CASE STUDY

Flats in Southsea

A Portsmouth-based lettings agency built from the ground up and successfully sold following a complex transaction, with Atomic Consultancy guiding the process from start to finish.

Business Name:
Flats in Southsea

Location:
Southsea, Portsmouth

Years in Business:
Established 2014

Size of Business:
109+ managed properties

Services Offered:
Residential lettings and property management

Challenges & Goals of Selling the Estate Agency

Founded in 2014 by Alwin Oliver, Flats in Southsea was a business built from the ground up, developing a strong reputation in the local market for its hands-on service and growing lettings portfolio.

After building and running the agency for over a decade, Alwin made the decision to sell as part of his plans to retire and step away from the day-to-day demands of the business.

The priority was to achieve a successful exit while ensuring the business he had built continued under the right ownership. As with many independent agencies, this meant finding a buyer who would recognise the value of the portfolio and maintain service standards for landlords and tenants.

Atomic Consultancy’s Approach

The transaction was led by Laura at Atomic Consultancy, who worked closely with Alwin throughout the entire process.

From the outset, Atomic carried out a detailed valuation and positioned the business effectively within the market. The opportunity attracted interest from buyers, with Edward Rose (part of the LSL Property Services Group) ultimately emerging as the right fit.

The deal itself proved to be long and complex, requiring persistence, careful coordination, and clear communication throughout. Laura played a key role in managing the process, keeping both parties aligned, navigating challenges, and ensuring the transaction continued to progress despite obstacles.

Her hands-on approach and ability to maintain momentum were instrumental in successfully bringing the deal to completion.

Buyer Feedback

“I worked with Laura at Atomic while purchasing a business, and she did an excellent job guiding the process through what turned out to be a challenging transaction. Laura was professional, responsive, and consistently focused on keeping both sides aligned so the deal could move forward. Laura’s ability to navigate complications, communicate clearly, and maintain momentum made a real difference in getting the sale completed. I would gladly work with Laura and Atomic again and recommend them to anyone involved in a business sale.

Laura was outstanding throughout the purchase process. The transaction had its challenges, but she handled everything with professionalism, patience, and clear communication. Her ability to keep things moving and work constructively with both sides made a real difference in getting the deal across the line. I’m very grateful for her support and would highly recommend working with Laura.” – David Vertannes – Your Move/LSL T/A Edward Rose

Key Takeaways

Independent lettings agency established in 2018
Built and owned by sole director Alwin Oliver
Sale driven by retirement plans
Complex transaction successfully managed by Atomic Consultancy
Business sold to Edward Rose (LSL Property Services Group)

Feedback

“Lucy, Laura and team provided a great service at a very reasonable fee. I sold my agency (that I built myself) after 12 years in order to retire. Their support and guidance was invaluable and I would not have got through all the twists and turns without them. It is one thing building and running an agency but quite another selling it when the time comes. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I am booking the cruise as we speak.”

Alwin Oliver - Former Owner

Final Thoughts From Atomic

“Flats in Southsea was a standout transaction that demonstrated the importance of experience, persistence, and communication when navigating complex deals. Alwin had built a fantastic business, and it was a privilege to support him through to a successful exit. We’re especially proud of the teamwork involved in getting this deal across the line and wish him all the best for a well-earned retirement.”

Laura Cooper, Acquisitions Director - Atomic Consultancy