A well known chain of estate agents in the north of the country (Hunters) ran a survey and found that less than 5% of home buyers actually visited one of their high street branches. This is an astonishing figure. Instead, buyers search for properties on the internet or tour the area looking for 'For Sale' boards. They then telephone the relevant agencies to arrange a viewing. Once the buyer finds a property, the remainder of the buying process involves the legal contract which does not involve the estate agent.

This prompts the question why have an expensive high street presence? We don't. Our local agents work from home, although there is one office that deals with paperwork from all our agents nationwide, and all landlords are paid from head office. Consequently we are able to reduce the costs of selling and letting.

We believe this format is the way estate agents will work in the future.