Your weekend roundup of top news

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.

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The Neg's Head of Content, Nigel Lewis takes a long, cold look at the new bill to reform the PRS.

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MORTGAGE PAIN: Two-year deals more expensive after rate rise<br />

Rightmove's home loans tracker shows that two-year fixed rate deals are 0.26% higher than a week ago.

Click here to read MORTGAGE PAIN: Two-year deals more expensive after rate rise<br />.

Foxtons finally feels the 'Gittins gold' as profits surge 10%<br />

Estate agency puts the bad old days behind it as recently-installed CEO says his strategies are working.

Click here to read Foxtons finally feels the 'Gittins gold' as profits surge 10%<br />.

Has peak rental demand peaked passed? New data says yes<br />

Figures from Barrows and Forrester reveal a quarterly and annual drop in tenant demand despite a crisis in the mortgage market pricing many people out.

Click here to read Has peak rental demand peaked passed? New data says yes<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!.

Purplebricks launches national £999 selling fee under new ownership<br />

Strike, which bought the firm for £1 just a few days ago, says bold new strategy will help grow the firm.
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Click here to read Purplebricks launches national £999 selling fee under new ownership<br />.

BLOG: Want to go it alone? Here’s 10 tips to launch your estate agency

Property Webmasters boss Jamie Arthur highlights key actions that will help ensure success when setting up your own estate agency business. 

Click here to read BLOG: Want to go it alone? Here’s 10 tips to launch your estate agency.

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Find Properties will encourage agents to differentiate themselves by improving their own web presence which will also improve standards and competition.

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New CEO takes over reins at big international property portal

Kyero Co-founders Martin and Louise Dell have handed the leadership role to Gemma Coles.

Click here to read New CEO takes over reins at big international property portal.

Rightmove launches month of legislation webinars for agents

Staying compliant continues to rank high on the list of concerns from agents and remains one of the most popular topics covered in the portal's webinars.

Click here to read Rightmove launches month of legislation webinars for agents.

Letting agents have eight weeks to comply with new Northern scheme

The Merseyside scheme requires agents and landlords to submit their applications for a licence by August 31st and so far 600 have been received.

Click here to read Letting agents have eight weeks to comply with new Northern scheme.

Naive first time buyers put plans on hold after discovering 'hidden costs'

New research reveals one in seven first time buyers suspend intention to buy due to raft of 'unexpected' fees and Stamp Duty.

Click here to read Naive first time buyers put plans on hold after discovering 'hidden costs'.

BLOG: Business support, software and services – how to get 'bang for your buck'

When times are hard, it’s critical to analyse your investments – from software tools to additional services or business support, says Brian Farrell.

Click here to read BLOG: Business support, software and services – how to get 'bang for your buck'.

Purplebricks reported ready to 'axe 100 jobs'

The agency's new owner Strike is said to be preparing to cut around 15% of the 695-strong workforce.

Click here to read Purplebricks reported ready to 'axe 100 jobs'.

Naive first time buyers put plans on hold after discovering 'hidden costs'

 

INDUSTRY REACTION: Base rate raised to 5.25%

Warnings went unheeded by Governor Andrew Bailey and Monetary Policy Committee that another rate rise would risk damaging the UK’s fragile economy.

Click here to read INDUSTRY REACTION: Base rate raised to 5.25%.

Too many broken promises 'could break conveyancing system'<br />

The Council for Licensed Conveyancers is receiving so many complaints about undertakings being breached that there is a risk of the system falling apart, warns CEO.

Click here to read Too many broken promises 'could break conveyancing system'<br />.

Private landlord 'exodus' revealed in official CGT figures - claim

Thousands of landlords are leaving the PRS as proved by latest Capital Gains Tax returns says leading wealth management firm.

Click here to read Private landlord 'exodus' revealed in official CGT figures - claim.

Winkworth terminates London agent's multi-branch franchise agreements

Goble has 33 years’ experience in the London property market and is well known for his fundraising activities for numerous charitable ventures. 

Click here to read Winkworth terminates London agent's multi-branch franchise agreements.

Interest rates of 6% and 7% will be the new normal

Mortgage Advice Bureau boss Peter Brodnicki says that stubborn inflation continues to see the Bank of England pushing rates up.

Click here to read Interest rates of 6% and 7% will be the new normal.

'Crunchtime' for property sales as new EPC rules alter landlord behaviour

Lender Paragon says Government's EPC rule change proposals are already altering BTL investor property buying habits within the sales market.

Click here to read 'Crunchtime' for property sales as new EPC rules alter landlord behaviour.

HMO firm fined £68,000 after 'shocking' behaviour at property

The huge fine is for a firm and its director after they put students at risk by ignoring vital repairs for years at the Cardiff HMO.

Click here to read HMO firm fined £68,000 after 'shocking' behaviour at property.

OnTheMarket slammed over 'poor performance' by City activist

On the day of its AGM, Brett Stone has claimed in an open letter that the portal continues to miss its key objective of rebalancing power towards agents in the 'portal wars'. 

Click here to read OnTheMarket slammed over 'poor performance' by City activist.

The Negotiator August issue is published – yours to read online, just click and flick!

In this month's issue: 

 

• COVER STORY: How a branch makeover can win instructions.

 

• FEATURE: Rent guarantee insurance and how it can save your landlords.

 

• LEGAL: Direct marketing and how it can earn you a £500,000 fine.

 

• COMMENT: How to manage the credit squeeze and defaulting tenants.

 

• MARKETING: Don't be afraid of Artificial Intelligence – it could boost your business – starting tomorrow!

 

• REDRESS: Too much pressure. The Property Ombudsman adjudicates on a complaint against an over-zealous agent.

 

•INTERVIEW: The agent who got into bed with billionaire, Warren Buffett.

Click here to read The Negotiator August issue is published – yours to read online, just click and flick!.