Cardens

Cardens Estate Agents is one of Exeter’s largest independent property specialists in residential sales and lettings, as well as catering for Exeter’s vibrant student market. Jon Carden founded Cardens Estate Agents in 1991 at the tender age of just 25, after having gained experience in the local property market Jon saw the opportunity to develop a business model that would put clients first.

Starting with just himself, a secretary and a network of contacts, he has since grown an enviable reputation and established a business that now employs 15 people. This growth has meant several office moves, and the team is now located in a modern office suite in Longbrook Street on the main route into, and close to, the city centre. A location that proved pivotal in shaping the business with high footfall, by students and other potential clients, en route to the city centre.

Today there are three divisions that make up Cardens Estate Agents: Cardens Residential Sales, Cardens Residential Lettings and Students@Cardens. Each division has a specialist team and manager overseen by Jon and co-located in the Longbrook Street office. Jon confirms that the brands are complementary and together with the diversification has facilitated the continued growth of the business over the past 22 years.

Cardens’ relationship with Simpkins Edwards began even before the estate agency was founded, as Jon Carden and Simpkins Edwards partner John Coombs knew each other socially from playing cricket together. When Jon Carden decided to start up his own business he turned to John Coombs for advice on a wide range of topics from tax to accounts, projections and planning. Having been involved from the start, John Coombs and his team have continued to support Cardens with tax minimisation strategies, accountancy support and general business advice for more than two decades.

“I know I can always rely on John and his team at Simpkins Edward for advice and practical support whenever I need it. His advice when starting up the business was invaluable, and the relationship has continued to work very well over the past 22 years” added Jon Carden.

“We will continue to develop our residential and student divisions but are also looking at future expansions into more rural properties surrounding Exeter’s heartland,” explained Jon. “We’ve already found that they key to our business success has been diversification and we won’t be resting on our laurels.”