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

The deal, completed for an undisclosed sum, is the eight struck by Leeds-headquartered Linley & Simpson since the outbreak of Covid-19.

It adds more than 300 properties managed by Sinclair transferred into the Linley & Simpson group portfolio, which now includes over 12,000 properties across what will now be 23 branches.

Sinclair Properties, founded in 2000, is York’s longest-established specialist student lettings agency.

It will retain its name, branding, team of staff, and brace of campus-handy offices on Lord Mayor’s Walk and Main Street, Heslington, as part of the agreement.

The founder of Sinclair Properties, Niall McTurk, who was also previously the elected chairman of the respected York Residential Landlords’ Association for 18 successive years, will remain with the agency to ensure a smooth handover, before retiring later in the year.

He said: “As co-owners, 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, commented: “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.

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

“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.

“We look forward to supporting the Sinclair team in building upon their unique business model of providing high quality properties and great customer service that they have spent 21 years creating.”