Southern chain Arun Estates has seen a 12.5% uplift in listings since the start of this year, and a 26% rise in sales compared with the same period last year.

It has also had a 13% increase in new applicants.

Aldo Sotgiu, managing director of operations, said that branches are now holding just over 10% market share in their trading areas.

In lettings, Arun says that tenant registrations are up 20% on a year ago and across the rolling quarter to the end of February, lets have risen 31%.

However, the number of listings across the group is down, according to lettings managing director Jason Bunning.

The update follows Arun’s report for the second half of last year, showing an 8.5% fall in the number of new buyers but an 8% increase in sales.

Arun says prices were up by over 2% in some areas compared with the first six months of last year.

Arun’s four main brands are Douglas Allen in east London and Essex; Ward & Partners in Kent; Cubitt & West in Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire; and Pittis on the Isle of Wight. The group also has a financial services subsidiary, Mortgage Matters Direct.