Hybrid estate agency Yopa has already raised some £91 million from investors since it was launched in 2015 by relatives of Barclays Brothers.

But, while people embraced online alternatives in many areas of their lives during Covid, it only moved the dial by 1.3% for hybrid estate agencies.

If successful, it is estimated that former self-employed agents from firms such as Purplebricks and YOPA could be owed approximately £20 million collectively.

Simon Elliott and Isaac Bull are joining as the hybrid estate agency's new regional directors for East Anglia and the South of England.

Haroon Cassim is to pay back £500,000 of the £1.5m he stole from both the hybrid agency and The National Lottery as an employee.

Hybrid estate agency has told the Advertising Standards Authority it will be clearer in future about how its fee structure and timing works.

Both property owner and Yopa say they were unaware at the time that the tenant was unhappy over strangers in her home.

The online agency's 'free to use' model is gaining traction, helping it leapfrog rival Yopa, it is claimed.