PENARTH-based estate agent ACJ Properties has been announced as an independent partner of new property website OnTheMarket.com. Officially launching on Monday, January 26, it will be a direct competitor to Rightmove and Zoopla.

The estate agent, based on Victoria Road, is one of several Penarth estate agents to join the online portal.

David Baker, Watts and Morgan, Shepherd Sharpe, Meadowvale and Seabreeze will also use the website to advertise both rental and for sale properties.

OnTheMarket.com is an organisation owned and managed by estate agents. Its aim is to provide an efficient and personalised service for property searchers, estate and letting agents, vendors and landlords. Profits gained from the website will be absorbed by the company, eradicating additional costs that would otherwise be passed onto customers. The venture has the support of more than 4,600 estate and lettings agency branches nationwide, including those of leading national, regional and local firms. OnTheMarket.com is expecting many more to join in the coming weeks.

ACJ Properties now has a set of listings on the website and subscribers will have an exclusive preview of properties available across South Wales. All enquires will be managed by staff based at the office, who will provide further information and arrange viewings.

Tony Jones, managing director of ACJ Properties, said:

“We are delighted to be one of many independent estate agents to have signed up to the scheme. Delivering a tailored and personal service is at the heart of what we do, but as the online market continues to grow, we want to ensure our customers receive the best possible service both online and offline.

“OnTheMarket has the potential to become a major player in the portal market, as it is a cost effective, convenient and simple platform for our customers to use. We are looking forward to seeing it progress as it moves forward.”

Ian Springett, Chief Executive of OnTheMarket.com, said: “We are delighted ACJ Properties has committed to OnTheMarket.com and we look forward to matching motivated buyers and tenants with all the properties our member agents are marketing for their clients in and around Penarth."