Zoopla has announced that North East estate agent Dowen has returned to its site in a bid to boost leads.

Established in 1982, Dowen has more than 900 properties for sale and rent across its eight branches in locations across the North East including Durham, Hartlepool and Sunderland.

In addition to sales and lettings, Dowen also provides private surveys and EPCs to both corporate and private clients through their panel of independent surveyors.

Zoopla has confirmed that this a paid listing, and a not a free trial – a strategy adopted by some rival portals in a bid to increase inventory, with a view to later converting agents into paying customers.

Zoopla will now be looking to support Dowen with its further expansion and growth plans over the coming years – which include winning more valuations across their heartland areas in the North East, providing best in class customer service and increasing the exposure of their brand.

Dowen will be using Zoopla’s Valuation Booster to target areas where they want to win more instructions.

According to Zoopla, the property website has delivered a 22% increase in vendor leads in the North East over the past three months.

John Nicholson, managing director at Dowen Estate Agent, said: “Dowen has ambitious plans for 2024 and we’re excited to partner with a well-known brand like Zoopla. This will unlock more visibility for us as a brand, and a boost in leads as a result.”

NIkki Cole, director of national sales at Zoopla, added: “We’re pleased to welcome such a well-respected brand like Dowen to Zoopla. We’ll be working closely together to unlock faster sales, better market insights, and quality valuation leads for Dowen with all of this aimed at boosting their presence in the North East.”