Zoopla chief Charlie Bryant has revealed that 2,000 branches have joined Zoopla since the start of July last year and the end of April.

Bryant said: “Some of these are new joiners and others have returned to us having left because of the ‘one other portal’ rule.

“While there have also been some losses, due to branch closures or mergers, I am delighted to say that overall we are seeing net gains in agency members.”

Bryant would not be drawn on exact total numbers, but said that Zoopla is setting out its stall as offering both agents and the public something different.

He said that among consumers there is strong brand recognition of Zoopla, and for agents there is renewed focus on delivering vendor leads.

Bryant said that competition amongst the portals is no bad thing, saying that choice for consumers is important.

Bryant told EYE: “However, we also recognise the difficult challenges being faced by agents, and we see it as our job to help them.

“Transactions are low, prices are falling and agents’ commissions are under pressure, but the reality is that markets are very regional. The slowdown is feeding out of London, but in cities such as Liverpool house prices are still rising.

“We also recognise that the tenancy fees ban will be another big pressure on agents, and it will be difficult for some to absorb the loss of income. We think that there will be a new normal.”