When DBK Estate Agents began expanding across West London, their legacy systems couldn’t keep up. Discover how they modernised operations and scaled their portfolio—without sacrificing the personal service they’re known for.
When Jazz Sandhu looked at DBK Estate Agents’ expansion plans in 2015, he knew they were at a crossroads. The family business his father had founded in 1982 was growing rapidly – opening a second branch and acquiring another agency. But their systems weren’t keeping pace.
“We were successful, but hitting a ceiling,” Jazz recalls. “Our previous software handled the basics well enough, but I could see it was holding us back from the next level of growth.”
The acquisition had brought new challenges too: spreadsheets upon spreadsheets, disconnected processes, and hours lost to manual data entry. For a business priding itself on personalised service across West London, this technology gap threatened everything they’d built.
3 offices, 1 system: overcoming growth challenges
DBK Estate Agents has always balanced traditional values with forward-thinking approaches. Operating from offices in Heston and Hounslow, they’ve built their reputation on comprehensive services spanning sales, lettings, mortgages, property management, and commercial real estate.
But as their portfolio expanded, cracks began to show:
- Staff were toggling between multiple systems for sales, lettings, and accounting
- The acquired agency relied heavily on spreadsheets, creating inconsistencies
- Manual processes consumed hours that could be spent with clients
- Financial operations lacked the automation needed for efficiency
“I remember spending entire evenings just reconciling accounts and generating landlord statements,” Jazz says. “It wasn’t sustainable, and I knew something had to change.”
Finding the complete solution: 4 key requirements
Jazz wanted more than just a quick fix – he needed a complete platform that could grow with DBK’s ambitions. After evaluating several options, Alto stood out for its comprehensive approach.
“What impressed me most was how everything worked together. It genuinely felt like the last CRM we’d ever need — one platform that could handle every part of the business without compromise.”
The decision to switch wasn’t taken lightly. With two busy offices and a recent acquisition to integrate, any disruption could have serious consequences.
“We were concerned about the transition,” Jazz admits. “But the Alto team understood our business and provided extensive support throughout the process.”
80% less admin time: the power of integration
The implementation went more smoothly than expected, with Alto’s team guiding DBK through each stage:
- Data migration completed with minimal disruption
- Staff trained across both offices to ensure consistent adoption
- Customisation to match DBK’s specific workflows
- Ongoing support as the team got to grips with new capabilities
“The beauty of Alto is you can press a few buttons and tasks are automatically completed – like sending an offer letter to vendors or getting an e-signature on a document,” Jazz explains. “These might seem like small things, but they add up to hours saved every day.”
For DBK’s team, the cloud-based access proved particularly valuable. No longer tied to office computers, they could manage properties, update listings, and respond to clients from anywhere.
“It completely changed how we work,” Jazz says. “When you’re managing properties across West London and into the Home Counties, that flexibility is priceless.”
Fast growth in just 24 months: building for the future
The impact on DBK went far beyond simple time savings:
- Financial operations streamlined: Landlord statements and payments now processed in minutes rather than hours, improving cash flow and client satisfaction
- Reduced admin burden: Automated workflows freed staff to focus on client relationships and business development
- Consistent service delivery: Standardised processes across both offices ensured clients received the same exceptional experience regardless of location
- Scalable foundation: The system’s flexibility enabled DBK to grow their portfolio by 40% in just two years without adding to their admin team
“We’ve been able to take on significantly more properties without increasing our admin headcount,” Jazz notes. “That’s directly impacted our profitability and growth potential.”
Perhaps most importantly, Alto helped DBK maintain their core values while modernising their operations. The personalised service that had been their hallmark since 1982 wasn’t compromised – it was enhanced.
“Our clients come to us because we’re a family business that cares,” Jazz emphasises. “Alto has given us back the time to show that care, instead of being buried in paperwork.”
“I wish we’d made the switch to Alto even earlier. Every month we spent with disconnected systems was a month of lost opportunity.”
10 years of growth: a partnership for continued success
Today, DBK Estate Agents continue to thrive across West London, with technology that matches their ambition. What started as a search for better integration has become a fundamental part of their business strategy.
“Alto isn’t just our software provider – they’re our technology partner,” Jazz concludes. “As we continue to grow, I’m confident they’ll keep evolving to support our journey.”
For DBK, that partnership has turned technology from a limitation into a competitive advantage – one that honours their past while securing their future.
About DBK Estate Agents:
- Founded: 1982
- Alto customer since: 2015
- Location: West London (Heston & Hounslow)
- Services: Sales, lettings, mortgages, property management, and commercial real estate
