Dacres expands lettings team with acquisition

A Yorkshire estate agency is strengthening its presence in the lettings market through the acquisition of a longstanding North Yorkshire property management business.

Dacre, Son & Hartley has bought Settle-based lettings specialist Craven Homelet Services, which trades as Craven Homes.

Established in 1988, Craven Homes manages a residential portfolio across North Craven and Ribblesdale. 

As part of the deal, owner Robert Senior will join Dacres to lead its lettings and property management operations in the Settle area.

Robert said: “This is an important time for the residential rentals market following the recent introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, which has significantly increased legislative and compliance requirements. 

“As a result, growing numbers of landlords require expert support at a time of exceptionally high tenant demand, making this the ideal time for Craven Homelet to join Dacres.

“Dacres has been operating for more than 200 years and has a vast marketing and digital reach across its 17 offices, as well as a large and well-established team. 

“Combining our expertise creates one of the most professional and knowledgeable rentals teams in this part of North Yorkshire and further enhances the service we offer to landlord clients. 

“We are now looking forward to embarking on the next chapter as part of Dacres’ team.”

The acquisition marks the latest step in Dacres’ expansion strategy following the relaunch of its lettings division around two years ago and the addition of estate agency and rural property consultancy Lister Haigh in 2025, helping the company further grow a rental portfolio that has doubled in size over the past 12 months.

Bosses say the deal will further increase the number of homes under management while expanding its specialist lettings team to eight people, supporting landlords and tenants across North and West Yorkshire.

Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacres, added: “This is another significant expansion for us in the residential lettings and property management arena and follows our successful acquisition of Lister Haigh last year. 

“In addition, we’re enjoying strong organic growth, which has also seen us recruit two additional property managers last month.

“Craven Homelet has an excellent and well-respected track record, with almost four decades of knowledge, and manages an extensive and varied property portfolio throughout the local area, including Ribblesdale and the Three Peaks area of the Yorkshire Dales.

“Crucially, Robert is very well known in the rentals market, with a superb reputation among landlords and tenants. 

“He is therefore a welcome addition to our team and will help us continue to provide a consistent, high-quality service to clients.”

Legal advice on the transaction was provided by Brad Stewart from Leeds-based LCF Law, while Chris Archer, of 2909 Advisory, offered corporate advisory services.

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