York agents merge

LINLEY & Simpson, one of Yorkshire's largest dedicated residential letting specialists, has acquired one of York's most successful and longest-established agencies.

The deal for an undisclosed sum sees Linley & Simpson (L&S) take over the residential letting and management business of Lawton Letting in turn creating the biggest letting agency in the city.

L&S, which was founded 10 years ago, said the acquisition was key to expanding its geographical spread within a thriving market.

Its York branch in Micklegate is one of six offices in the company's Yorkshire network with another three in Leeds, one in Harrogate and one in Wetherby.

Will Linley, Linley & Simpson director, said:

"Lawton Letting has been synonymous with growth of York's residential letting market for 14 years. We are delighted to have secured such a strong and well-respected business to complement that of our own.

"Not only does the deal create York's biggest dedicated letting agency, it also now makes this branch the largest in our network – a sign of the buoyancy of the market in this city as demand for quality rental properties continues to grow."

Mr Linley added that the York district boaseds superb properties-to-let and with its excellent location, good schools, leisure attractions, growing business stature and unrivalled history, remained a magnet for many prospective tenants.

Vicky Lawton, Lawton Letting's founder, said:

"Joining forces with Linley & Simpson gives my landlords – many of whom have been with me since day one – the opportunity of being able to access a greater pool of prospective tenants. Tenants also benefit by having a wider choice of properties to match their needs."

Lawton Letting's property portfolio will move from its current base in High Petergate to Linley & Simpson's flagship office in Micklegate.

Staff will also transfer to Linley & Simpson to join its York team led by newly-appointed branch manager Kathryn Burton.