Comings & Goings
Snippets of industry news: Spicerhaart appoints estate agency director; Former Purplebricks national sales director joins market disrupter; Experienced property professional joins DLUHC
Marc da Silva
Eastwood in Nottinghamshire named Rightmove’s 2022 price hotspot
At the end of 2022, the average asking price for a home in Great Britain was 5.6% higher than 2021
More than 700,000 people in England and Wales lack central heating – ONS
A high number of people live in homes that do not meet basic standards
Winkworth expands further in south-west England
Winkworth says it would like to hear from property professionals who want to own their own business as it looks to expand further
Car smashes into estate agency’s office
Police were called to the scene after a car had been driven into the side of the building
Russian oligarchs face $95bn black hole thanks to sanctions
New data from Bloomberg has revealed Russia’s wealthiest oligarchs have lost more than $300m per day since the country’s invasion of Ukraine
Rightmove claims new records for activity on Boxing Day
Rightmove claims its visits over the Christmas period hit a record high
New fleet of Mini Cooper cars to help restore ‘pride’ at Foxtons, says Guy Gittins
The green Mini Cooper cars have been synonymous with the Foxtons brand since it expanded in London and the south-east 20 years ago
Purplebricks to increase fees
EYE broke the news at the start of December that Purplebricks is planning to hike its fees in the New Year
Number of property transactions falling through hits five-year high
There has been a consistent increase in the number of property transactions falling through
Homebuyer demand drops sharply
No parts of England have experienced property sales demand growth in the past year or the past quarter
Mortgage approvals sink to two-year low after mini-budget fiasco
Mortgage approvals at lowest level since early months of pandemic
Energy efficiency growing priority for renters
With energy costs expected to stay high this winter and beyond, energy efficiency has become an increasing priority for many homeowners and tenants
Rental market remained busy in December amid high demand
Void periods unchanged as tenant demand continues to come up against lack of stock
Letting agent handed 11-year ban
Agency boss hit with long-term ban after repeat abuse of Bounce Back Loan scheme
Franchisee acquires long-standing independent agency
The letting agency owner is retiring but will continue working as a consultant, while his former landlords are transitioned into the company
Estate agent delighted to receive award in King’s New Year’s Honours list
The estate agent is among a number of property professionals to receive New Year’s Honour recognition
Ex-estate agent sentenced to three years in prison for fraud
The former director of a Cheshire-based estate agency, promised to pay back all his victims, but has so far failed to do so
UK house prices continue to fall
House price growth slowed in all regions of the UK in December, with property values set to drop further in 2023
New referral scheme generates extra income for self-employed agents
New scheme will enable self-employed agents to earn extra commission