There's renewed confidence in the housing market apparent in Northern Ireland this week with the launch of a new estate agent - with backing by Belfast's Lord Mayor and local MP.

Propertyhop is opening eight offices in prime locations across the province with the new residential sales and lettings agency working in partnership with leading independent mortgage brokers, Mortgage IQ, using their well established, high profile offices in east Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Newtownards, Glengormley, Ballyclare, Ballymena and Enniskillen.

As the East Belfast office opened - at Holywood Arches - Naomi Long, Lord Mayor and newly elected MP for the area, even offered her support to this new business partnership as a boost for her constituency.

"Amidst the backdrop of the recession and the general doom and gloom of the last couple of years, it is hugely refreshing for me to welcome a local business willing to buck the trend by launching a new and exciting venture across the province," she said.

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"I believe this kind of bold and positive step can help provide a much needed boost to the local economy, create jobs, increase confidence in the housing market and generally fly the flag for home grown businesses making their mark during difficult economic times.

"In particular, I welcome their addition to some of the country's busiest high streets which, of late, have been plagued by so any foreclosures and vacancies," she commented.

Chris Ferguson, Propertyhop Manager at the East Belfast branch said: "Propertyhop is an exciting new agency with new ideas.

"As well as having our in own in-house mortgage brokers and financial advisors, one of our key strengths is in our vast market coverage.

"Launching eight offices makes us one of the largest agents in Northern Ireland and enables us to deliver expansive marketing channels for a wide ranging customer base," he said.

Tanya Martin, Director and co-founder of Mortgage IQ, said: "This new partnership with Propertyhop provides customers with a one-stop shop approach, a complete range of property services under one roof.

"In addition, by sharing the costs of branch overheads it enables us to deliver high quality customer service at more competitive prices," she said.

"We understand that buying a home can be a daunting experience particularly for first-time buyers and, within the prevailing economic climate, mortgages can be harder to obtain. Our free advisory service at Mortgage IQ will ensure that you get the best mortgage deal for your circumstances and we manage the entire process on your behalf from initial decisions right through to getting the keys of your new property.

"Our aim is to make your move as quick, cost-effective and straightforward as possible."

See: www.propertyhop.co.uk

(BMcC/GK)