Your weekend digest of news, comment and features

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.

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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.

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Propertymark renews industry call for battle against rent cap

Trade body's policy chief wants letting agents and landlords to join the fight against a rent cap and eviction ban north of the border.

Click here to read Propertymark renews industry call for battle against rent cap.

Housing market 'downbeat' at moment but set to pick up, says RICS<br />

Surveying trade body says its poll of agents shows enquiries, sales and prices are all down, but there is some optimism for later this year.

Click here to read Housing market 'downbeat' at moment but set to pick up, says RICS<br />.

Connells Group parent firm to offer renters deposit-free mortgages<br />

Tenants who cannot afford to save for a deposit will be eligible for a new mortgage from the Skipton Building Society, says CEO.

Click here to read Connells Group parent firm to offer renters deposit-free mortgages<br />.

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

TPO expels eight agents, including one for 'severe breaches'<br />

The Property Ombudsman has removed eight agencies for a range of failures, including one where the police were involved.

Click here to read TPO expels eight agents, including one for 'severe breaches'<br />.

Holiday lets to need planning approval under government clampdown

Housing secretary says he wants to stop short-term lets pricing local people out of the housing market in tourist hotspots.

Click here to read Holiday lets to need planning approval under government clampdown.

High profile hybrid estate agency shutters high street hubs

Agent & Homes has slammed the door shut on its high street operations after the hybrid agency decided that it simply wasn’t working.

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Purplebricks and Strike given more time to complete sale talks

Strike now has until 10th May to  decide whether to make a formal offer for Purplebricks after more 'detailed' negotiations in recent weeks.

Click here to read Purplebricks and Strike given more time to complete sale talks.

FEATURE: Is it time for your annual website MOT?

... or is it way overdue. Technology moves quickly, says Charlotte Flake. She speaks to the experts to bring us up to speed.

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FEATURE: Finance for property 

Richard Reed asks mortgage industry experts their view on how interest rates will play out over 2023 and what will be on offer to buyers.

Click here to read FEATURE: Finance for property .

COMMENT: The housing transaction – not fit for purpose.

Nigel Lewis witnesses at first hand the utter frustration the English way of house-buying and selling wreaks on the hapless public. Something must be done...

Click here to read COMMENT: The housing transaction – not fit for purpose..