Your Move franchise partner Your Move Chris Stonock has acquired Newcastle-based lettings agency Rhapsody Property Consultants, located in the popular suburb of Jesmond.
The acquisition marks the 14th office within the Your Move Chris Stonock network and significantly strengthens the company’s presence across the NE1, NE2 and NE3 postcode areas. The move represents another important milestone in the continued expansion of the business, further cementing Your Move Chris Stonock’s position as one of the largest and most ambitious estate agency and lettings businesses in the North East.
Founded more than 20 years ago, Rhapsody Property Consultants has built a strong reputation in Jesmond and the wider Newcastle lettings market. Owner Gail Harbottle has decided that now is the right time to transition the business to new ownership while remaining involved to support the next stage of its growth.
Gail said:
“Your Move Chris Stonock are a leading agency in the North East. Their reputation, high-quality service and integrity-driven approach made them the perfect fit. It was important for me to partner with a company that I can see myself working with long-term. They have an excellent reputation across the region and I look forward to continuing our great work together as part of the wider business.”
The acquisition includes a substantial, high-quality lettings portfolio, consisting of a mix of student and professional properties across Jesmond and the wider Newcastle area.
Tim Stonock, Managing Director at Your Move Chris Stonock, said:
“We are delighted to acquire such a well-established and highly respected lettings business in Jesmond. This is another important step in our continued growth and expansion across the North East.”
“Just as importantly, we are very pleased that Gail and Kim will remain with the business. Their experience, relationships and local knowledge are incredibly valuable, and they will continue providing the excellent service that landlords and tenants have come to expect.”
“The strength and scale of the lettings portfolio provides us with a fantastic platform to further expand our presence in Newcastle, and we are excited to build on the strong foundations Gail has created over the past two decades.”
Swinburne Maddison LLP provided legal advice to Tim Stonock on the acquisition. Corporate advice was led by Martyn Tennant, Partner and Head of Corporate, with support from Rebecca Logue, Managing Associate. Gillian Moir advised on property matters, while Sharney Randhawa provided employment advice.
Martyn Tennant commented:
“It has been a pleasure to support this acquisition, and we wish Tim and the wider team the very best of luck as they embark on this exciting next chapter.”
Rhapsody Property Consultants will be rebranded as Your Move Chris Stonock and will continue to operate from its existing office on St George’s Terrace in the heart of Jesmond.
Importantly for landlords and tenants, Gail Harbottle will remain in the business alongside long-standing team member Kim Slowther, both of whom will continue to support landlords and ensure a smooth transition following the acquisition.
As part of the expansion, Your Move Chris Stonock also plans to introduce a full-service residential sales operation from the Jesmond office, allowing clients to access both sales and lettings services from the prime central location.
