Chestertons has announced new branch openings plus refurbishments of existing offices.

The firm said it is also hoping to acquire lettings businesses over the coming year.

Chestertons has just opened one new branch in Chelsea, and is set to open another in Barnes – from where Foxtons has recently withdrawn.

It will also embark on a wave of branch refurbishments, including South Kensington and Camden.

Additionally, it is investing in technology to improve the efficiency of its anti-money laundering checks, and which will increase the speed with which it can process tenancy agreements.

The investments follow the strongest August performance in the firm’s history and record figures from its lettings division.

Managing director Guy Gittins said: “Although it is clear that the sales market in London is tough, there are still plenty of transactions taking place and clients are even more keen to work with agents that have experience of working in challenging environments and have the contacts and market knowledge to be able to see transactions through to completion.

“Meanwhile, Chestertons has been well positioned to take advantage of the huge surge in lettings activity in London.”