National sales and lettings agency Martin & Co has launched what it calls a ‘pioneering new service’ in the North East.

The 170-branch network’s Sunderland operation has opened a pop-up branch in local shopping centre the Bridges.

Alongside traditional sales and lettings services, the pop-up branch will be a running a landlord clinic ahead of the tenant fees ban which comes into force on June 1.

The agency says it will also be using its new location to advise tenants and provide ‘on-the-spot valuations’ for prospective sellers.

“The Bridges shopping centre gives us great visibility at the heart of the city,” says Martin & Co Sunderland director Chris Poulton, who will be running the pop-up branch. 

“The huge interest in buy-to-let in recent years has created a growing community of first-time landlords and our presence at The Bridges is aimed at ensuring they, along with more experienced landlords, understand how the new tenant fees legislation could affect them.”

Director of the Bridges, Andy Bradley, says Martin & Co are the first agency to pitch up in the shopping centre.

“The service Martin & Co are offering will be completely unique, so we are delighted to welcome them,” he says.

“It’s great to see a company adapting its service to meet the changing demands of the high street by providing a service which cannot be matched online.”