Tributes paid after death of 'estate agency legend'

Former Douglas & Gordon managing director Ivor Dickinson has passed away.

He was known as one of London’s most high-profile and colourful agents and had a 26-year career with Douglas & Gordon before stepping down in 2013 for what was described at the time as a sabbatical.

Dickinson, a former Coldstream Guardsman, joined Douglas & Gordon as a negotiator in the Balham office, working his way up to becoming managing director.

The firm was behind a 2011 spoof fly-on-the-wall film, Under Offer, apparently showing estate agents at their worst. 

The industry got the joke – but notably, some tabloid newspapers didn’t. 

Dickinson never returned to Douglas & Gordon after his sabbatical but spent a year as an industry consultant before joining Lomond Capital as chief executive for London and the South of England in 2014.

Viewber’s Ed Mead, a former colleague of Dickinson, described him as a legend.

He said: “Ivor was best known as the energetic managing director of London agent Douglas & Gordon who revolutionised property advertising in the 90s and 00s. 

“Just Google "Douglas and Gordon advertising" to see some prime examples.

“Many will remember him as a successful and colourful character who created a business with a service over profit mentality and will be much missed by family, colleagues and friends.”

Stuart Pender, chairman of the Lomond Group, added: “Ivor was appointed to lead Lomond in London and the South of England.

“In his time with the business, we benefitted greatly from his significant experience and passion for our industry.

“It was a pleasure to work with Ivor and his drive and enthusiasm for our industry was second to none. 

“His insight, knowledge, and infectious personality allowed him to grow Douglas and Gordon into one of the leading agents in London. 

“These assets also led to his having a significant impact at Lomond - and he was instrumental in Lomond’s move into the South Coast of England during his short period with the business.. 

“Our industry has lost one of the great leaders in the sector and he will be greatly missed.”

Veteran journalist and former Estate Agent Today editor Graham Norwood said: "I had many dealings (and a few lunches) with Ivor.

"He was a brilliantly imaginative agent who was both kind and supportive to journalists, and was outspoken in believing consumers should be first and foremost in how agents should act.

"He also had an innovative and imaginative sense of humour, as the D&G videos of around 2011/12 show."

Dickinson was 64 and is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Estate Agent Today sends its best wishes to the family.

We have unearthed a video below from our archives that explains more about Under Offer.