Academics from the School of Computing and Mathematics at Plymouth University have developed an NFC tag platform that allows sellers to promote their property in a more discreet way than the traditional 'for sale' board.

NFC tags placed at the entrance to a property provide information about the home that can only be accessed by potential buyers who have previously registered with the estate agent and downloaded the NFC Home app.

"Few sellers like advertising the price outside their home. Buyers want to know. Encrypting the tags means only registered buyers can access sensitive information," Professor Martin Tomlinson, chair in communications at the university, has told NFC World.