Their reputation for reliability and personal service aligns perfectly with our own values. This isn’t just a business expansion—it’s about preserving the trust landlords and tenants have placed in both agencies for generations.” The three directors of Purdie and Swan will remain as consultants for the next 30 days to ensure a seamless handover.
Key Points
- ✅ Belgarum now manages over 500 rental properties in Winchester after acquiring Purdie and Swan Lettings
- ⚡ Katherine Treseder-Griffin, Kate Wakeling, and Andy Purdie will act as consultants during the transition
- 💡 Property manager Claire Smith joins Belgarum’s permanent team to maintain service continuity
The integration will be overseen by Alex Lambourne, Belgarum’s director, and Dan Salkeld, head of lettings, who emphasized the importance of maintaining existing relationships without disruption. “We’re not looking to overhaul their systems,” Salkeld said. “We’re here to support their clients and ensure the transition feels seamless. Purdie and Swan’s landlords have been with them for years, and we intend to honor that legacy.”
| Agency | Founded | Properties Managed |
|---|---|---|
| Belgarum Estate Agents | 1989 | 350+ |
| Purdie and Swan Lettings | 2001 | 150+ |
Industry analysts note that Winchester’s rental market has seen a 12% increase in demand over the past year, driven by a surge in professional relocations to the city. Belgarum’s acquisition positions it to capitalize on this growth while tapping into Purdie and Swan’s established network of high-net-worth landlords. The combined entity will operate under the Belgarum brand, with no immediate plans to rebrand Purdie and Swan’s existing office locations.
📋 By The Numbers
- 1989 — Year Belgarum Estate Agents was established
- 30 days — Duration of Purdie and Swan’s consultant period
- 12% — Increase in Winchester’s rental demand year-over-year
Treseder-Griffin and Wakeling echoed the sentiment of continuity, stating that Belgarum’s hands-on, personal approach was a deciding factor. “We didn’t want to sell to just anyone,” Wakeling said. “Our clients aren’t transactions—they’re relationships. Belgarum understands that, and that’s why this felt like the right next step.” Claire Smith, who will transition to Belgarum’s permanent team, added, “I’ve worked with these landlords for years. Knowing they’ll still get the same care under Belgarum’s roof is reassuring.”
💡 Pro Tip
For landlords weighing a transition between agencies, demand a detailed handover plan that includes direct contact with your dedicated property manager. Transparency during the first 90 days is critical to avoiding service gaps.
The acquisition follows a broader trend in Winchester’s property sector, where independent agencies are consolidating to compete with larger corporate players. Belgarum’s move reflects a strategic push to dominate the local lettings market while preserving the personalized service that Winchester’s renters and landlords have come to expect. No financial terms of the deal have been disclosed.
- Immediate — Purdie and Swan’s staff begin consulting with Belgarum’s leadership on client retention strategies
- 30 days — Full transition of property management systems and client databases
- 60 days — Gradual rebranding of Purdie and Swan’s marketing materials to reflect Belgarum’s unified branding
The deal signals a significant shift in Winchester’s letting landscape, with Belgarum now poised to serve as the city’s largest independent agency. For clients of both businesses, the transition is designed to be invisible—except for one added benefit: access to a broader range of services and resources without sacrificing the personal touch that defined Purdie and Swan’s reputation.