Buy-to-let landlords are adapting well to incoming EPC standards
The government’s proposal to ensure that all new rental properties have an EPC rating of at least a C by 2025 or 2026 is already shaping investor buying behaviour.
Marc da Silva
Has rental platform Movebubble ceased trading?
There is growing speculation that rental platform Movebubble has closed, with the company’s website now offline and nobody at the firm returning calls or emails.
Significant increase in requests for rental guarantors
The number of landlords asking prospective tenants to provide guarantors ahead of renting a property has increased sharply, new research shows.
Countrywide signs major deal with customer review platform
Countrywide has announced a new deal that will see 49 of its brands use the ESTAS customer review platform, as part of its wider aim of increasing Google reviews.
Network group tries to lure agents with pledge to help them ‘make money’
The network group has reduced its subscription cost in a bid to appeal to more estate agents.
Trustpilot issues legal proceedings to help crack down on fake reviews
Review platform’s action is part of latest strategy to clampdown on fake reviews and misinformation online.
LSL’s mortgage broker Pivotal Growth completes second acquisition
LSL has announced that Pivotal Growth has completed the acquisition of Grange, a specialist new build mortgage and insurance brokerage based in Northampton.
Strike is UK’s fastest growing estate agency, new data shows
The hybrid agency, which aims to undercut traditional high street agents by offering vendors a free property sales service, is the fastest growing in the UK YoY by market share.
Estate agents among this year’s Strictly contestants – line up announced
This year's contestants include some well-known faces – all ready to don the sequins and compete for your votes.
New landlord licensing schemes are now live
All residents in properties that now require a licence will receive a letter explaining that licensing is now in operation and that their landlord will be required to apply.
Foxtons share price soars after disposal of D&G’s sales business is approved
Foxtons say that the disposal of the Douglas & Gordon sales business is expected to complete today.
Comings & Goings
Snippets of property industry news: Former apprentice to lead haart’s new Bristol Property Centre; Taylor Wimpey appoint first female CEO; New co-CEO at flatfair
Supply-demand imbalance ‘will continue to keep upwards pressure on prices’
House price growth in Britain hit a new six-month high last month, with potential room for further growth, despite the growing cost-of-living squeeze.
More than 14,000 claims to evict tenants made in Q4 2021
Some 14,433 county court claims were made by landlords across England and Wales between October and December 2021 to evict tenants, new data shows.
Prime London buyer demand stands at 72% above the five-year average
The housing market was once again defined by high demand and low supply in January.
Councils failing to use ‘powers’ to clampdown on rogue landlords
Findings, based on Freedom of Information Act requests, indicate that 56% of councils do not accurately record the number of complaints they receive concerning PRS housing.
Fast-expanding estate agency in Tip Top shape after completing acquisition
The fast growing estate agency has completed yet another purchase, and highlighted its appetite for more acquisitions this year.
New renting platform aims to cut out letting agents
A new online property letting website has been launched, offering to cut out the role of traditional letting agents and the fees which they charge landlords.
allAgents renews call for Trustpilot CEO to quit – claims ‘reputation’ in tatters
Martin McKenzie claims that Trustpilot only removed fake reviews about allAgents after instructing high court action, as the rift between the two firms grows.
Foxtons sells D&G: An ‘unbelievably good deal’ for CEO James Evans, says Russell Quirk
Russell Quirk talks to Christopher Watkin about the Douglas & Gordon sale. Watch the full interview here.