North East-based property management firm Stay With Us has completed its first acquisition, expanding its portfolio beyond 200 properties as it pursues a growth strategy combining acquisitions and new management instructions.
The company, founded in 2023, has acquired the serviced accommodation portfolio of Horizon Stays and is now seeking further acquisition opportunities across the region.
Regional expansion strategy
Stay With Us manages properties from North Yorkshire to Northumberland, with operations extending into the Lake District. The firm employs approximately 15 people and handles bookings, guest management, maintenance and day-to-day operations on behalf of property owners.
The business has developed a diversified booking model, with around half of its reservations now made directly rather than through third-party platforms such as Airbnb. Additional business comes through corporate travel agents, insurance and relocation companies, emergency housing providers, contractors and local authorities.
Chief executive and co-founder Ryan Cresswell said: “Completing our first acquisition is a major milestone for Stay With Us and takes us to more than 200 properties under management. Around half of our bookings now come directly through us and we’ve built strong relationships across corporate travel, relocation, insurance, emergency accommodation and contractor stays.”
Market context
The acquisition comes as letting agents face challenges converting website traffic into leads, highlighting the importance of diversified booking channels in the property management sector. The sector also faces ongoing concerns about property maintenance standards affecting asset values.
Cresswell confirmed the company is actively seeking further portfolios in the North East, stating: “This is our first acquisition, but we certainly don’t intend it to be our last. We’re actively looking to speak to owners and operators who may be considering selling a portfolio, whether that’s relatively small or much larger, particularly across the North East.”
Horizon Stays, established in 2021, had built a serviced accommodation portfolio across the region. Director Martin McManus said: “It was important to us that the portfolio moved to a business that could continue to look after both property owners and guests properly. We’re pleased to have completed the deal with them and feel Stay With Us is the right home for the portfolio.”
The transaction signals consolidation activity in the regional serviced accommodation market as operators seek scale to compete with platform-based providers.
