The Negotiator - The essential site for residential agents

ASA race rap | Market damage 'overestimated' | Lettings consolidation

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!

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!.

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

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.

Foxtons finally feels the 'Gittins gold' as profits surge 10%

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%.

Has peak rental demand peaked passed? New data says yes

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.

Purplebricks launches national £999 selling fee under new ownership

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.

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'.

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

 

Big agency launches ‘super branch’ in historic Midlands city

The Grade II listed Coventry building dates back to the early 19th Century and was once the home of the organist at the city's Cathedral. 

Click here to read Big agency launches ‘super branch’ in historic Midlands city.

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.

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 .

Dinner invite to estate agency seniors issued by leading industry duo

Baldock brothers are organising their latest central London dinner gathering for all comers who are owners or directors of agencies.

Click here to read Dinner invite to estate agency seniors issued by leading industry duo.

Propertymark to probe leading lettings firm after BBC investigation

Student Haus has suspended a member of staff after being accused of letting a sub-standard property to students and faking a signature.

Click here to read Propertymark to probe leading lettings firm after BBC investigation.

BLOG: Open Banking WILL help 'generation rent' onto housing ladder

Jon Hart of Moneyhub Enterprise, says Open Banking can help renters get on the housing ladder by allowing them to share data with lenders to give real-time details of their spending.

Click here to read BLOG: Open Banking WILL help 'generation rent' onto housing ladder.

Fancy that! Damage to sales market from high interest rates 'overestimated'

On average sellers across the UK achieved 96.6% of their original asking price, a decrease from the 99.4% achieved in 2022.

Click here to read Fancy that! Damage to sales market from high interest rates 'overestimated'.

Shocking two-thirds of renters 'reporting maintenance problems in homes'

Top problems include leaks or problems with plumbing as well as general repairs, energy supply, repairs not being carried out and damp or mould.

Click here to read Shocking two-thirds of renters 'reporting maintenance problems in homes'.

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PayProp UK boss Neil Cobbold says that the government’s flagship legislation for the private rented sector remains in limbo.

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Research from Legal & General reveals the number of applicants reliant on gifted deposits was up by 10% in November.

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December-January 2024 issue is published! Yours to read online now – just click and flip!

IN THIS ISSUE:

• COVER FEATURE: Cyber crime – how to prepare for a cyber attack on your business.

 

• Feature: Recruitment and training – you don't have to train your staff, but then you don't have to be successful either!

 

• House price analysis: Kate Faulkner interprets the latest indices.

 

• Comment: Adam Walker asks why rents are rocketing and points a finger at the culprit.

 

• Interview: Hannah Chappatte of Hybr, a student letting platform that's causing a stir.

 

• Marketing: Google Business Profiles – how to set one up and get your agency ranking high.

 

• Comment: Purplebricks and OnTheMarket  – both have a big year ahead, says Nigel Lewis,

 

• And much more!

Click here to read December-January 2024 issue is published! Yours to read online now – just click and flip!.

Big agency swoops to buy Nick Dunning's Stirling Ackroyd group

Michael Cook and Leaders Romans Group buy Stirling Ackroyd, Alexander & Co and Peter Ball as part of a major expansion.

Click here to read Big agency swoops to buy Nick Dunning's Stirling Ackroyd group.

Ooh la la! Starry agency cold-starts two more branches on Côte d'Azur

Beauchamp Estates is targeting luxury resorts of Mougins and St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and capitalise on post-pandemic return of super-rich buyers.

Click here to read Ooh la la! Starry agency cold-starts two more branches on Côte d'Azur.

Big estate agency trio embrace deposit alternative 

Ben Grech of Reposit announces deals with three agencies, including Symonds & Sampson, as the firm enjoys a big increase in sales.

Click here to read Big estate agency trio embrace deposit alternative .

Watchdog upholds 'racial stereotyping' complaint against industry recruitment firm

Outsourceful's mailshot used language which supported 'racial and ethnic stereotypes' the Advertising Standards Authority has said.

Click here to read Watchdog upholds 'racial stereotyping' complaint against industry recruitment firm.

BLOG: A huge vote of confidence in the lettings market

A major acquisition of three big brands in the lettings market signals buy to let is not dead, but consolidation is on its way, says Adam Walker. 

Click here to read BLOG: A huge vote of confidence in the lettings market.