The firm’s founders will remain with the business to support a smooth transition
Paul Hardy, managing director, LSL Estate Agency Franchising(Image: LSL)
Newcastle based property group LSL has snapped up a West Yorkshire search specialist to boost the support it gives to franchise partners. LSL announced it has acquired the National Search Service (NSS), which it says is one of the longest established and most respected property search companies in England and Wales.
Based in Huddersfield, family owned NSS was launched in 2004 and has 15 employees, according to its most recent accounts. The value of the deal has not been revealed.
NSS provides property searches to the legal profession, both directly and through a successful franchising model. The business is a valued partner to some of the country’s largest law firms and estate agents, and is regulated by the PCCB (the Property Codes Compliance Board), subscribing to the Search Code to ensure the highest standards of compliance and service.
LSL – the owner of brands including E.surv Chartered Surveyors, Your Move and Reeds Rains– said the bolt-on acquisition complements its existing conveyancing proposition, which is provided by Homefast, and further strengthens LSL’s position as a leading estate agency franchisor.
The NSS business, based in Huddersfield, will transfer in its entirety to LSL and operationally there will be no change, ensuring continuity of service for NSS customers. The firm’s founders will remain with the business to support a smooth transition.
Paul Hardy, managing director of LSL Estate Agency Franchising, said: “We are pleased to welcome NSS into the LSL Group. Their reputation for quality and compliance aligns perfectly with our values, and this acquisition will enhance the support we offer to our franchise partners and clients across England and Wales.”
Last month, London Stock Exchange listed LSL held its annual Estate Agency Franchise conference where it announced that franchisees had made 10 lettings book acquisitions in 2025, compared with three in 2024, marking a significant step-up in activity as part of growth plans.
During 2025 three new branches have been opened on the back of lettings book acquisitions, in Torquay, Oundle and Jesmond. A further three new branches have been opened during the year, including both new franchisee and expansion by existing franchisees making six new branches in 2025.
LSL – which now has 293 estate agent branches and a 37,500 lettings portfolio – provided £3.2m of loans to franchisees in its assisted acquisition programme in 2025.
