Agency
Auction rooms getting busier as agents’ stock declines
A buzz around salesrooms as number of lots rise and attendances increase
News
Finance
MPs briefed on getting institutional investors into private rented sector
Build to Rent investors want affordable housing requirements cut back
Acquisitions
Countrywide to launch an online estate agency
Size of investment required being decided – company could launch its own brand or make acquisition
People
The big interview: Alison Platt, CEO of Countrywide
Gaining respect for Countrywide is a key goal for UK's largest estate agent, says boss
Agency
Sheffield United announces estate agent sponsor
Estate agent's name on stand will replace that of Jessica Ennis-Hill
Agency
Director affirms support for OnTheMarket after stepping down
Director Clive Rook decides not to stand for re-election, saying his own business needs him
Compliance
ARLA urges agents to check records before next week’s deadline
Next Tuesday is deadline for protection of historic deposit money
Finance
Mortgages for house purchase down 10% in a year
April's figures show annual falls for both home movers and first-time buyers
Lettings
Lettings industry is descending into disrepute – warning
Malcolm Harrison warns that landlords and tenants could start to negotiate fees down to unprofitability
Agency
Lawyers in ‘rip off’ case against Foxtons state their allegations
Legal firm sets out its arguments in 'secret profits' case against agent
Agency
Agents who charge contractors commission ‘have become the norm’
London maintenance firm says it now refuses to work for most agents
Agency
Hunters set to confirm stock market float
Flotation on AIM planned to take agent's value from £20m to £100m within three years
Law
Landlord fails in claim after tenant quits without notice
Landlord fails in attempt to get deduction from deposit after tenant breached contract
Agency
Agents thanked for voluntary ban on boards
University town looks set to make voluntary trial permanent
Compliance
Redress scheme to offer mediation as well as adjudication
Mediation may be suitable in a number of cases, says scheme
Other News
Asking prices set new record as market is starved of stock
Supply of property fails to respond after election – but demand rises
Law
Eric Walker calls for a ‘crimestopper’ for lettings industry
No one is taking responsibility when agents flout law, he says
Agency
Single-office business beats off giants to win Letting Agency of Year
John Paul of Castledene collects award for outstanding contribution