A proptech firm that links agents with build-to-rent operators is to expand into five more cities.

Houzen, which helps local and independent agents provide tenancies in build-to-rent developments, has already launched in London and is planning its next move into Manchester where it already runs a scheme with Europa Capital.

The company is aiming to open offices in five new cities by 2020, with Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Dublin in its sights.

Houzen provides access to major developments that are usually reserved for large corporate agencies.

It claims to provide exclusive access to instructions by limiting the number of agents it works with on each development.

The best performers get to work on more and more instructions.

Houzen is currently free to use until its agency service is officially launched in September, after which there will be a trial basis for two deals and then a monthly subscription fee.

Saurabh Saxena, founder of Houzen, said: “There’s no doubt that these are tricky times for estate agents and many of those suffering are the smaller, independent agencies where daily admin can reduce the time spent closing deals.

“Finding new instructions is part of that admin. By significantly reducing the time needed for that task, we are providing agents with more time to focus on what they do best, as well as opening up premium instructions like never before.

“We look forward to working with even more agents across the UK over the coming months.”