More than 500 estate and letting agents signed up for a live webinar debate looking at ‘Imminent Threats and Opportunities’ in 2021, which took place earlier today.

Zoe Bywater, director of lettings at Belvoir Bedford, joined David Smith of JMW Solicitors, MRI Software’s Trevor Youens, along with Fixflo MD Rajeev Nayyar for the hour-long industry panel debate, which kicked off at 11am.

Nayyar said: “Today, we brought different expertise and perspectives together for a healthy debate on key considerations for running a resilient letting business.”

The pandemic induced countless administrative and regulatory changes last year, including those on Right to Rent checks, arrears collection, and possession proceedings, but which temporary procedures are coming to an end this year?

What do agents need to do to stay on the right side of the ever-changing rules?

With the cliff-edge deadline for EICRs just little over a month away, the panel discussed how prepared agents and landlords in England actually are.

They also looked at regulatory changes, shifting rental demands and concerns over rent arrears, and whether the raised level of uncertainty in the market will drive out landlords.

How should agents prepare their business for potential market changes in 2021 and beyond? What can agents do to turn external and internal challenges into opportunities for their business and remain resilient?

Nayyar commented: “‘The only certainty is uncertainty’ — particularly for 2021. Various macro and micro factors could mean a turbulent ride through the year for the lettings industry, and this might well be the ride that makes or breaks a property business.”

Webinar attendees also posed questions directly to the panel in an extended Q&A session. If you missed the live debate, you can request replay to the webinar here.