Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property Industry Eye. Read the original article for full details.
Property investor acquires Belvoir Stone and Stafford
Belvoir Stone and Stafford has changed hands following a franchise resale, with property investor and former finance director David Slann acquiring the agency. Slann takes control of its sales and lettings operation across Stone, Stafford and surrounding areas. The existing team remains in place, with the previous owners providing support after the handover.
Growth plans for lettings and sales
Slann plans to grow the agency's managed portfolio and develop its residential sales operation, alongside investment in technology, automation and the existing team. Drawing on his background as a finance director, he intends to sharpen the agency's focus on performance, systems and reporting.
Slann has previously invested in residential property across the Midlands and North East, with portfolio experience including blocks and HMOs, as well as residential redevelopment. He said buying an established agency appealed to him more than starting a new operation, noting his background as a landlord and more recently as a developer.
Regulatory change seen as opportunity
Slann expects regulatory changes in the private rented sector to increase demand for professional property management. He plans to expand the managed portfolio as the new regulatory framework takes effect. His experience as a landlord has shaped his approach, with a focus on avoiding surprises for landlords through good process on voids, arrears chasing and compliance.
He said Belvoir's focus on lettings, compliance and training influenced his decision to join the franchise network.
Franchisor response
Ellie Hall, group managing director of Belvoir, said Slann combines strong commercial experience with genuine first-hand knowledge of property investment, and praised his focus on developing the business while protecting the people, relationships and local knowledge behind its success.
Source: Property Industry Eye