Agent JLL is to offer a residential property service for the first time following its acquisition of Guardian Property Asset Management, a Dublin agency specialising in residential sales, letting management and investment markets. Guardian, which was was co-founded in 2009 by Conor O'Gallagher and Colm Byrne, will be relocating to the JLL office later this month.

John Moran, chief executive of JLL Ireland, said his company's leading position in the commercial market in Ireland had grown rapidly over the past 50 years. Its strategic partnering with Guardian was a natural next step, he added, and completed its service offering ambition with a strong residential/new homes service to bolster its core business.

With a similar focus on service and a client-centred approach, the company says it can move forward as the real estate service provider of choice across commercial and residential markets.

After the acquisition, JLL would have an immediate representation in the new homes, residential and investment market, with five schemes currently for sale and more than €500 million worth of transactions in the last 12 months.

Mr O’Gallagher said Guardian was delighted to be rolling out its full service residential offering under the JLL brand.