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.



REACTION: UK to avoid recession this year, claims Chancellor during Budget<br />

The UK is expected to avoid a technical recession this year according to the Office for Budget Responsibility, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt told the House of Commons in his Spring Budget.

Click here to read REACTION: UK to avoid recession this year, claims Chancellor during Budget<br />.



Government delays publication of How to Rent Guide<br />

An updated version of the renting checklist – which must be issued by both letting agents and landlords to new tenants or those renewing – was held back yesterday.

Click here to read Government delays publication of How to Rent Guide<br />.



Estate agency warns building homes in London 'no longer viable'<br />

The Capital's position as one of the best cities in the world to build property is 'under threat' unless the Chancellor lowers taxes, agency and developers agree.

Click here to read Estate agency warns building homes in London 'no longer viable'<br />.



Strike in talks with Purplebricks about takeover bid<br />

Purplebricks has given rival a deadline to put in a formal offer or withdraw following its recent 'for sale' announcement.

Click here to read Strike in talks with Purplebricks about takeover bid<br />.



Back to the branch? Love Island estate agent finishes third

Samie Elishi, who is a senior estate agent co-ordinator, reached the final of the smash hit TV show with her partner Tom Clare.

Click here to read Back to the branch? Love Island estate agent finishes third.



The March 2023 issue of The Negotiator Magazine is published! It's yours to read now, just click and flip!

52 pages of interviews, market analysis, industry news and products and services for estate and letting agents. Free to read – just click below.

Click here to read The March 2023 issue of The Negotiator Magazine is published! It's yours to read now, just click and flip!.



Leicester sign board clampdown to continue – with £2500 fine!

Leicester City Council has announced that it is intending to continue with its law to stop agents and landlords from putting up 'To Let' sign boards in student areas of the city.

Click here to read Leicester sign board clampdown to continue – with £2500 fine!.



Estate agent to pay £25,000 after HMO safety offence conviction

Council inspectors found an electric meter had been tampered with and fire safety issues at a property in Northampton.

Click here to read Estate agent to pay £25,000 after HMO safety offence conviction.



Poundland slams Foxtons as it moves into former branch

Estate agency's huge East Dulwich branch is soon to become a Poundland, much to the consternation of some locals.

Click here to read Poundland slams Foxtons as it moves into former branch.



Tribunal rules in first case since landmark rent repayment decision

Landlord Sabour Mansour tried unsuccessfully to use the Rakusen vs Jepsen ruling to avoid rent repayment orders

Click here to read Tribunal rules in first case since landmark rent repayment decision.



FEATURE: Mining data for leads

Richard Reed explains how using local information and data can set your agency apart and bring new instructions.

Click here to read FEATURE: Mining data for leads.