While some nationals – most notably Countrywide – are closing branches, acquisitions and new openings are still continuing elsewhere.

Following the merger of national estate agents Leaders and Berkshire-based Romans, the Property Services Holdings Group (PSH) has reaffirmed its commitment to further expansion.

With 151 branches across the UK, the group said it is actively searching for further lettings companies to acquire.

It has also announced the purchase of Bennett and Stevens in Tonbridge, Kent.

This has taken the total number of acquisitions by PSH to 22, adding 31 branches to its network.

Matthew Light, group acquisition director for PSH, said: “Despite some of our major competitors opting to put away the chequebook, we are ready to invest in more companies in order to expand our growing branch network even further.

“Our acquisitions team is currently extremely busy as we continue the search for new and successful businesses that can be absorbed into the group.

“We focus heavily on retaining staff and offering them an opportunity to progress their career through additional training, development and job opportunities.”

Also still keen to acquire is Andrews, which has acquired London agent Firmstone Estate Agents, together with Mackendrick Norcott in Winterbourne, near Bristol, and City Central Lettings in Bath.

Michael Robson, chief executive of Andrews Property Group, said: “We are committed to identifying successful businesses that not only share our values, but which also provide us with an opportunity to expand the provision of our full range of services across areas in which we are already active.

“Each of these recent acquisitions allow us to strengthen our presence in areas where the market is particularly buoyant.”

He added that negotiations are in advanced stages for further strategic acquisitions.

In York, Linley & Simpson has acquired competitor Minster Property – its second acquisition in the city this year.

Linley & Simpson, which employs 161 people, plans to double the size of its business over the next three years through more acquisitions.