The inexorable rise of the Lomond Group into a national chain took a major step today after its lead estate agency Linley & Simpson bought another rival, this time in Yorkshire.

Linley & Simpson has bought the sales and lettings business of Leeds-based Hardisty and Co, a family-run agency whose property roots date back more than 30 years.

Its operations span the North and North West of Leeds; Bradford; the Wharfe Valley, including the market town of Otley; and Aireborough, and its suburbs of Guiseley, Rawdon and Yeadon.

But the deal is relatively complicated – all the 640 rental properties under management will transfer to Linley & Simpson’s existing offices in the neighbouring Leeds suburbs of Pudsey and Horsforth along with the Hardisty staff who manage them.

This will give the Lomond Group a combined PRS portfolio of 35,000 properties.”

But the Hardisty brand will be retained in Horsforth, where its current branch on New Road Side will remain open and become dedicated exclusively to sales including new builds.

This office will continue to be managed by former Hardisty and Co director, Andrew Hardisty, and his wife Tracey.

The other family director, Ian Hardisty, and his wife, Gemma, who was Head of HR, are retiring from the business to pursue other business interests.

Nick Simpson (main picture, right), CEO of Linley & Simpson, adds: “Hardisty & Co is a highly complementary business that we have known and admired for many years, and represents an ideal fit for us.

“The thriving area where they operate is one of our strongest heartlands. It’s where we started our journey as a letting agent 25 years ago, and where our headquarters is now based.”

In December 2021 City sources reported the Lomond Group was in talks to buy estate agency Chestertons.