A new estate agent has opened for business in Darlington.

Deal is a wholly owned subsidiary of Darlington Building Society.

Based in the society's Tubwell Row branch, it offers customers a town centre location where their properties can be displayed. The building society connection is also useful for customers, as they will have mortgage advice on hand.

Deal has launched an introductory offer. Darlington Building Society members will be able to sell their house for a flat rate of £499. Non-members will have to pay £599. The fees are available irrespective of the property value.

Deal customers will also benefit from free advertising, and a no-sale, no-fee arrangement.

Peter Rowley, chief executive of the Darlington Building Society, said: "This new venture is an exciting one for us and having listened to our customers, I am sure Deal will prove extremely popular.

"Darlington Building Society has an enviable reputation locally for looking after local interests and Deal will provide even more opportunities to benefit local people."

He added: "Although Deal is Darlington's newest estate agent, it benefits from having a background of more than 140 years experience in supporting the local housing market.

"The sales team of Silas Armitage, Sue Best and Abigail Holliday are eagerly looking forward to providing local home movers with a great home moving deal."