Weekend news roundup plus June issue published

Brutal industry reaction as Purplebricks looks for 'new ownership structure'

When Purplebricks announced on Friday it was looking for a buyer it didn’t take long for the knives – and jokes – to come out. Industry reaction has been both funny and brutal.

Click here to read Brutal industry reaction as Purplebricks looks for 'new ownership structure'.

Sunak appoints replacement for housing minister - sixth in a year!<br />

Rachel Maclean has been appointed as a DLUHC minister to take over from Lucy Frazer, who was promoted to the Cabinet.

Click here to read Sunak appoints replacement for housing minister - sixth in a year!<br />.

Belvoir Group reports record revenue after £4 million jump

Revenue at the Group increased to a record £33.5 million from £29.6 million in 2021 buoyed by an increase on rents on new tenancies increasing by 10.8% during 2022.

Click here to read Belvoir Group reports record revenue after £4 million jump.

Property sales drop more than 50% as housing market cools

Every area of the market across England and Wales has seen a decline in market activity when compared to the same period last year. 

Click here to read Property sales drop more than 50% as housing market cools.

Purplebricks given six days to deal with £8.7 million claim or face High Court<br />

Group action claimants represented by Contractors for Justice want their holiday pay, car allowance and pension contributions they say is due to them.

Click here to read Purplebricks given six days to deal with £8.7 million claim or face High Court<br />.

Purplebricks sale to Strike agreed by shareholders

At a General Meeting held on Friday, Purplebricks' shareholders agreed by a vote of 91% to the sale to rival, Strike.

Click here to read Purplebricks sale to Strike agreed by shareholders.

Boom in number of young entrepreneurs launching estate agencies

Companies House data reveals a total of 3,408 ‘real estate agencies’ were registered in 2022, with 297 or 9% started by 18–25-year-olds.

Click here to read Boom in number of young entrepreneurs launching estate agencies.

The June 2023 issue is published – online for you to read now. Just click and flip!<br />

In this month's issue:

 

• The Negotiator Awards open for entry – read the ten compelling reasons why you should enter.

 

• Keeping landlords – expert help on maintaining your portfolio.

 

• Renters (Reform) Bill – the proposed legislation reviewed.

 

• Deposit protection schemes – alternatives and options.

 

• Agent interview: Michael Wright of Douglas Allen.

 

• Plus: latest national house price analysis; hybrid agents, best ways to blog, charity efforts, The Ombudsman Files, agency and supplier news and much more. 

Click here to read The June 2023 issue is published – online for you to read now. Just click and flip!<br />.

Mortgage lenders pull nearly 400 products as swap rates jump<br />

Since the start of last week the number of mortgages has fallen from 5,385 deals to 5,012 and the buy-to-let market has also seen lenders pull fixed deals.

Click here to read Mortgage lenders pull nearly 400 products as swap rates jump<br />.

The Negotiator Awards are open for entry!

The UK's leading awards programme for estate and letting agents and suppliers is now open for entries. Register now to start your entry process.

Click here to read The Negotiator Awards are open for entry!.

BLOG: Upfront fees 'skin in the game' would stop fall-throughs

ASAP boss Richard Megson asks whether the time has come for upfront payment from both buyers and sellers as fall through numbers remain high.

Click here to read BLOG: Upfront fees 'skin in the game' would stop fall-throughs.

Estate agent duo celebrate success of 'next generation' lettings firm

Smarter Rent offers tenants a build-to-rent style service and flexible tenancies, landlords an 'investing package' and has now hit 200 properties.

Click here to read Estate agent duo celebrate success of 'next generation' lettings firm.