Monroe Estate Agents launches fifth branch targeting west Leeds property market
A search for a new location led Monroe Estate Agents to a busy high street where it has opened a fifth branch as part of its continued expansion.
The Leeds-based independent firm has opened a new branch in Guiseley, marking its latest step in a steady expansion across the city’s property market.
The business, founded by Jordan Yorath and his partner Leanna Corban, has grown since opening its first office in Alwoodley in 2021, adding branches in Boston Spa in 2022, the city centre in 2023 and a land and new homes division at the end of 2024.
Jordan says that, for many business owners, that might have been the point to consolidate rather than expand further. “As a couple business, you wouldn't blame us for going, ‘okay, that's enough now, we've got enough on our plate’”, he says.
However, the couple felt the company had reached a point where further growth was achievable. “We felt that we'd put enough infrastructure in place in terms of central functions in our business to be able to go, ‘okay, let's start looking at other locations’,” he says.
Guiseley emerged as the clear choice after scouting several potential areas. Jordan says the town’s character and location made it stand out. “When I drove through Guiseley, I really felt it was a bustling town centre, and you can tell there's a community there.”
The branch is intended to serve not just Guiseley but surrounding areas including Rawdon, Yeadon, Horsforth and parts of Bradford, as well as the southern edge of Wharfedale. “We felt like Guiseley was a town centre where we could place a Monroe shop front and actually it would service a lot of areas where we're already proving to be popular, but we don't have a presence,” he says.
The local property market is also a strong fit for the company’s focus. “The larger of the transactions in Guiseley are what I would call the mid-premium market, the £300,000 to £600,000 market,” Jordan says.
He adds that recent activity has been particularly strong. “In the last three or four months, it has been a really successful part of the market in terms of properties, selling and transacting.”
Connectivity is another factor underpinning demand in Guiseley. “Having a train station is a major benefit to the area,” Jordan says, noting links to Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate.
The town’s high street also played a role in the decision. “When you go through Guiseley, there's very little up to let in terms of commercial property,” he says. “It tells me that obviously that area is clearly thriving.”
The new branch, on Oxford Road, was secured off-market. “That conversation happened thanks to Simon Dalingwater at Adair Paxton, it wasn't advertised,” Jordan says.
The office will be led by branch manager James Limb, supported by senior negotiator Kiera Easterby and branch coordinator Jo Marine, with additional backing from Monroe’s central teams. The company expects to employ around 30 staff across its five offices by June.
Jordan attributes much of the firm’s growth to its culture and approach. “To thrive at Monroe, you have to be somebody who is a star at what you do and also willing to give the energy.”
He contrasts this with larger corporate agencies, arguing that independence allows greater flexibility and responsiveness. “We are constantly looking at how we can improve our methods,” he says. “We're quite quick to make decisions.”
Marketing is another area of differentiation. “One of the major things that we are constantly pushing the boundaries of is marketing techniques,” Jordan says, citing investment in videography and AI-led content.
The expansion comes at a time of mixed signals in the wider housing market. While sales activity has strengthened, transaction times are increasing.
“We were seeing average sale completion at 10.7 weeks but it’s now 13 weeks,” he says, attributing this to pressure on conveyancers and a rise in transactions.
Despite global economic uncertainty, Jordan remains positive. “To me, this is not a bad market, it's actually been a really good market.”
Pricing, however, remains sensitive. “If you price something well then there are buyers out there, but if you over price, you would expect properties to not sell.”
Buyer preferences continue to reflect post-pandemic trends. “Properties that are poorly presented or have inadequate outdoor spaces are going to be less attractive,” he says, adding that turnkey homes command a premium as buyers seek to avoid renovation.
Looking ahead, the focus is on making the new branch a success. “And then we will be looking at further locations,” says Jordan.