Your weekend roundup of top news




Treasury is regretting Stamp Duty holiday now, claims leading expert<br />

Professor Michael Ball says policy is causing more problems than it solves as thousands scramble to complete by 31st March

Click here to read Treasury is regretting Stamp Duty holiday now, claims leading expert<br />.



Covid will help kill off suit wearing among agents, claims former senior director<br />

Mike Dibble, who until retiring was a high flyer at Bradleys, says pandemic will change many things in the industry – including business attire.


Click here to read Covid will help kill off suit wearing among agents, claims former senior director<br />.



Parliamentary Stamp Duty holiday debate to go ahead on Monday<br />

Petitions committee circumvents ban on Westminster Hall debates with online meeting at 4.30pm on 1st February.

Click here to read Parliamentary Stamp Duty holiday debate to go ahead on Monday<br />.



Leap of faith: Why I quit estate agency to become a buying agent<br />

Surrey agent Deborah Moriarty explains what drove her to take a new direction into property search. Would you?

Click here to read Leap of faith: Why I quit estate agency to become a buying agent<br />.



The Negotiator Magazine January issue – looking to take on more staff? Read this first.<br />

Coping with the current rush? Need more staff? Richard Reed talks to the leading property recruitment specialist to see what kind of talent is out there.

Click here to read The Negotiator Magazine January issue – looking to take on more staff? Read this first.<br />.



Connells Group buys up Countrywide shares of rival ahead of deal vote

Agency says it has agreed to buy 895,360 shares off Alchemy, which at one point was poised to buy Countrywide.

Click here to read Connells Group buys up Countrywide shares of rival ahead of deal vote.



Zoopla is now ‘more than just a digital noticeboard’ as it reveals big changes

Portal has re-launched itself to estate agents with new products and a change in direction as sector competition hots up

Click here to read Zoopla is now ‘more than just a digital noticeboard’ as it reveals big changes.



‘We will break Rightmove’ promises LocalMove portal chief

Nigel Deekes sets out how his 'locally focussed' property portal will succeed where others have failed to knock Rightmove off its perch.

Click here to read ‘We will break Rightmove’ promises LocalMove portal chief.



Mortgage lenders asks Minister to back ‘phased approach’ to Stamp Duty deadline

New UK Finance CEO holds talks with Housing Secretary at Ministry covering Stamp Duty but also leasehold and cladding issues.

Click here to read Mortgage lenders asks Minister to back ‘phased approach’ to Stamp Duty deadline.



Martin & Co parent group to buy Hunters for £24 million

TPFG has made the offer, which it says shareholders back, after nearly two months of negotiations.

Click here to read Martin & Co parent group to buy Hunters for £24 million.



Stamp duty deadline must be extended or risk economy, says leading estate agency

Carter Jonas joins growing chorus to extend stamp duty holiday March deadline ahead of parliamentary debate.

Click here to read Stamp duty deadline must be extended or risk economy, says leading estate agency.