Compliance
Thousands of agents set to break CMP legal requirement ‘after struggling to open client accounts’
Agents trying to open client accounts may struggle to put compulsory Client Money Protection in place by deadline
News
Agency
Agents’ anger as Rightmove puts up their subscriptions – ‘Our annual slap in the face’
One agent says they will be paying more to Rightmove than combined costs of other portals, office rent and software
Law
The Deposit Diaries: The importance of taking notice
Michael Morgan, director of dispute resolution at TDS, discusses a recent decision by an adjudicator
Compliance
Compulsory electric tests to be introduced every five years for rental homes
Introduction will be phased in over two years – but no timescale given yet for introduction
Lettings
Tenants warned to strap in for ‘rocky ride’ as fees ban approaches
Tenants warned that fees ban means it is only a matter of time before rents rise
Agency
Planning a fund-raiser this year? Then a grant from Agents Giving could help
Grants can help agents with set-up costs for fundraising events
Law
Opinion piece: Conveyancing needs to get a move on – and embrace technology
There might be new case management systems – but it's only like putting a different shade of lipstick on the conveyancing pig
Lettings
Lettings manager jailed after stealing from employer who ‘trusted him like a son’
Betrayal: Lettings manager addicted to gambling sentenced after £302,000 theft from agency
Other News
Are property transactions now under the 1m mark per year? Yes, says one source
Have house sales slipped below the 'magic' one million mark each year?
Agency
Deal or no deal – agent’s new adverts are the real deal
Agent's new adverts are as topical as could be (and manage not to mention the B word)
People
Connells Group mourns death of popular colleague and area director
Michael O'Flaherty dies after 45 years with same business, leaving a legacy full of wit, energy and fun
Politics
House price growth halves in five years as market remains in ‘post-Brexit vote phase’
Zoopla predicts slowing price growth will benefit first-time buyers
Compliance
Industry regulator publishes consumer guide for unhappy leaseholders
Leaseholders dissatisfied with their purchases told how to complain
Other News
Land Registry records December slump but activity is still up on last year
Registered transactions down at end of year
Law
Influential think tank calls on Government to abolish ‘no fault’ evictions in England
Regulations controlling private rented sector 'not fit for purpose' says new report calling for sweeping reforms
Agency
Dual fees paid to estate agents a growing issue, says Ombudsman
Ombudsman dealing with more complaints from sellers about being charged by two sets of agents
Other News
Brexit uncertainty hits home as sales dwindle in largest annual fall since last crash
Property supply hits a four-year high but sales continue to decline
Lettings
Ministers told energy performance target for rental homes is ‘unrealistic’
ARLA says minimum EPC rating is not possible – and that its own members are advising landlords to sell rather than improve
Lettings
Rents on the rise while one in ten of all tenancies in arrears
Rents up by under 2% in a year – but tenants' finances under strain
Acquisitions
Franchising business aims for second successive record year after 16 new openings
Century 21 to open another ten new offices by end of March