Both big estate agencies are hoping to take larger slices of the mortgage broking business via new and substantial acquisitions.

Estate agency giant says latest purchase is part of a plan to buy up 50 brokers across the UK with its recently-announced £200m fund.

The group enjoyed a good year as cost cutting, a housing boom and the stamp duty holiday helped drive up turnover, profits and margin at the 12-agency giant.

Latest accounts show a £11.3m drop in turnover last year though the months afterwards have been much kinder as the market has boomed.

Survey shows properties marketed with professional photography, floorplans and 360° tours, with Facebook ads and premium listings, sell 48% faster.

Company says it want to listen to staff's views on issues such as LGBT+, disability, race and gender and also support their charitable activities.

Group CEO says restructure two years ago as well as current market stampede have helped drive jaw-dropping results at LSL

Sian Beech says her new company Feeneys, based in Stoke, has already sold five houses subject to completion.