A new estate agency in Bath, south-west England, has announced it plans to offer a 24 hour service to customers looking for their ideal property.

Hames and Joy Estate Agents will have staff on duty day and night, seven days a week, in a bid to give customers the flexibility to arrange viewings or discuss which properties are available at whatever time suits them.

One of the firm''s founders, Alan Joy, told the Bath Chronicle that his experience as a double-glazing salesman had informed the outlook of his new venture.

"We used to offer a 24-hour service in the window business and if people know they can call during the night they will use the service," he told the newspaper.

Agents have increasingly used websites and widescreen television displays in the window of their offices to help busy clients make the most of their house-hunting time.

Some agents, such as south-east based firm Bellengers, have also been exploring other methods of communicating with clients, launching its Keytxt service which allows buyers to text the agent a code printed on all for sale and to let signs to find out more about a property.