Real-estate agencies are capitalising on lower rents and revived buying activity to open more outlets - but at a cautious pace of expansion.
Midland Realty has been most aggressive in rebuilding its network after cutting its branch numbers substantially last year as a result of the market slump.
The company opened five branches last month, raising its number of outlets to 138, compared with 128 earlier this year. At the market's peak in 1997, the company had more than 300 outlets.
Midland chairman Freddie Wong Kin-yip said the company had prepared for opening new branches since the end of last year as it was optimistic about market prospects this year.
He expected property transactions to total 130,000 this year, up from 110,000 last year, and home prices to grow 15 per cent.
Midland intended to increase its outlets to 150 this year, Mr Wong said, adding that the capital involved would be under $10 million.
