Your round-up of the week's top news

Purplebricks share price drops as former sales director joins high street rival

The hybrid agency's stock hit 98p a share this week, as the brain drain of senior figures from its business continues apace.

Click here to read Purplebricks share price drops as former sales director joins high street rival.

LSL reveals ongoing pain of its branch closure programme

Ten months after it reduced its branch count by over 120 offices, the company is still taking a considerable hit to its revenues.

Click here to read LSL reveals ongoing pain of its branch closure programme.

The world’s first blockchain property portal to launch in UK

OpenBricks says its technology will enable agents to vote democratically on every aspect of its operation including fee levels and marketing expenditure for £100 per month per branch.

Click here to read The world’s first blockchain property portal to launch in UK.

Why getting rid of ground rents could be a disaster for managing agents

Government plans to eliminate ground rents will put property managers out of business, leave residents vulnerable and frighten off investment.

Click here to read Why getting rid of ground rents could be a disaster for managing agents.

Countrywide shares jump by 14% following Lambert Smith Hampton sale announcement

Company says its soon-to-be former commercial arm is consuming too much management time as it tries to turnaround its core residential business.

Click here to read Countrywide shares jump by 14% following Lambert Smith Hampton sale announcement.

Orderrrr! What former Speaker of the House John Bercow really thinks now he’s free

Released from the shackles of office, Bercow told a packed room at The Negotiator Conference last Friday his views on Brexit, the General Election and accusations that he was not impartial as Speaker.

Click here to read Orderrrr! What former Speaker of the House John Bercow really thinks now he’s free.

Shake your tinsel! The five best estate agent Xmas videos so far this year

Yes, it's that time of year again. Despite being just five days into December, estate agents around the UK have been busy with their video cameras. Could you do better?

Click here to read Shake your tinsel! The five best estate agent Xmas videos so far this year.

Regional market report – Nottingham, Billericay, Dartmoor

Each month we visit three agents across the country to discover what is happening in their local market. This month we meet members of the Guild of Property Professionals in Nottinghamshire, Essex and Devon.

Click here to read Regional market report – Nottingham, Billericay, Dartmoor.