Agency
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.
News
Acquisitions
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.
Agency
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.
Training
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.
Finance
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.
Charity
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.
Charity
Home learning computers appeal has raised over £19,000 so far
Agents and industry suppliers are encouraged to help schools during lockdown.
Finance
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.
Compliance
Covid: Estate agency branches provide ‘an unsafe environment’
Safety in the workplace remains a major issue during the current lockdown.
Law
Substantial rent arrears exemption is a ‘welcome change for landlords’
Eviction ban: The threshold for “substantial rent arrears” has been reduced to six months.
Acquisitions
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.
Compliance
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”.
People
Comings and Goings
John D Wood & Co. announce senior appointments; Ringley appoints new COO; ERE Property unveil growth plans
Agency
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.
Finance
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.
Acquisitions
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.
Politics
Stamp duty holiday extension – MP calls for action after debate is postponed
The chair of the Petitions Committee Catherine McKinnell MP calls on the government to urgently make plans to restart petitions debates.
Tech
New property portal is now live
Independent estate agents want to ‘take back control’ and reduce costs by launching an alternative local portal.
Compliance
A regulatory scandal
Russell Quirk offers his thoughts on the recent revelations surrounding both the RICS and NAEA Propertymark.
Finance
Many prospective home movers are in ‘limbo’ as tax relief deadline nears
Home buyers are keen to complete before the stamp duty holiday ends, but the next few weeks could be challenging.