Finest Retreats expands portfolio with acquisition of 72 Devon properties

Finest Retreats expands portfolio with acquisition of 72 Devon properties

Finest Retreats has acquired My Favourite Cottages, adding over 70 holiday properties to its portfolio and increasing its total to more than 900. The acquisition retains the existing team to ensure continuity for owners.

Finest Retreats, the UK’s largest independently owned holiday let management company, completed the acquisition of My Favourite Cottages, a Devon-based agency specialising in coastal and rural holiday cottages, at the end of July 2026. This transaction adds 72 properties to Finest Retreats’ portfolio, pushing their total beyond 900 properties.

The founder of My Favourite Cottages, Harry Roberts, has retired following the deal. However, the entire operations team has been retained by Finest Retreats, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of service for property owners. Richard Bond, owner of Finest Retreats, highlighted the importance of maintaining the personal touch and local expertise that My Favourite Cottages’ owners rely on, while also leveraging Finest Retreats’ broader marketing and operational infrastructure.

Details of the acquisition and operational impact

My Favourite Cottages has been operating for over a decade and built a strong portfolio focused on Devon’s coastal and rural holiday homes. The acquisition follows Finest Retreats’ earlier purchase of Forgotten Corner Holiday Cottages in Cornwall in 2025, reflecting a strategic approach to growth through acquiring owner-managed businesses that align with their values.

Finest Retreats has already implemented marketing and operational changes behind the scenes since the acquisition, which it claims have led to an early increase in bookings and occupancy rates. The retention of the original operations team and direct communication with every property owner aims to preserve the established relationships and local knowledge critical to the holiday let sector.

Richard Bond expressed pride that Harry Roberts chose Finest Retreats to take over his business, citing the reputation and values of the company as key factors. The acquisition adds the support of Finest Retreats’ proprietary technology, extensive marketing and distribution network, and full management infrastructure to the existing service model.

Context within the holiday let and rental sector

The holiday let sector has seen significant consolidation in recent years, with larger management companies acquiring smaller, specialist agencies to expand portfolios and improve operational efficiency. This trend allows for economies of scale in marketing, technology investment, and compliance management, which can be challenging for smaller operators.

For landlords and property owners in the holiday let market, such acquisitions can offer access to improved marketing reach and professional management services. However, maintaining the local knowledge and personalised service that smaller agencies provide remains a critical concern for many owners and tenants.

Finest Retreats’ approach of retaining the existing operations team and ensuring direct contact with owners is a strategy to balance growth with service continuity. This model may become increasingly common as the sector evolves under pressure from regulatory changes, tax reforms, and increasing competition.

Practical implications for landlords and letting agents

For landlords with holiday let properties, such acquisitions can bring benefits including enhanced marketing exposure and access to more sophisticated booking platforms. The integration of proprietary technology may streamline booking management, guest communications, and compliance tracking, helping landlords meet evolving regulatory obligations.

Letting agents and property managers should note the importance of managing transitions carefully to maintain owner and tenant confidence. Retaining experienced local teams and ensuring clear communication during acquisitions can mitigate disruption and preserve valuable relationships.

Landlords should also consider how changes in management might affect their contractual arrangements, service levels, and compliance responsibilities. Reviewing agreements and understanding the new management company’s policies and procedures will be important to ensure ongoing compliance and service quality.

Outstanding considerations and future developments

While the acquisition promises operational improvements and portfolio growth, the long-term impact on service quality and owner satisfaction remains to be seen. The integration of different company cultures and systems can present challenges that require ongoing management attention.

Additionally, the holiday let sector continues to face regulatory scrutiny and changes, including health and safety standards, tax rules, and local licensing requirements. Larger management companies may be better positioned to absorb compliance costs, but landlords should remain vigilant about their legal obligations and the standards maintained by their managing agents.

It is also unclear how the consolidation trend will affect competition and pricing in the holiday let market. Landlords and agents should monitor sector developments and regulatory updates closely to adapt their strategies accordingly.

What landlords should consider now

• Review any new management agreements carefully to understand changes in fees, services, and responsibilities.
• Maintain clear communication with the management company to ensure local knowledge and personalised service continue.
• Check that the management company’s compliance procedures meet current health and safety and licensing requirements.
• Monitor booking performance and occupancy rates following the acquisition to assess the impact on rental income.
• Stay informed about regulatory changes affecting holiday lets and private rental properties.

Supporting landlords through change with TLA

Membership of The Landlord Association (TLA) can provide valuable support during periods of change such as agency acquisitions. TLA offers access to compliance resources and practical information that help landlords review management arrangements and ensure ongoing adherence to legal obligations.

TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently available in BETA testing, is designed to assist landlords and letting agents in organising property records, managing rental documents, and recording key actions such as inspections and communications. This can be particularly useful when transitioning between management companies or integrating new operational processes.

Exploring TLA membership can help landlords stay up to date with sector developments, maintain evidence of compliance, and access tailored support to manage their portfolios effectively during acquisitions and other changes.

Looking ahead, landlords and agents should maintain a proactive approach to managing relationships and compliance as the holiday let sector continues to evolve through consolidation and regulatory pressures.

Sources: Letting Agent Today