Asda, one of the UK's biggest grocery chains and part of the Wal-Mart empire, has announced it is running a year-long trial for a new internet-based property service in 10 stores.

Called Homes@Supermarkets, and accessed either from home computers or touchscreen terminals instore, the aim is to cut standard selling commissions in half.

Asda say that while house prices have been skyrocketing for the past few years, selling commissions have stayed the same . . . and estate agents have done very well for themselves.

"We believe there might be room for a little more modesty within the current profit margins."

The internet is now the first port of call for househunters both in the UK and here, with up to 80% of potential buyers using the click of the mouse to find a house.

Asda has been a trailblazer for moving into markets other than grocery, hiring former Next founder George Davies to design its 'George at Asda' fashion range, and also leading the campaign to scupper the net book agreement preventing books being sold at a discount to their cover price.

Other supermarkets followed suit with clothes, home entertainment and mobile phones to extend their offering also, but whether they will get into estate agency remains to be seen.

Tesco says it has "no immediate" plans to follow suit.