Yorkshire estate agency eyes city living market with ‘bullseye’ acquisition

An independent Yorkshire estate agent has acquired a local city living specialist to capitalise on Leeds’ housing-led regeneration.

Linley & Simpson has acquired the residential lettings and sales business of fellow independent agency Morgans, which specialises in urban residential developments in Leeds.

The acquisition will see over 1,450 homes from Morgans added to the lettings portfolio of the agency, bringing its total to 8,000 properties across its 16 branches in North and West Yorkshire.

Will Linley, chief executive of Linley & Simpson commented: “As the cranes return to the Leeds skyline in ever-increasing numbers, this is a timely opportunity to bring together all our skillsets under one roof amidst this latest phase of Leeds’ urban revolution.

“The combination of Morgans’ city living expertise and our wider Yorkshire reach is a perfect fit for providing a market-leading service – one that meets the needs of buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants, as well as developers.”

Morgans managing director Jonathan Morgan commented: “We are thrilled to be part of the Linley & Simpson family.

“It will herald the start of a new journey as two award-winning agencies come together to drive innovation to another level and to further improve customer service for all our clients.”

Linley & Simpson have not been slowed down by the government’s letting fees ban, with this deal marking the firm’s third completed acquisition since the ban came into force on June 1, and the firm confirming that two further acquisitions are currently at an advanced stage.

Will added: “For us, this is a bullseye acquisition that underlines our confidence in the future of Yorkshire’s residential property market – it’s as simple as that.”