In 2024, Lomond made a significant step in its national expansion strategy by acquiring Miles & Barr, a well-established estate and lettings agency based in Kent. This marked Lomond’s 64th acquisition and its first move into the Kent region, further solidifying its position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing property groups.
Miles & Barr, founded over 25 years ago, operates across 12 branches and manages more than 2,400 properties. The agency has built a strong reputation for its comprehensive services, which include residential sales, lettings, commercial and Land and New homes. Its deep local roots and commitment to customer service made it an ideal partner for Lomond’s continued growth.
Lomond’s decision to acquire Miles & Barr was guided by its strategy of partnering with standout regional brands that can anchor future growth. Ed Phillips, CEO, emphasised that Lomond only "enters new markets when the right business is in place to lead the charge and in Kent, Miles & Barr was the clear choice". He noted the significant opportunity across the region and praised the strong cultural alignment between the two companies.
That cultural fit was central to the deal’s success. Both businesses share a people-first ethos and a commitment to exceptional service. Mark Brooks, CEO of Miles & Barr, highlighted this saying, “We’ve always operated Miles & Barr with a people-first approach, whether that’s our employees or our clients.”
Within just three months of joining Lomond, Oakwood Homes officially merged with Miles & Barr - uniting two respected agencies with deep local roots and a shared commitment to service excellence. With over 20 years of experience in the East Kent property market, the merger strengthens their presence across the region. Andrew Dickinson, Managing Director at Oakwood Homes, said: “Teresa and I are incredibly proud of what we’ve built over the past two decades. While selling wasn’t an easy decision, Lomond’s approach and values made it the right one for our team and clients.” Lomond CEO Ed Phillips added: “With Oakwood Homes joining the group, we believe we’ve brought together two of the very best estate agency businesses Kent has to offer.”
With the backing of Lomond, Miles & Barr is now positioned to accelerate its growth while maintaining its local identity and trusted service. The acquisition opens the door to new investment, innovation and enhanced client offerings across Kent. For Lomond, this move not only strengthens its regional presence but also underscores its ambition to become the UK’s leading estate and lettings agency group.
