It’s been another hectic week for the industry with acquisitions and potential regulatory changes.

First, CMP is back on the table

This government seems to love U-turns but for a change this one potentially benefits the industry.

Baroness Hayter has successfully got an amendment in the Housing and Planning Bill to provide powers to make lettings agents ringfence tenant and landlord money in separate accounts.

Only last week housing minister Brandon Lewis had appeared to have ruled out introducing client money protection for lettings agents.

EYE readers are already excited: WGC said: “Anyone know when this might come into law – assuming it does the clock is ticking on any letting agent who had his fingers in the till as they’ll have to settle up …”

Second:  £75 million!

That is the price paid by portal Zoopla for Property Software Group, the major suppliers of software systems such as Vebra, Alto, Jupix, Core and CFP.

Zoopla said the deal would provide the UK property industry’s first end-to-end solution for property professionals.

It is paying £75m on a cash-free, debt-free basis payable in cash, with £47m  payable on completion, £22m payable six months after completion and £3m payable each of 12 and 24 months after completion.

Third: Why did you start in agency?

On the Arena forum EYE readers have been discussing why they started in agency.

Clarkuk said: “Being a high street estate agent gives me everything I want: stability, the chance to earn on top of my basic, the chance to further myself, and the company I work for are far ahead of the competition.  It’s a job to be proud of.”