AN ESTATE agent has expanded with new premises in one of York's most famous streets.

Hunters has invested more than £170,000 in new offices in Shambles.

The 1050sq ft premises will now house the estate agent's sales progression division, which used to work out of the firm's Colliergate office.

The relocation will allow further expansion of the service and could spell several new appointments in the near future.

The sales progression division handles all aspects of a home sale, following an offer being accepted, such as updating vendors on progress, liaising with buyers, coordinating surveys and advising on the actual move itself.

Kevin Hollinrake, director of Hunters, said: "Hunters has enjoyed phenomenal growth over the past 12 years which has led to us moving to new larger premises in a number of our operating areas. The relocation of the sales progression team means other departments can continue to expand within the company's Colliergate branch.

"Since it was established four years ago, the sales progression division has become one of Hunters' most successful departments. Once a sale has been agreed, clients then deal with a dedicated after-sales specialist rather than continuing to liaise with a negotiator whose job is solely to market and sell property.

"National statistics show that 33 per cent of home sales fall through compared to just 18 per cent of transactions that are handled by Hunters' sales progression department which is a huge coup and we are confident we can continue to build on this figure further."

Hunters also has offices in Haxby, Acomb, Easingwold, Harrogate, Leeds, Wetherby and Ripon.

A Manchester office is to open this month.

Updated: 12:14 Monday, March 01, 2004