Yet ANOTHER takeover as lettings agency consolidation continues

A fast-growing regional chain of agencies has purchased another independent operator in the lettings sector.

Yorkshire's Linley & Simpson has bought Sinclair Properties in York, marking its first dedicated venture into the student lettings market.

With this latest acquisition Linley & Simpson now operates a network of 23 offices across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Sinclair Properties, founded in 2000, is York’s longest-established specialist student-focused rental firm; it will retain its name, branding, team of staff, and two branches. 

The deal sees over 300 properties managed by Sinclair transferred into the Linley & Simpson group portfolio, which now manages 12,000 homes across much of Yorkshire and the Humber.

Sinclair specialises exclusively in accommodation for students and academic staff and is a founding member of the National Student Housing Excellence Partnership – a body committed to promoting and sharing best practice in student accommodation across the UK.

York is one of the UK’s leading centres of higher education with around 25,000 students studying at two universities.

Sinclair founder Niall McTurk - previously chair of the York Residential Landlords’ Association for 18 years - will remain with the agency before retiring later in the year.

He says: “My wife and I have been seeking a buyer who shares the same values as ourselves and who will look after both our excellent staff, our valued client landlords and fantastic tenants, whilst being capable of taking our business forward. We are delighted that Linley & Simpson share our values and we believe are ideally placed to further develop our award-winning business.’’

Linley & Simpson founder and chairman, Will Linley, adds: “With its market-leading position in York, unrivalled reputation and well-respected brand to match, we are delighted to welcome Sinclair Properties and its great team of staff to our business. Sinclair Properties manage the largest portfolio of high-end student homes in York, the quality of which is a credit to both Sinclair’s but also to their caring landlords.”