Your Move Chris Stonock Acquires Rhapsody Property Consultants

Why It Matters

The deal deepens Your Move’s foothold in the North East, boosting market share and enabling cross‑selling of sales and lettings services.

Key Takeaways

• Adds 14th office in Jesmond, covering NE1‑NE3
• Retains Rhapsody’s founder and team for continuity
• Brings sizable student‑professional lettings portfolio
• Enables full‑service sales from same location
• Expands Your Move’s North East market presence

Pulse Analysis

The UK lettings sector has seen a wave of consolidation as franchised brands seek scale and brand consistency. Your Move’s acquisition of Rhapsody Property Consultants follows a strategic pattern where established local agencies are absorbed to broaden geographic coverage and deepen portfolio depth. By integrating a two‑decade‑old business with a robust mix of student and professional rentals, the franchise not only adds immediate revenue streams but also leverages Rhapsody’s entrenched landlord relationships, a critical asset in a market where trust and local knowledge drive tenancy performance.

Retaining Rhapsody’s founder, Gail Harbottle, and long‑standing team member Kim Slowther underscores a pragmatic approach to integration. Their continued involvement mitigates client churn, preserves the nuanced understanding of Jesmond’s rental dynamics, and smooths the transition for both landlords and tenants. The combined portfolio creates cross‑selling opportunities, allowing the franchise to market lettings and sales services under a single brand, thereby increasing customer lifetime value and operational efficiency.

Looking ahead, the introduction of a full‑service residential sales operation from the Jesmond office positions Your Move to capture a broader segment of the property market. This diversification aligns with industry trends where agencies expand beyond traditional lettings to offer end‑to‑end solutions, enhancing competitiveness against independent rivals and digital platforms. As the North East property market continues to attract students and professionals, the expanded footprint and integrated service model should drive sustained growth for Your Move, setting a benchmark for franchise‑led expansion in regional real estate.

Deal Summary

Your Move franchisee Chris Stonock has completed the acquisition of Newcastle‑based Rhapsody Property Consultants, expanding its network to 14 offices across the North East. The deal adds a substantial lettings portfolio and retains owner Gail Harbottle and team member Kim Slowther to ensure a smooth transition.