Lomond acquires Nottingham lettings and property management book

Lomond acquires Nottingham lettings and property management book

Lomond has purchased the residential lettings and property management arm of Nottingham-based FHP Living, integrating it into its John Shepherd brand to strengthen its East Midlands presence.

Lomond’s acquisition of FHP Living’s lettings and property management operations was announced in September 2026. The deal brings a well-established local lettings business under the umbrella of John Shepherd, Lomond’s flagship brand in the region. FHP Living will maintain its residential sales and development consultancy services separately in West Bridgford.

This move reflects Lomond’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint in Nottingham and the wider East Midlands, combining local expertise with the operational scale of a larger group. The acquisition is expected to enhance service delivery to landlords and tenants amid ongoing regulatory changes in the private rented sector.

Details of the acquisition and local market impact

FHP Living, founded in 2000, evolved from a residential development advisory firm into a full-service property agency offering sales, lettings, and property management. The firm has a strong reputation in Nottingham and West Bridgford, with a notable presence in student lettings. Its team is known for longevity and a client-focused approach, which has fostered loyalty among landlords and tenants.

By acquiring FHP Living’s lettings and property management book, Lomond integrates these assets into John Shepherd, further extending its sales and lettings reach across the East Midlands. The acquisition aligns with Lomond’s strategy to consolidate regional operations and leverage scale to support landlords through the sector’s evolving regulatory environment.

FHP Living will continue to operate its residential sales and development consultancy independently, retaining its local brand identity in West Bridgford. This separation allows the firm to focus on its core competencies while benefiting from the wider group’s resources for lettings and property management.

Strategic rationale and sector context

Acquisitions like this are increasingly common as lettings agencies seek to build scale and operational resilience amid rising compliance obligations and market pressures. The private rented sector faces ongoing changes, including enhanced tenant rights, stricter safety and licensing requirements, and new professional standards for agents and landlords.

Lomond’s approach of combining local expertise with group infrastructure aims to provide landlords with more comprehensive support, including compliance assistance and property management efficiencies. This is especially relevant in regions like Nottingham, where the rental market includes a mix of long-term residents and a growing student population, each with distinct management needs.

For landlords, such consolidation can mean access to better-managed portfolios and potentially improved service standards. However, it also raises questions about the preservation of local knowledge and personalised service as smaller agencies become part of larger groups.

Practical implications for landlords and agents

Landlords with properties managed by FHP Living can expect continuity of service under the John Shepherd brand, but should anticipate some operational changes as systems and processes are integrated. This could include changes to rent collection, maintenance reporting, and communication channels.

Letting agents in the region may see increased competition from a larger, better-resourced group, which could influence fee structures and service offerings. The acquisition may also prompt agents to review their compliance frameworks and client management practices to remain competitive.

For landlords, it is advisable to clarify with their managing agent how the acquisition affects tenancy management, safety compliance, and documentation. Ensuring that all records are up to date and that communication lines remain clear will be important during the transition.

Ongoing uncertainties and what to watch

While the acquisition promises operational benefits, the full impact on service quality and local market dynamics remains to be seen. It is unclear how much autonomy FHP Living’s team will retain and how seamlessly the integration with John Shepherd will proceed.

Regulatory developments in the private rented sector continue to evolve, with potential new requirements for agent qualifications, landlord licensing, and tenant protections. How Lomond and John Shepherd adapt to these changes will be critical for landlords relying on their services.

Landlords and agents should monitor communications from their managing agents closely and stay informed about regulatory updates to ensure ongoing compliance and effective property management.

What landlords should consider now

• Review tenancy agreements and management contracts to understand any changes resulting from the acquisition.
• Confirm with the managing agent how rent payments, maintenance requests, and tenant communications will be handled going forward.
• Check that all safety certificates, licensing, and compliance documentation remain current and accessible.
• Stay alert for any changes in fees or service terms introduced by the new management structure.
• Maintain clear records of all communications and transactions during the transition period.

Supporting landlords through agency transitions

Membership of The Landlord Association (TLA) offers landlords and letting agents access to practical compliance resources and guidance, which can be invaluable during agency transitions such as this acquisition. TLA’s developing property management platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to help members organise their property portfolios, manage rental documents, and keep track of compliance activities. Features under test include document retention, recording key actions, and accessing up-to-date regulatory information.

For landlords affected by agency changes, using TLA’s resources can assist in maintaining oversight of tenancy management and ensuring that all regulatory obligations continue to be met. Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access may provide useful tools to navigate the operational changes that come with agency acquisitions.

Looking ahead, the consolidation trend in lettings and property management is likely to continue, driven by the need for scale and compliance capacity. Landlords should remain proactive in managing their relationships with agents and keeping abreast of sector developments.

Sources: Letting Agent Today