Historic regional agency expands Yorkshire 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.

The firm 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 own name until the first quarter of next year when Walker Singleton will launch a new singular residential estate agency brand.

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

Waker 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.

Commenting on the deal, 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. Our new estate agency brand incorporating both businesses, which launches early next year, will provide us with the platform for even further growth.”

Daniel & Hirst founder Michael Hirst, who will remain with the business, added: “Becoming part of Walker Singleton provides the Daniel & Hirst 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 that 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 whilst commercial property partner Greg Dolan at Ramsdens acted for the vendor.