Your round-up of the week's top news

Foxtons gambles on fees ban by not hiking charges to landlords

The famously bullish estate agency says that despite lower revenues in lettings, the tactic has already helped the company gain more market share.

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In his own words: why James Pendleton boss is happy to be kicked off OnTheMarket

Lee Pendleton provides the fascinating backdrop to his run-in with the portal and why he'd be happy to pay for its service if the figures added up.

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It’s time to police Airbnb and other short-lets platforms, says Lord Best

Lord Best, architect of the RoPA proposals that will see estate agents regulated by 2022, says such a huge housing sector can no longer carry on unsupervised.

Click here to read It’s time to police Airbnb and other short-lets platforms, says Lord Best.

RICS fines Countrywide after it admits breaking rules on client money protection

Decision follows a hearing in Birmingham yesterday during which it was revealed that the agency had improperly transferred £10 million of client funds over a ten-year period.

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Exclusive: what to expect when RoPA becomes law, from its chief architect

Lord Best talks about RoPA and the significant changes it will soon bring about for estate agents and later house builders, landlords and freeholders.

Click here to read Exclusive: what to expect when RoPA becomes law, from its chief architect.

Why Live Chat matters, and what to look out for

Live chat is increasingly the preferred communication channel online, and all types of businesses now offer this communication channel as standard. Andy Soloman of Yomdel explains how it can help agents.

Click here to read Why Live Chat matters, and what to look out for.