Hunters, which claims to be the UK’s fastest growing independent estate agency group, will continue to keep opening high street offices.

The group has already opened six offices this year, including some ‘personal agent’ offices, and plans another ten openings this spring.

Managing director and founder Kevin Hollinrake said that Hunters will not be going down the online agent route.

He said the internet was a useful tool – but the home-moving public still want the reassurance of a local presence, including seeing agents working in physical offices.

Hollinrake was speaking out after the launch of Purplebricks and the latest newcomer Moverr.

He told Eye: “Hunters have a very high presence both online and on the high street. We see being online as a crucial and effective way to market properties, and estate agents must have an online presence in today’s market.

“However, I do not envisage Hunters will go down a purely online route, as I believe customers are looking for a personal service from an adviser with local knowledge when looking to rent, buy, let or sell a property.

“This level of service can only be achieved via a local branch.

“The internet is a good tool for attracting business within the property market, but at the end of the day, customers will usually pay a visit to the local branch dealing with the property as they desire the personal service that they can provide.

“Making moves within the property market can often involve a lot of money. As such, customers feel uncomfortable making these decisions without an agent who will talk them through each step of the way.

“Our customers are given reassurance when they visit our local branches and can see that the team operating in that office are experts on the property market within the area.”

The new openings this year have been in Frodsham, Cheshire; Stalybridge, Manchester; Consett, County Durham; Plaistow, east London; and Hereford.

The ten new branches will be in a variety of locations, including London, Warrington, North Shields and Suffolk.

Hunters expects to have over 140 offices by the end of this year and 500 in five years’ time.