Plymouth lettings agency acquired by Countrywide Residential Lettings

Countrywide Residential Lettings, the UK’s largest lettings agency, has increased its footprint in the Plymouth lettings market with the recent acquisition of leading lettings business Property Links. 

Property Links is a full-service lettings agency and property investment consultancy serving all aspects of the rental property market, including services in residential sales, property management, block management, student property lets and advice for landlords and tenants. Established in 1998, the company achieved a market leading position and reputation with a large portfolio of landlords and more than 600 units located in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.

Lee Winsor, Area Manager for Devon and Cornwall, Countrywide Residential Lettings commented: “Property Links stood out to us because like Countrywide, the owners prided themselves on providing excellent customer service. The business is a perfect fit for us and comes with a highly professional and experienced staff, of whom we are very proud to welcome.

“The acquisition is a key part of our strategy of expansion through acquisition and growth across the UK. The Property Links business will be fully integrated within the overall Countrywide lettings division giving landlord clients access to our exclusive range of products and services, and the benefit of our strong and secure infrastructure to support both landlords and tenants.”

The business will continue to operate as normal under the name of Property Links and all staff will remain at the branch as valued members of the team. Mark Christie will continue working as a consultant at Property Links and Janine Steer will remain as the branch manager. As part of Countrywide plc, Property Links will benefit from the Group’s shared marketing services, property market insight due to economies of scale and shared services from local brands Fulfords and Miller Countrywide.

The branch will enjoy a full office refurbishment which will include new technology, seating, carpets, lighting and signage as well as new modern LED window displays to showcase a larger number of properties for let.

Mark Christie, Managing Director of Property Links, commented on the sale: “Having been approached by a number of different companies to purchase my business, it became very clear very quickly that Countrywide stood out from the rest in their application and professional approach towards the business.

“They fully understood the importance of integration of an independent run company into their own corporate organisation. As well as keeping the continuity of the existing client base, staff and procedures but enhancing the future prospects of the company in general. With their vast experience and marketing powers, I can only see great things ahead for all those involved. After seventeen years running the company I feel very comfortable for my clients and associated organisations that Countrywide will not let them down in any way going forward."

With more acquisitions in the pipeline, Countrywide Residential Lettings is very interested in talking to professional agents with single or multi branch businesses across the UK. If you would like to speak to somebody in confidence, please contact John Hards, Managing Director, Countrywide Residential Lettings at john.hards@countrywide.co.uk.