NoAgentFees.com, Malta's only website that offers properties for sale and to rent exclusively by direct owners, has launched an on-site messaging system enabling secure communication. The platform has also revamped its search function.

The new technological development comes as an attempt to safeguard the private contact details of sellers and landlords from being exposed to the armada of agents, as well as buyers and tenants lacking serious intentions.

Via the on-site messaging platform, those who are offering properties can chat with possible buyers and tenants, and discuss initial intentions before exchanging personal contact details, such as telephone numbers or email addresses.

NoAgentFees.com has also updated its search function on the website, offering a more user-friendly experience, especially for users browsing on mobile.

"We firmly believe that our landlords and sellers have a right to refrain from using agents if they wish. This is the very reason why we launched our startup at the end of 2018. However, our users have complained that they are regularly approached by agents via their personal communication channels, as the property market in Malta is booming," says Tristan Scriberras, Business Development Manager of NoAgentFees.com.

"This new feature, therefore, comes as a solution answering the needs of our users. They are the users of our platform that offers 480+ property listings because they would like to do business without the involvement of agents, so it is our duty to develop a tool that helps them in their related efforts" adds Mr Scriberras.