easyProperty lettings launch "summer or autumn"

Mystery still surrounds most of the plans of Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou to launch easyProperty but it now looks likely that it will start operating in the lettings sector within the next six months.

The launch of easyProperty - revealed last month on Estate Agent Today - has come with the usual promise of online agencies to shake up the UK property market to make buying, selling, renting and letting simple, quick and cost effective.

The holding website www.easyProperty.com, says the new venture, a partnership between Sir Stelios' easyGroup and property entrepreneur Robert Ellice, is likely to operate first in the lettings sector, in major UK cities. It is likely to use the familiar easyGroup orange branding. Details of its offer will be unveiled in the summer or autumn according to a spokesman for the firm, which is otherwise remaining tight-lipped about the project.

easyJet began 19 years ago and is now the UK's largest airline, employing 8,000 people.

easyGroup's other ventures include easyCar rental, easyBus hotel-to-airport bus services, easyHotel low-cost rooms, and easyGym with 10 operations across the UK.

Whether Sir Stelios finds the agency industry equally easy to crack remains to be seen - Tesco and other external brands have been down this road in the past, without success.