Five new franchise owners have joined the Belvoir network, with the business now forecasting that it will double in size to have 400 offices across the UK within a decade.

The prediction follows Belvoir’s recent acquisitions of Goodchilds and Newton Fallowell.

Dorian Gonsalves, Belvoir’s director of commercial and franchising, said: “We have seen the strongest level of interest from potential franchise owners across all three brands than has been noted for a number of years.

“I am really pleased that this interest has now translated into the launch of new Belvoir offices in Biggleswade, Hampstead Heath and Welwyn Garden City.

“Belvoir Sheffield, which was one of our strongest-performing offices, recently sold for £1m and we wish Kevin Burnett, the new owner, every success, although this office will continue to be run by fellow franchise owner Sarah Powell, who has always been a driving force behind its phenomenal development.

“In addition, there are several other new Belvoir offices in the pipeline, and another induction course for new franchise owners is due to commence in November.

“When Belvoir floated on the London Stock Exchange in 2012 we made a promise to our shareholders that we would achieve 200 offices before the end of 2016, but we already have 210 offices and are now looking to set a new target.

“I forecast that Belvoir will have 400 offices across the UK in the next ten years.”