Estate agent bosses back property app Lavanda

The founders of Purplebricks and Rightmove have invested in a start-up allowing estate agents to tap into the homesharing sites which are disrupting them.

Kenny Bruce, the boss of hybrid estate agent Purplebricks, and Harry Hill, the founder of property site Rightmove, are among angel investors in a £1 million funding round for Lavanda.

The London-based company, which started life as a laundry service, allows landlords and homeowners to let their properties on websites such as Airbnb, but without having to deal with cleaning or running the property.

It is partnering estate agents to allow them to offer a short-term rental service.

Hill joined as Lavanda’s chairman this year. Other investors include ex-Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy.

Lavanda’s founder, Guy Westlake, said the cash injection will allow it to become profitable.

“It’s about establishing the business as a viable, long-term disruptor in the market. We’re now well equipped to do that,” he said.

Bruce said: “By tapping into the changing way people are living and working, this business has the potential to develop into a major player within the residential market.”