Big agency sweeps up student firm despite renting reform threat
Lomond has acquired Nottingham-based firm Uni2 Rent, founded by Ed Henderson, proving renting reforms aren’t scaring off business buyers.
Rapidly expanding estate agency group Lomond has made another acquisition with the purchase of a leading student accommodation provider.
Uni2 Rent, based in Nottingham, has been bought by Lomond just two weeks after it acquired Kent agency Oakwood Homes.
Adam Walker, the broker who handled the sale, says: “There has been a lot of speculation recently about how the end of fixed period tenancies might adversely affect the student lettings market.
“The sale of UNI2 demonstrates that buyers still have confidence in the student sector, and confirms that they have plans in place to deal with the impact of the recent legislation.”
Founded in 2012 by Ed Henderson (main image), Uni2 Rent is one of the few independent providers of purpose-built student homes.
The deal sees Lomond acquire the firm and the 1,000 student rooms it has under management. Uni2 will be run by Richard Crathorne, MD of John Shepherd, which is Lomond’s ‘hub’ brand in the Midlands.
£450m deal
Last year, Lomond acquired HOP Students in Yorkshire, swiftly followed by Leeds-based Sugarhouse Properties.
And Lomond itself was acquired by London-based private equity investment firm ICG for £450 million in December.
We certainly have no intention of changing our strategy when it comes to the aggressive expansion plans of the Lomond brand.”
Ed Phillips, CEO at Lomond, says: “We’re delighted to have started 2025 on the front foot with our next acquisition coming so swiftly after our first of the year – we certainly have no intention of changing our strategy when it comes to the aggressive expansion plans of the Lomond brand.”
Henderson says: “Building the Uni2 brand has been my sole focus since I was a university student and I’m incredibly proud of what’s been achieved.
“Selling the business wasn’t an easy decision, but Lomond’s track record and approach to student lettings made this the perfect fit.”