Sowerbys acquires Birds Estate Agents’ lettings portfolio
Sowerbys has acquired the property management portfolio of Birds Estate Agents in Hunstanton, Norfolk, expanding its lettings presence in the coastal town and surrounding area.
The transaction transfers the management of Birds’ rental properties to Sowerbys, though neither party disclosed the number of properties involved or the financial terms of the deal.
Birds Estate Agents has operated in Hunstanton since 1988, developing its lettings business under Jill Cairns’ leadership. Paula Bingley, who has worked at Birds for 22 years, will join Sowerbys’ Hunstanton office as part of the acquisition, providing continuity for landlords and tenants during the transition.
Consolidation in lettings sector
The acquisition reflects ongoing consolidation in the UK lettings market, where landlords retaining portfolios have seen yields rise to 9% amid regulatory changes and market pressures. Independent agencies have increasingly sought to expand their property management operations through strategic acquisitions.
Ed Tyman, lettings and operations director at Sowerbys, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Birds’ landlords and tenants, and Paula, to Sowerbys. Both businesses have long histories as independent estate agents, and spending time with Jill made it clear how much we share in our approach to looking after customers.”
The deal adds to recent sector activity, including expansion by other independent agencies across different regions of the UK.
Sowerbys has not indicated whether further acquisitions are planned as part of its growth strategy in Norfolk or other markets where it operates.
