Hunters is expecting to end the first half of this year slightly better than anticipated.

In a trading update covering the first four months, chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: “So far this year we have signed nine new Hunters branches and have opened three.

“The group has a strong pipeline of agreed sales and has increased instructions in the four months to the end of April.

“Excluding the effect of the acquisition of our Bristol chain, formerly known as Besley Hill, instructions are up by 5.4% against the same period last year, which should lay the ground for a comparatively strong second half performance.

“The first half year is expected to end slightly better than the Board anticipated, giving us confidence in the full year outcome for the group.

“The Government has put forward proposals to regulate the industry and to ban certain tenant fees.

“Given our strong sales profile, our exposure is expected to be less significant than other lettings-only based participants.

“Furthermore, we believe we will receive an increase in enquiries to join our network to take advantage of our procurement and training, e-learning and support packages, which will prove invaluable in the new regulated environment and as we help good independent agents manage the transition.

“Finally, I am delighted to announce our customer service rating this year has increased to 96% across both sales and lettings, and we retain a healthy pipeline of parties looking to join the network.

“I look forward to updating you further as the year progresses.”