Acquisitions
Countrywide shares shoot up on speculation that a buyer could be lurking in the wings
Countrywide shares race up – but a big percentage rise is worth only a penny
News
Agency
More new sellers coming to the market almost everywhere except London
Zoopla says it is clamping down on agents who should have taken down old sales and lettings listings
People
More people would come into estate agency if they had to get a qualification
Recruiter says more school leavers would be attracted to estate agency as a career if there was a qualification involved
Agency
Humberts says today’s market is a ‘buoyant one to sell in’
Market is not recessionary but hampered by lack of supply, says agent
People
Zoopla entrepreneur Chesterman revs up his next business
Zoopla founder gets ready to shake up the secondhand car business
Finance
Surveyors warn that house purchase mortgage market has plateaued
Home owners rather than buyers are benefiting from the best rates
Politics
Chancellor denies Times story as he rules out changing Stamp Duty to make sellers liable
Red faces at The Times as front page story that Chancellor will change Stamp Duty to make sellers liable turns out to be fake news
Acquisitions
Mystery predator targeting Countrywide could put in bid to buy UK’s largest estate agent
Potential buyer weighing up possible 'contrarian' bid for Countrywide
Law
Conveyancing ‘log-jam’ as properties taking longer to get from under offer to exchange
Agents waiting longer for their money as time taken for sales agreed to get to exchange is at a five-year high, says Rightmove
Lettings
Half of current landlords would not go near buy-to-let now
Half of landlords say they would not enter the private rentals market now
Compliance
Licensing specialist warns that council’s advice could land agents and landlords in trouble
HMO licensing consultant calls on councils to give accurate advice
Politics
Londoners paying ‘disproportionate’ levels of Stamp Duty – claim
Is the controversial property tax unfair on London buyers?
Acquisitions
Tenancy deposit replacement scheme raises over £9m in financial backing
Ex-Savills chief Jeremy Helsby joins funding round led by American equity firm
Law
Landlords face paying up to £55k to evict rogue tenants, claim
Analysis reveals the cost of lost rent, legal fees and fixing damaged properties
Lettings
Eric Walker becomes consultant to firm getting set to launch tenants’ passports
Ex-Belvoir managing director to act as adviser for new property passports
Finance
Mortgage approvals hit highest level so far this year
Mortgage market remains down on a year ago despite June boost
Agency
Auction firm iamsold appoints ex-ZPG boss Mark Goddard as chairman
Modern method of auction provider announces jump in revenues
People
Matterport hires former Foxtons man for UK team as it plans European expansion
New recruit to Matterport will help mastermind firm's expansion across Europe
Agency
Independent agent founded by ex-footballer marks 25 years in the sector
Agent started with three directors in 1994 and now has 39 staff
Agency
Agent warns firms to check out ‘blue-chip employers’ wanting company lets for senior staff
Agents warned to be on their guard over recruitment companies looking for accommodation for temps