Property management group Dwelly has reached 14,000 properties under management following its acquisition of Shaws, a Kensington-based letting agency, marking its ninth acquisition in 2026.
The deal adds approximately 250 properties to Dwelly’s portfolio, placing the company ahead of Foxtons in terms of managed properties, though considerably behind larger competitors such as The Property Franchise Group, which manages around 150,000 homes.
Shaws acquisition details
Shaws, established in 1994, operates from a single branch in Barons Court with 12 staff members. The agency has built a client base focused on the Queen’s Club Gardens market in West London. Managing Director Dan Glewis will remain with the business following the acquisition.
John Reed, outgoing Chief Executive and former major shareholder of Shaws, said: “Joining the Dwelly group gives us access to industry-leading technology and operational support whilst allowing us to continue delivering the local service and expertise that our landlords and tenants know us for.”
Expansion strategy
Sam Humphreys, Head of M&A at Dwelly, stated: “Continuing to invest in London is a hugely important part of our long-term strategy as the capital’s rental sector continues to be underpinned by exceptionally strong demand for high-quality homes.”
Dwelly operates as a property software development company that acquires established agencies, which then integrate with its platform while retaining their brand identity, staff and management. This approach mirrors recent consolidation activity in the lettings sector, as businesses seek operational efficiencies.
The company has completed 18 acquisitions to date, supported by £69 million in funding secured to finance its expansion programme. The strategy comes at a time when the rental market faces regulatory changes that may impact letting agents’ operational models.
With its London-focused acquisition strategy, Dwelly is positioning itself within a competitive lettings management sector where scale and technology integration are becoming increasingly important factors for market participants.
