Agents offered sales incentive trip to Dubai despite tighter Covid restrictions
Chairman pushes agents to meet sales targets amid coronavirus pandemic.
TOP NEWS STORIES
Alchemy rules out new Countrywide bid as Connells takeover moves forward
Connells agreed terms to acquire Countrywide last month.
Hunters once again extends takeover talks with TPFG
TPFG is hoping to add Hunters, which has more than 200 branches across the country, to its portfolio of high-profile chains, which includes Ellis & Co, EweMove, Martin & Co and Parkers.
AML, risk assessments and property agency – expert’s view
Agents should be looking to revise their own policy based on the new national risk assessment.
Mr & Mrs Clarke embarks on recuitment drive
The hybrid agency, which operates a self-employed business model without a high street office, is looking to add to the 14 franchised partner agents it already has in place.
The Guild of Property Professionals joins the Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Significant fall in number of properties owned by overseas firms
The number of properties in England and Wales owned by overseas companies has dropped by 4,000 since the EU referendum.
Hundreds of homes available for NHS workers free of charge
The TrustedStays scheme is supported by some of the UK’s major players in the short-term accommodation industry.
Home learning computers appeal has raised over £19,000 so far
Agents and industry suppliers are encouraged to help schools during lockdown.
Buyers can “lock in” the stamp duty holiday on new homes, says tax expert
Calls to the chancellor to extend the stamp duty holiday may not work – but new build home buyers could benefit if they act now.
Covid: Estate agency branches provide ‘an unsafe environment’
Safety in the workplace remains a major issue during the current lockdown.
Substantial rent arrears exemption is a ‘welcome change for landlords’
Eviction ban: The threshold for “substantial rent arrears” has been reduced to six months.
Challenger property portal signs up Barratt Developments
A number of high-profile agencies list on OneDome, which has signed up the largest housebuilder in the UK to its search proposition.
RICS orders independent review into handling of governance scandal
BDO warned RICS was at risk of “unidentified fraud, misappropriation of funds and misreporting of financial performance”.
Comings and Goings
John D Wood & Co. announce senior appointments; Ringley appoints new COO; ERE Property unveil growth plans
Social media discussion: Do UK estate agents deserve their reputation?
On Sunday at 7pm Russell Quirk will be joined by Graham Lock of FIA and others in discussing why it is that UK estate agents get a hard time.
Transactions ‘reach fever pitch’ as buyers rush to get deals over the line
A number of people are hoping that the chancellor bows to pressure and extends the stamp duty holiday deadline.
Winkworth continues expansion plans in the East of England
Chief executive Dominic Agace says Winkworth is keen to talk to independent agents or those who would like to start their own businesses in the region.