A YORK-headquartered property agency has been acquired outright by one of its founding partners as it looks to break into new markets.

DHP Croft, which is based in Swinegate and has an office in Leeds, has now under the ownership of Toby Cockcroft, who launched the business in 2010 with the partners of Leeds-based property consultancy Dove Haigh Phillips.

The firm specialises in high end, rural residential property across North Yorkshire, and will be rebranded in York as Croft Residential.

Mr Cockcroft said: “I am very grateful for the years working together with the other DHP partners, whose input was invaluable in establishing DHP Croft.

"We will continue to work together on projects for clients and I am looking forward to moving the business into new markets, including commercial property and land agency.”

DHP Croft's portfolio currently including Grantley Hall near Harrogate, which is on the market at £5.95 million.

Mr Cockcroft added: "Our typical home sells for around £1 million, but we also work for many clients with exceptional properties from half that price, where the property offers something unique and desirable, particularly in a rural setting.

“Marketing more exclusive homes requires a more personal approach and clients and buyers alike are often high profile individuals, so the utmost discretion is a major aspect of the service we offer.

“The future offers the opportunity of extending our work with commercial property portfolios and with developers and we are also planning to introduce a broader suite of property related services.”