Martin & Co’s Ashford branch is opening a new office just outside the Kent town following a deal to acquire a rival firm’s lettings book.

Martin & Co Ashford has acquired more than 100 properties in a deal with local independent agent Foxwood Maclean; a number of staff are also likely to be transferred to Martin & Co from Foxwood Maclean in the New Year.

Local Martins & Co director Kevin Hall says his personal experience as a portfolio landlord since the 1990s led him to purchase Martin & Co’s Ashford operation a decade ago.

“The portfolio at that time was small, but it was clear to me that Ashford represented a huge opportunity in a great location with a strong brand and I’m pleased we’ve been able to grow to almost 1,000 managed properties over the past nine years.”