Belvoir’s Southampton branch has bought the firm’s franchise operation in Basingstoke, some 34 miles up the M3 motorway from the city.

Couple Brian and Loretto Linehan are the Belvoir franchisees to have completed the deal, which is the second largest in the estate agency’s history by value.

The acquisition follows the retirement of the Basingstoke owners Mike Jones, who just a month ago published a book for landlords called ‘Better An Empty House Than An Unruly Tenant’ and his long-time business partner Andrew Lowery.

The duo established the business in 2009 and grew it to a point where they were able to buy well-known local sales agency Redwoods in 2013.

“Belvoir has over 170 offices in the network, and Basingstoke has consistently been number one in the rankings, as well as winning multiple industry awards in recognition of outstanding performance in sales and lettings,” says Belvoir Group CEO Dorian Gonsalves.

Huge integrity

“Brian and Loretto, who have been with Belvoir for ten years and are very successful business owners with huge integrity, have consistently demonstrated their commitment to growing and developing Belvoir Southampton, whilst also being determined to provide the very best in customer service to their clients.

“Southampton was started as a cold start, and it is incredible to think that a decade later this husband-and-wife team are now operating two businesses with a combined turnover of over £1.8m.

“Belvoir Southampton and Belvoir Basingstoke are in very safe hands, and I wish Brian and Loretto every success for the future. I would also like to take the opportunity to wish Mike and Andrew a very happy, healthy and peaceful retirement.”

Brian Lineham says: “This is a very exciting new venture for us. It is our second acquisition as Belvoir Southampton completed on an acquisition in 2015, but this is much larger.