Lomond expands to 72,000 properties under management after acquisition

Lomond expands to 72,000 properties under management after acquisition

Lomond has acquired City Residential in Liverpool, increasing its portfolio to 72,000 managed properties and expanding its presence in key UK regions. The acquisition strengthens Lomond’s position with over 2,600 employees and 150 branches nationwide.

Lomond’s latest acquisition of City Residential, a leading Liverpool-based letting and estate agent, marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion strategy. The deal, announced in early October 2026, adds to Lomond’s growing portfolio, which now includes 72,000 properties under management and more than 2,600 employees across the UK.

City Residential, founded by Alan Bevan in 2001, has established a dominant market position in Liverpool city centre through its specialist knowledge and client focus. The business will now be managed by Homesure, Lomond’s existing Liverpool-based operation, following Lomond’s earlier acquisition of Homesure. This consolidation aims to maintain City Residential’s high service standards while leveraging the resources of a larger group.

Details of the acquisition and Lomond’s growth strategy

The acquisition of City Residential is part of Lomond’s broader strategy to integrate market-leading agents into its network. Lomond currently operates in multiple regions including Scotland, Yorkshire, the North West, Midlands, London, Kent, and the South Coast, with plans to expand into additional cities. The group has completed over 70 acquisitions to date, reflecting an aggressive growth approach.

City Residential’s founder, Alan Bevan, emphasised the company’s dedication to client care and local expertise as key drivers of its success. He expressed confidence in Lomond’s shared values and commitment to maintaining the quality of service clients expect. Lomond’s Chief Revenue Officer, David Alexander, highlighted the synergy between City Residential and Homesure, positioning the combined operations for further growth and innovation in Liverpool and beyond.

This acquisition not only increases Lomond’s managed property portfolio but also enhances its geographic reach and operational capacity. With over 150 branches, Lomond is now one of the largest letting and estate agency groups in the UK, offering landlords and tenants access to a broad network of services and expertise.

Context of consolidation in the UK lettings sector

The UK lettings market has seen increasing consolidation in recent years, driven by the need for scale to manage regulatory complexity, rising compliance costs, and evolving tenant expectations. Larger groups like Lomond benefit from economies of scale, technology integration, and enhanced service offerings, which can be challenging for smaller independent agents and landlords to achieve alone.

For landlords, this trend can mean access to more comprehensive property management services and potentially greater market reach for letting their properties. However, it also raises questions about local market knowledge and personal service levels as smaller agencies are absorbed into larger entities.

Lomond’s expansion reflects a broader industry shift towards multi-regional operations capable of navigating the increasingly complex regulatory environment, including safety obligations, tenancy law changes, and deposit protection requirements. The group’s acquisition strategy suggests a focus on combining local expertise with the operational advantages of a national network.

Practical implications for landlords and letting agents

Landlords whose properties are managed by Lomond or its newly acquired branches can expect continuity in service but should be aware of potential changes in management processes or communication channels. The integration of City Residential into Homesure’s management structure may bring new systems or policies that landlords and tenants will need to adapt to.

Letting agents working within Lomond’s network may benefit from increased resources and support, including compliance tools and training, which are essential given the evolving legislative landscape. The scale of Lomond’s operations also means greater bargaining power with service providers and access to technology platforms that can streamline property management tasks.

However, smaller landlords using independent agents might face fewer options if consolidation continues, potentially impacting fees and service choice. It remains important for landlords to maintain oversight of their property management arrangements and ensure compliance with legal obligations regardless of the managing agent’s size.

Areas of uncertainty and what to watch

While Lomond’s growth offers clear operational advantages, the impact on local service quality and tenant experience remains to be seen. The integration of different company cultures and systems can present challenges, and landlords should monitor how these changes affect communication, responsiveness, and compliance standards.

Further acquisitions in the sector may accelerate consolidation, potentially reducing competition in some local markets. Landlords and agents should keep informed about regulatory developments, including any changes to landlord licensing, safety regulations, and tenancy laws, which larger groups like Lomond are better positioned to manage but which still require vigilance at the individual property level.

As the lettings sector evolves, the balance between scale and personalised service will be a key consideration for landlords deciding whether to engage with large groups or smaller independent agents.

What landlords should consider now

• Review existing management agreements and communication protocols if your property is managed by Lomond or its subsidiaries to understand any changes arising from the acquisition.
• Ensure that all compliance documentation and property records are up to date and accessible, as larger groups may implement new systems requiring landlord cooperation.
• Stay informed about local licensing requirements and safety obligations, as these remain critical regardless of the managing agent’s size.
• Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of scale versus local expertise when choosing or renewing management arrangements, considering your priorities for service quality and compliance support.
• Monitor developments in tenancy legislation and regulatory enforcement that may affect your responsibilities and rights as a landlord.

Keeping your rental properties compliant with TLA support

Membership of The Landlord Association (TLA) offers landlords and letting agents access to practical compliance resources and guidance that can help manage the complexities arising from sector consolidation and regulatory change. TLA’s developing ORBIT platform, currently in BETA testing, aims to assist members in organising property records, managing rental documents, and recording key compliance actions.

ORBIT’s property management AI assistant and document support features are designed to help landlords maintain evidence of compliance, track repairs and inspections, and prepare for new regulatory obligations. As Lomond and other large groups expand, having centralised tools to manage tenancy and safety documentation becomes increasingly valuable.

Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can provide landlords and agents with up-to-date information and organisational support to meet their legal duties effectively in a changing lettings environment.

Looking ahead, landlords should keep abreast of further sector consolidation and regulatory updates, ensuring their property management arrangements remain compliant and aligned with best practice.

Sources: Letting Agent Today