Your round-up of the week's hot news from The Neg

<span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva; font-weight: bold;">Why Countrywide has launched a ‘game changer’ property MOT</span>

The largest player in the UK home surveying sector reveals its new service that will enable buyers to measure up a property prior to making an offer.

Click here to read <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva; font-weight: bold;">Why Countrywide has launched a ‘game changer’ property MOT</span>.

Housing minister hints at longer minimum length for tenancies — again

Esther McVey says longer tenancies promote better mental health for tenants and says a decision will be made after the AST consultation ends in October.

Click here to read Housing minister hints at longer minimum length for tenancies — again.

Purplebricks territory owner moves over to fledgling rival with national ambitions

Accommodation.co.uk reveals its first franchisees including Stockport agent Joe Grundy who has taken the local franchise.

Click here to read Purplebricks territory owner moves over to fledgling rival with national ambitions.

Estate agent told to tear down smart new branch exterior by planners

Despite replacing a shabby old shop and helping upgrade a formerly careworn street, Northern Ireland agency Adams McGillan has lost its planning battle.

Click here to read Estate agent told to tear down smart new branch exterior by planners.

Fees ban loophole: letting agents charging ‘pet rent’ to recoup lost revenue

Investigation shows agents and landlords charging between £15 and £50 extra per month for pets, a charge which the Tenant Fees Ban appears to have missed out.

Click here to read Fees ban loophole: letting agents charging ‘pet rent’ to recoup lost revenue.

‘Labour’s Right to Buy would kill off private rented market overnight’

Policy proposal from Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell receives a resounding thumbs down from the property industry.

Click here to read ‘Labour’s Right to Buy would kill off private rented market overnight’.

Agents big and small are closing branches, claims Belvoir

Its upbeat half-year report reveals increased average branch revenue, although four of its own closed after being merged with neighbouring offices.

Click here to read Agents big and small are closing branches, claims Belvoir.