About Us

Shaping property, built on trust.

Our approach is built on trust – through our mission, our values, our partnership model, and the way we combine sector knowledge with joined-up, multidisciplinary perspective. At the heart of our business is our people, and relationships shape everything we do.

For over 165 years, Daniel Watney Partnership has helped clients navigate the London property market with confidence.

Our advice combines experience with perspective – drawing on deep knowledge and strategic thinking to shape decisions that stand the test of time.

Trust is at the heart of what we do. Through a partner-led, multidisciplinary approach, we bring clarity to complex challenges – unlocking opportunity, reducing risk, and delivering sustainable value for clients across sectors and asset classes.
But our approach goes beyond transactions. At Daniel Watney, partnership means shared responsibility – with our clients, our colleagues, and the communities we help shape. It’s a culture of collaboration that connects everything we do.

And it’s why we think long term: about people, places, and the real impact of the advice we give.

Our values

Our values are more than words on a page.

For us, they’re a reflection of what it feels like to be part of Daniel Watney Partnership. They were shaped by our people, inspired by how we deliver our brand to clients, and grounded in the everyday experiences of working here, ensuring they truly represent who we are and how we work.

  • We value partnership

    Driven by relationships, rooted in care.

  • We value clarity

    Honest, strategic advisory for confident decision making.

     

  • We value perspective

    Experience that evolves, and integrated thinking that goes deeper.

  • We value impact

    Passion with purpose, delivering outcomes that make a difference.

Our History

A snapshot in time…

1859
Daniel Watney commenced practice as a sole practitioner at 26 Poultry, London EC2
1870
Daniel Watney appointed Director of Auction Mart Co Ltd
1883
Daniel Watney with others founded the Surveyor’s Institution (later became the RICS)
1887-95
Walter Watney (first son) joins the firm as a partner and it becomes Daniel Watney & Sons - later Dendy and Arthur Watney (second and third sons) join partners. Dendy was also RIBA qualified (1912) and a close contemporary of Edward Lutyens
1895-97
Daniel Watney President of the Surveyor’s Institution. At the end of his term he made a gift to the Surveyor’s Institution and the "Daniel Watney Prize" was established - largely intended to promote excellence in forestry
1907
G A Wilkinson & Sons amalgamated with Daniel Watney & Sons
1909
Arthur Watney appointed President of the Auctioneer’s Institution
1912
First non-family Partner, Alan Petrie, joined the firm
1916
Dendy Watney acted on Special Committee on Unemployment & The Housing of Working Classes after the war
1920
Dendy Watney appointed a member of the Tribunal of Appeal under The London Building Acts (Presidency 1926-27) and also an Assessor to the War Compensation Court
1923
Daniel Watney dies when the 1897 gift to the Surveyor’s Institution was extended
1920-24
Ronald Watney (son of Dendy) and Robin (son of Arthur) joined the firm as partners
1926-27
Dendy Watney president of Surveyor's Institution (later known as RICS)
1928
Dendy Watney is elected Honorary Treasurer to Referees’ (Landlord and Tenant Act 1927) Association
1929-30
Harry Watney (son of Sir John Watney) elected to the committee of the City Branch of the Surveyor’s Institution and also chairman of the Junior Organisation. In 1930 he was elected Fellow of the Institute of Arbitrators
1936
Ronald Watney succeeds his father as Surveyor to The Mercers’ Company. The third generation to hold such a position
1945
After the war Daniel Watney & Sons merged with surveyor Eiloart Son and Inman and T C Nunn to form Daniel Watney Eiloart Inman and Nunn, a name it retained until 1983
1948
The Worshipful Company of Brewers joins a growing portfolio of Livery clients, strengthening the long-standing relationships within the City
1967
The firm merged with Percy H Clarke of Ely Place. The sole principal was Ted Fleming who was Surveyor to The Girdlers’ Company, a relationship that subsists to this day
1983
The firm merged with Douglas Young & Company following which the firm traded as Daniel Watney Douglas Young
1996
The trading name became: Daniel Watney
2002
The firm left The Charterhouse and moved to 25 Hosier Lane - it was the first time in nearly a century the firm had to move to an office outside The City
2011
Daniel Watney LLP (as a legal entity) was incorporated as a Limited Liability Partnership
2012
Daniel Watney LLP moved to 165 Fleet Street

Our Approach

PILLAR

Our business is built on foundational principles that have guided us for over 165 years, and continue to define how we work today. We call this – PILLAR – capturing the essence of what makes us distinct and trusted.

We build long-term relationships based on trust, collaboration and shared ambition.

Our advice is grounded in deep knowledge, sharp analysis, and hands-on experience.

With a progressive mindset, we evolve to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.

We focus on outcomes that endure – commercially astute, sustainable, and future-ready.

We take the time to understand each client’s goals – offering a truly personal. partner-led service.

Driven by a clear sense of responsibility, we shape places that make a lasting impact.

Leadership

Meet our Leadership Team

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Charles Mills

Partner
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Debbie Warwick

Partner
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Laura Thorne

Partner
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Nick Clark

Partner
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Richard Close

Partner
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Richard Garner

Partner
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Yasemin Baird

Marketing and Business Development Director
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Responsibilities report

As a partnership, we recognise the importance of legacy, it’s the foundation of our future.

Take a look at our 2025 Responsibilities Report.

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Who we work with