Agency competition intensifying, says Move with Us

Seventy per cent of estate agents have reported a surge in the number of rival agencies opening up in the last three months alone.

Research from Move with Us, the largest network of independent estate agents in the UK, has found that improved conditions in the property market with properties selling on average within 88 days across Britain, have contributed to the surge.

Nearly half of the 100 agents questioned - all within the Move with Us partner network - say one direct competitor has started operating since June. Thirty per cent have seen two new rivals open, and 18 per cent have seen three.

Unsurprisingly, the research also revealed the highest number of new office openings were in the most buoyant regions - Greater London, East Anglia and the south east of England.

In the past, people would see which agent had the highest For Sale' board count in the local area but times have changed with technological advancements and home movers can do more research online before selecting an agent explains Move with Us director Robin King.

Looking at how many properties an agent advertises online as well as what their sales performance is like and what other customers are saying about them, are other essential factors to consider before committing to an agent he says.