Estate agents acquired as property consultancy extends its presence

Property consultancy Walker Singleton has acquired Brighouse-based estate agency Daniel & Hirst as the firm further expands its residential property operations throughout West Yorkshire.

The deal, which was for an undisclosed sum, sees Walker Singleton grow its residential estate agency and property management portfolio within the Kirklees, Calderdale and Bradford areas.

Walker Singleton now has around 750 properties under management and 180 homes for sale, all mainly located within the Kirklees, Calderdale and Bradford areas.

It has offices in Halifax, Huddersfield, Leeds and Bradford and employs 50 people, of which 17 work within its residential estate agency team.

Daniel & Hirst will continue to trade under its name until the first quarter of next year, when Walker Singleton will launch a new singular residential estate agency brand that will encapsulate both offers.

The estate agency’s offices on Commercial Street in Brighouse will be rebranded as part of that announcement.

Walker Singleton’s premium estate agency brand, Charnock Bates, which specialises in the sale of fine, country and period homes across West Yorkshire, will remain unchanged.

Walker Singleton director, Ben Waites, said: “Daniel & Hirst has an excellent reputation throughout Brighouse and its surrounding areas having been established in the town for more than 30 years.

“The acquisition increases our property portfolio but, as importantly, gives us an immediate local presence and experience in the Brighouse residential market which has proven to perform well over time.

“The deal also represents the continued implementation of our strategic plan to grow our footprint throughout the Yorkshire region.”

Daniel & Hirst founder Michael Hirst, who will remain with the business, said: “Becoming part of Walker Singleton provides our team with the opportunity to play our part in the creation of a new and ambitious estate agency brand.

“We are excited by the plans Ben and the Walker Singleton team have and look forward to continuing to provide an excellent estate agency service for Brighouse and its surrounding areas.”

Walker Singleton was advised on the deal by corporate partner Angela Cashin at Schofield Sweeney, while commercial property partner Greg Dolan at Ramsdens acted for the vendor.