A proud milestone for Watsons: celebrating 135 years of trusted property expertise
From our beginnings as Sadd and Watsons Estate Agents in 1890 to the multi-disciplinary property services firm we are today, this incredible milestone has been a chance to reflect on our heritage, celebrate our people, and look ahead to the next chapter.
In this blog, we reveal how we have marked the special occasion as one full-suite property specialist, as well as our plans to continue supporting the nation in their property journeys:
Figure 1: Watsons (2025). A collage of historic Watsons marketing materials, including early team photos, property adverts, and office locations through the years (Graphic).
Throughout 2025, we’ve celebrated the special occasion with a series of events and initiatives that have brought colleagues, clients and partners together. The highlight was our summer celebration at the Octagon Barn in Norfolk, where staff from across the group travelled joined long-standing partners to toast the achievements and dedication that continue to shape Watsons’ success.
With a sense of shared pride in how far the company has come, stories were exchanged from every part of the business, from surveying and lettings to property management and residential sales, reminding us that Watsons’ strength really does lie in the people behind the name.
Figure 2: Watsons (2025). A collage of memories from Watsons’ 135 Years Celebration, including speeches from Senior Officers & Business Leaders, performances, decor, and the team together (Graphic).
A legacy built on trust
Watsons has grown steadily over more than a century, earning a reputation for professionalism, integrity and quality service across residential sales, lettings, block and estate management, and surveying, which now forms the largest part of the company. We continue to uphold the same principles today that have guided us since the beginning, combining traditional values with a forward-thinking approach to innovation, compliance and customer care.
Our longevity is built on trust and relationships, with our clients, our colleagues, and the communities we serve. This enduring ethos has carried Watsons through times of societal change, world wars, fluctuating markets, evolving regulations, and a global pandemic.
Regardless of what challenges we face as a team and nation, we’re proud to remain steadfast in the belief that our role in property is positively impacting people, relationships, and communities.
Looking to the future
As we celebrate 135 years of Watsons, our focus remains firmly on our future as a company and the positive impact we will have across the nation. We will continue to invest in innovative technology that enhances our efficiency, improves client services, and supports smarter decision-making across the group.
Combined with our focus on sustainability, from reducing our environmental footprint to supporting more energy-efficient property practices, and our ongoing investment in employee development through industry accredited training, mentoring, and clear career pathways, we will continue to evolve responsibly at the forefront of a modern, fast-moving industry.
Recent initiatives contributing to our continued growth include our refreshed branding and marketing, enhanced digital communications using the latest technology, and further expanding our nationwide surveying and management services.
“Reaching 135 years is a remarkable achievement, but it’s also a reminder that success comes from never standing still. Our aim is to build on the values that have made Watsons trusted for generations, while continuing to adapt, evolve and deliver the high standards our clients expect.” Ray Smith FRICS, Chief Executive Officer
A Big Thank You #135YearsofWatsons
We’d like to say a huge thank you to all our staff, clients and partners, past and present for being a part of our story. Your collaboration, support and loyalty has helped shape Watsons into the company it is today… And our future as we continue to grow.
Here’s to the next chapter! One that honours our past, celebrates our people, and continues to build a stronger, smarter future for property services across the nation.
Contact Our Team
Our property management specialists are here to enhance and protect your property investments through specialist services and advice tailored to your goals and needs. Get in touch today to discover more about our full-suite of award-winning services:
Customer Service Team
18 Meridian Way, Meridian Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0TA
📞 Phone: 01603 751577
✉️ Email: survey@watsons-property.co.uk
