Interest rates could fall to 2.5%, economist predicts
An influential economic research firm predicts that the Bank of England will cut interest rates further than financial markets are currently forecasting
Marc da Silva
Comings & Goings
Snippets of industry news: Knight Frank announces new head of sales; Sotheby’s International Realty strengthens private client service; Savills Ski opens in Gstaad
Zoopla enhances search functionality with unique local area details
The property portal says it is using connections with third-party data providers and local council authorities to provide exclusive insight
The letting industry is facing a growing threat from fraud, new report says
Technology could potentially help with safeguarding in the rental market?
Rising buyer confidence offers opportunities for estate agents as sales pipeline strengthens
The increase in homes available for sale has improved choice, and with buyer confidence recovering and more transactions being agreed
How to spot Japanese knotweed before it is too late
Approximately 5% of UK properties are affected by Japanese knotweed, research shows
Safeagent overhauls its Client Money Protection scheme pricing for agents
The changes will result in the many of the accredited firms seeing a change to the amount they pay on the cost of their inclusion under safeagents' CMP scheme
Estate agents cutting asking prices ‘to entice buyers’ – claim
January can be a great time to bag a bargain in the sales, says estate agent
Estate agents and portals accused of failing consumers
HomeOwners Alliance says prospective buyers are not getting the critical information estate agents are legally required to provide about the property upfront
Landlords to be banned from demanding several months’ rent in advance
Ministers must provide clarity on how tenants unable to easily demonstrate their ability to afford and sustain their tenancies should do so, says NRLA
Letting agency handed huge fine and and owner ordered to do community service for falling foul of HMO rules
Agency punished for illegally overcrowded properties and harassing tenants
Comings & Goings
Snippets of industry news: Iain Powis appointed to senior role at Bidwells; New regional managing director for untypical firm; Well-know buying agent sets up own firm
Start Up Loan helps new estate agency launch
The British Business Bank Start Up Loans programme provides government backed loans of up to £25,000 per individual, up to a maximum of £100,000 per business
New call tracking service launched to help estate agents unlock their marketing ROI
Phone calls remain a critical part of the customer journey, particularly for businesses in the property industry
Scrap planning restrictions to fix housing crisis, says The Institute of Economic Affairs
There is an urgent need for fundamental reform to the planning system to solve Britain's housing crisis, the IEA argues
Milestone acquisition by LSL’s mortgage broker Pivotal Growth
The group has grown to revenues in excess of £70m with over 800 employees
TV personality stars in new parody Rightmove advert featuring local estate agents
Watch the new video here
Angela Rayner commits to leasehold reform and to boost housebuilding and infrastructure
Angela Rayner faced the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee yesterday - watch now
Well-established agencies make new office moves
Plenty of room for growth
Housebuilding slows in blow to government
Record-low planning permissions highlight the challenge for the Government to boost housing supply