Property firm eyes further deals after first acquisition

A North East property management company has completed its first acquisition as its growing portfolio passes the 200-property milestone.

Stay With Us has taken over the serviced accommodation portfolio of Horizon Stays, with the deal forming part of plans for further acquisitions across the region.

Founded in 2023, Stay With Us has grown to employ around 15 people and manages properties stretching from North Yorkshire to Northumberland, with its footprint also beginning to extend into the Lake District.

The company manages bookings, guests, maintenance and day-to-day operations on behalf of property owners.

It has also developed a direct booking network, with around half of reservations now secured without using third-party platforms such as Airbnb.

Stay With Us works with corporate travel agents, insurance and relocation companies, emergency housing providers, contractors and local authorities to provide owners with access to a broader range of guests.

The company has recorded year-on-year growth since its launch and is now actively seeking further serviced accommodation portfolios across the North East.

Bosses say future expansion will combine acquisitions with new property management instructions as the business looks to strengthen its regional presence and continue growing its direct booking network.

Ryan Cresswell, chief executive and co-founder of Stay With Us, said: “Completing our first acquisition is a major milestone for Stay With Us and takes us to more than 200 properties under management.

“We’ve grown significantly since launching and a big part of that has been building a model which isn’t reliant on one or two booking platforms.

“Around half of our bookings now come directly through us and we’ve built strong relationships across corporate travel, relocation, insurance, emergency accommodation and contractor stays.

“Bringing the Horizon Stays portfolio into Stay With Us strengthens that further and gives those property owners access to the wider booking network we’ve developed.

“This is our first acquisition, but we certainly don’t intend it to be our last. 

“We’re actively looking to speak to owners and operators who may be considering selling a portfolio, whether that’s relatively small or much larger, particularly across the North East.”

Martin McManus, director of Horizon Stays, which was established in 2021, added: “It was important to us that the portfolio moved to a business that could continue to look after both property owners and guests properly.

“Stay With Us has built a strong operation across the region and has developed a wide network of direct and corporate bookings, which was an important factor for us.

“We’re pleased to have completed the deal with them and feel Stay With Us is the right home for the portfolio.”

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