CASE STUDY

Brookdale Property Management

A values-led exit for a respected Peterborough lettings agency, supported from start to finish by Atomic Consultancy.

Business Name:
Brookdale Property Management

Location:
Peterborough

Years in Business:
Est 1989

Size of Business:
One branch, 100% lettings-focused

Services Offered:
Fully managed residential lettings

Challenges & Goals of Selling the Estate Agency

Founded by Dave and Alison Curtis, Brookdale Property Management had grown into one of Peterborough’s most respected independent lettings agencies. Built on strong values, long-term landlord relationships and a people-first culture, the agency was known for doing things properly, not chasing commissions, but prioritising service and trust.

For Dave and Alison, the decision to sell was deeply personal. While achieving a strong commercial outcome was important, their main priority was ensuring the legacy of Brookdale would be respected by the new owner. They wanted to protect their team, maintain service levels, and find a buyer aligned with the culture they’d spent over a decade building.

Confidentiality was critical. The sale needed to be handled discreetly, with minimal disruption to staff or clients. Dave also wanted to avoid pressure and ensure the business was positioned clearly and fairly in the market.

Atomic Consultancy’s Approach

Atomic worked closely with Dave and Alison from the beginning. In April, Lucy Noonan met with Dave to carry out a detailed valuation and advice on market positioning. The business went to market in late May.

The approach focused on:

Protecting confidentiality at every stage
Presenting the business honestly and transparently
Attracting serious buyer interest without pressure
Supporting Dave and Alison in making a values-led decision

The result was multiple interested parties and a competitive offer process. Throughout, Atomic acted as a steady, experienced advisor, guiding the sellers to evaluate not just price, but also fit, deal structure, and long-term outcomes.

Key Takeaways

Independent lettings agency in Peterborough with a strong local reputation
Sellers prioritised values, legacy, and team welfare over price alone
Atomic provided valuation, market positioning, buyer negotiation, and full deal management
Business sold to Dwelly after receiving multiple offers
Dave and Alison exited on their terms with peace of mind

Feedback

From the outset, we knew that we didn’t need to look anywhere else. Lucy was straightforward, knows the market and inspired confidence, which was well placed. All the team understood our needs and issues as they arose and communicated swiftly and efficiently throughout the process. At the closing points of the process, Jason continued the excellent support and communication, out of hours when necessary. We wholeheartedly recommend Atomic because of their strong ethos of fairness and transparency as well as their efficiency and effectiveness.

Dave & Alison Curtis, Former Owners

Final Thoughts From Atomic

Brookdale’s sale is a great example of how preparation, honesty, and the right advice can lead to the right outcome. By taking the time to position the business properly, attract multiple buyers, and stay true to their values, Dave and Alison were able to exit on their terms, knowing the business they built would continue to thrive.

Lucy Noonan, Owner & Founder – Atomic Consultancy