Diggins & Co is now part of the
Durden & Hunt Network

Award-winning independent estate agency Durden & Hunt are happy to announce the acquisition of respected South Essex estate agency Diggins & Co, marking the latest milestone in our continued expansion across the region.

Call Us

Email Us

Founded by Darren Diggins, Diggins & Co has built a strong reputation across Rochford, Rayleigh and the surrounding areas over the past 40 years, developing longstanding relationships with homeowners, buyers and the wider local community.

As part of Durden & Hunt, the business will combine that established local knowledge with Durden & Hunt’s marketing expertise, resources and national and international reach.

Darren Diggins will remain with the business in a consultancy role, helping to support the transition and continuing to bring his extensive experience and knowledge of the local property market to the business.

The Acquisition

The acquisition follows a period of significant growth for Durden & Hunt. Following the opening of its Leigh-on-Sea office in July 2026, the company has continued to strengthen its Essex network, creating a branch structure connecting every Essex postcode, with national and international reach, designed to help buyers and sellers access a broader pool of properties and opportunities.

For existing Diggins & Co clients, the transition is already underway. Properties have been re-marketed and are now live on the Durden & Hunt website and major property portals, giving vendors immediate access to the agency’s wider marketing platform and buyer network in the UK and internationally.

The acquisition also significantly strengthens Durden & Hunt’s presence in Rayleigh, Rochford and the surrounding South Essex areas, creating greater connectivity between these markets and the company’s existing network.

A Message From Our Founder

"Acquiring Diggins & Co is an exciting step for Durden & Hunt and one that we believe will bring real benefits to both our existing and new clients.

“Our ambition is to build a genuinely connected network where our people, expertise and marketing reach can add real value for clients. This acquisition gives us another opportunity to invest in South Essex, create new opportunities for property professionals and connect buyers and sellers across our wider network. It’s an important milestone for the business, but we see it as another step in a much bigger journey.

“Darren has built an exceptional reputation in the local community over the past 40 years and we’re incredibly pleased to be bringing that experience and local knowledge into the Durden & Hunt family.

“We’re also delighted that Darren will remain involved with the business as a consultant. His knowledge of the local market and the relationships he has built over four decades will be incredibly valuable as we move forward together.”

A Message From Darren Diggins

“We’re incredibly proud of what we have built at Diggins & Co and most importantly, of the relationships we have developed with our clients and the local community over the past 40 years.

“Choosing to become 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.

“I’m excited about what we can achieve together and look forward to supporting the team and clients as we begin this next chapter.”

Moving Forward

Durden & Hunt combines a personal, relationship-led approach with a strong focus on luxury marketing, presentation and tailored strategies designed around each property and client.

Following the acquisition, the Durden & Hunt Leigh-on-Sea team, including Branch Partner Andy Binnington, Area Branch Partner Ross Chimes and the wider Leigh-on-Sea team, will work closely with existing and former Diggins & Co clients, as well as homeowners considering their next move.