Partnership is the modus operandi these days for small estate agents determined not to be squeezed out by the big boys. Less than two years after Sherry FitzGerald launched its countrywide franchise operation, several organisations have sprung up to provide branding for independent agents. The latest on the scene is Property Partners, which has enlisted 30 agents in Dublin, other cities and the provinces. They are already marketing their properties under a single banner, pulling together an interesting selection of houses in far-flung locations. A lot of thought and planning has gone into the marketing strategy - for one thing, the logo has a distinctive modern image. Chairman is John Early of Roscommon, while the role of chief executive is being filled by Brian Curran. There's a good sprinkling of small Dublin agents, who are holding their own against fierce opposition from the big companies.

The US Remax group also seems to be making some inroads, particularly on the east coast. However, we are still waiting to hear from Frank Doonan's ERA Real Estate, which hopes to attract 100 affiliates over the next couple of years.

Meanwhile the IAVI is preparing to pump extra resources into a new Internet portal, showing property from its members on both sides of the Border. However, some of the biggest firms are somewhat sceptical about the likely success of the internet in property terms. While every decent sized agency has its own website, it remains just another marketing tool in the still traditional business of flogging houses.