My Property Box has further expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Darlington-based letting agency Bellwood & Harris.

This marks the estate agency group’s 13th acquisition in just seven years and follows its recent purchase of letting agencies John Prest in Northallerton and Landlords 2 in Darlington.

The move bolsters My Property Box’s presence across the North East and North Yorkshire, aligning with its ongoing buy-and-build expansion strategy, supported by key offices in Darlington and Newcastle.

Founded in 2009 by friends Helen Bellwood and Justine Harris, Bellwood & Harris managed a portfolio of 150 properties, which have now been transferred to My Property Box. The agency’s Yarm Road office has closed following its acquisition, for an undisclosed sum.

Their decision to sell was motivated by a desire to focus on other business interests, while ensuring their clients would benefit from the economies of scale and expanded range of services offered by a larger organisation.

The acquisition follows a significant multi-million-pound investment secured by My Property Box in July 2024 from BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor. This funding has been instrumental in supporting the company’s ambitious growth strategy, solidifying its position as a market leader in the region.

Ben Quaintrell, CEO of My Property Box, said: “This acquisition represents another significant milestone in our expansion as we continue to grow our footprint across the North East and North Yorkshire. Bellwood & Harris has built an excellent reputation for customer service, which perfectly aligns with our own values.

“Our commitment is to provide their clients with the same exceptional service they’ve come to expect, while also offering access to our cutting-edge technology and expert support.

Justine Harris, co-founder of Bellwood & Harris, said: “After many rewarding years serving landlords and tenants, we felt the time was right to step down and entrust our business to a larger organisation that shares our passion for delivering exceptional customer service.

“My Property Box has a fantastic reputation, and we are confident our clients will benefit from their innovative approach and expanded range of services. Growing Bellwood & Harris into a trusted agency has been a privilege, and I know Ben and his team will continue to build on that legacy.”