13 May 2023 marks a huge milestone for Maddisons Residential - 10 years ago our website went live, our phone lines opened and adverts were printed in all the local glossy magazines announcing the launch of Maddisons Residential in Tunbridge Wells! Below, we reflect on the last 10 years in business so read on to find out the highs, the lows and our key learnings about the property market over the last decade.

Challenges we have encountered in the property market over the years

When Maddisons launched in 2013, the property market was functioning normally. The crash of 2008 was a distant memory and there were plenty of buyers and sellers looking to transact. However, just as our business was gaining momentum we had the BREXIT vote and, from 2017 onwards, the market became progressively challenging. We adapted and became known for having a “Maddisons Magic Wand” which saw properties that other agents had struggled to sell finding their buyers through us.

Just as the BREXIT uncertainty was resolved and we felt the “Boris Bounce” of early 2020, enter stage left, we were hit with … a pandemic! This period was the most unsettling time many of us will have ever experienced, but resulted in the most buoyant market ever seen, as sellers re-evaluated their needs and subsequently their homes.

Post pandemic, and as we were starting to operate in a more ‘normal’ market, Russia invaded Ukraine, resulting in inflationary pressures and a cost of living crisis; increasing interest rates and house prices which has led to a decrease in the number of buyers in the market.  This has presented a big challenge to the property market, but we have managed to weather through and continue to maintain our status as a dominant player within the local property market.

Key takeaways from the last decade

Across our 10 years in business, seeing continual growth within our team as well as the number of sales and lettings we handle is fantastic. Launching a new estate agency within the competitive Tunbridge Wells property market was a real challenge but also something that Deborah, our Founder and Managing Partner, was passionate about doing – turning traditional perceptions of estate agency on their head and ensuring clients receive honest advice and exceptional service. Throughout these times we have learnt that people will always need to move home. Life’s rich circle sees us marry, divorce, start families, find new jobs, and so on.

Our town has proved to be incredibly resilient thanks to its excellent schooling, easy transport links, beautiful architecture and plethora of green spaces. And at Maddisons Residential, we love a challenge and a tough market - it makes the joy of making a difference in people’s property journey even more exciting and our hard work all worth it!

We received wonderful words from some of our clients!

In a nostalgic look back at where it all started, we decided to contact our first ever client, Sarah Gibb.

“I had the honour of being one of Maddisons’ first ever sellers, way back in 2013!  We had tried, unsuccessfully, to sell our house with one of the large corporate agents, and Deborah was like a breath of fresh air.  She gave honest, practical advice, and there was an utter intent and passion to get the job done.  I am not surprised at all that with such vision and drive, she has created one of the biggest and most highly regarded estate agencies in Tunbridge Wells.”

We also spoke to our most recent client, Carol Campbell.

“Maddisons are efficient, helpful, charming and, most importantly, they get the job done. Nothing is too much trouble. Following many interactions with big names and small in the property world, the best experience ever was with Maddisons when I sold a local property last year with their help. It’s wonderful to see that they are growing and going from strength to strength. Going forward, I wouldn’t use anybody else and I would not hesitate to recommend anyone, buying or selling, to contact the team there. Maddisons are simply the best.”

Thank you both for such kind words and reaffirming why Maddisons was founded!

Maddisons Residential in 10… a fun countdown of some novel facts about our business

10 Years in business!

9 Incoming phone lines

8 Charities that we have supported

7 Areas of the town that our staff live in, and so know really well!

6 Years of being in the Best Estate Agency Guide

5 Stars for every single Google Review we have ever received

4 Different locations to get where we are now: kitchen table / garden office / Lower Pantiles / Upper Pantiles

3 Walls of windows in our beautiful offices on The Pantiles

2 Company Directors

1 Simple belief: Excellence is not a skill set. It’s an attitude.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years - we are so grateful. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Maddisons Residential! To read what else we have been up to recently head to our news and insight page.


We are thrilled that Maddisons Residential has reached 10 years in business, seeing continual growth within the team as well as the number of sales and lettings we handle. Launching a new estate agency within the competitive Tunbridge Wells property market was a real challenge but also something that Deborah, our Founder and Managing Partner, was passionate about doing – turning traditional perceptions of estate agency on their head and ensuring clients receive honest advice and exceptional service.