Hunters has reported rapid expansion over the last 12 months with 37 new branch openings.

New businesses are in counties at a distance from the north-based head office and include Berkshire, Suffolk, Herefordshire, Wiltshire and Lincolnshire.

Hunters, which opened in York 22 years ago and has reinvented itself as a franchise operation which still has its own branches, now has nearly 130 branches nationwide.

The firm says it is set to expand by at least another 50 offices this year.

Kevin Hollinrake, managing director and Hunters founder – who is standing as a Tory candidate in a safe seat in May’s general election – said: “Network growth is at an all-time high, with no other agency growing at the speed we are.

“These office openings are designed to complement our existing network.

“However, it is not just about being the biggest estate agency; it is about being the best.

“I believe that much of our success lies in our infrastructure – our independently owned franchised branches are run by business owners who are experts in their own local area – which gives our customers real value.”

Hunters expects to have over 500 offices in five years’ time.

The business is also launching a TV advert next week on More4 and 4OD.