BREAKING NEWS – top 4 stories 02/07/2021

Estate Agent Networking Breaking News

Daily bite-sized proptech and real estate news in partnership with Proptech-X. Today, Stanton looks at Strike, The Property Ombudsman, Grenfell, and more.

 

  • Online estate agents Strike scales up with 80 new hires
  • Property Ombudsman ejects agents due to failings
  • After Grenfell cladding failure, maybe training is key to future safety
  • SDLT gains wiped out by huge house price increases

 

Online estate agents Strike scales up with 80 new hires

In today’s news, the online estate agent Strike, which was previously House Simple before it re-trenched from its aspirations of being a national agent brand and concentrated on the north, is looking for fresh recruits.

Based on an agency model of being free, unlike the typical “no sale, no fee” model, or even the online model of Purplebricks’ “pay upfront, sale or not”, it may be hard to understand how these new starts are going to earn a living.

Maybe the top man Sam Mitchell knows. Worryingly, if you look on their website, you have to take a £699 option if you want accompanied viewings (not very free) and there does seem to be a heavy emphasis on “free mortgage advice”, which possibly means the service is a sales funnel for financial services revenue.

Maybe Strike can enlighten me as to how free the model is. After all, its slogan is “A transparent experience, from start to finish”.

 

Property Ombudsman ejects agents due to failings

Seven property companies have been found wanting after being struck off the Property Ombudsman’s list of competent agents. Given that there are over 24,000 estate agents in the UK, and over 69,000 front line agents, statistically this is a tiny amount to fall foul of the regulator.

 

After Grenfell cladding failure, maybe training is key to future safety

Tens of thousands of people are living in accommodation that can not be sold or even have a new mortgage put in place, why? Due to the way in which external cladding has been installed.

Taking a root and branch approach, The National Federation of Roofing Contractors is looking, with CITB-funding, to put a framework of competency in place with regard to correct procedures to install cladding. It may be closing the stable door after the horse has bolted, but it is a start.

 

SDLT gains wiped out by huge house price increases

In some parts of the UK, despite up to £15,000 of savings on stamp duty at a purchase price of £500,000, the fact the actual property was formerly worth £25,000 less just a few months earlier has meant movers are worse off.

In a booming market, it seems a win for all, but as the last year saw house prices rise by 10 to 12% regionally, saving a few thousand thanks to the Chancellor’s give away wheeze may be backfiring, especially if the market cools and prices go negative.

Andrew Stanton

CEO & Founder Proptech-PR. Proptech Real Estate Influencer, Executive Editor of Estate Agent Networking. Leading PR consultancy in Proptech & Real Estate.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agents should not all look the same
Estate Agent Talk

How to Become an Estate Agent with No Experience

Breaking into the property industry can seem intimidating – especially if you’ve never worked in it before. But the good news? You don’t need years of experience or fancy qualifications to start a career as an estate agent in the UK. In fact, many successful estate agents started with no background in property at all.…
Read More
buying at auction uk
Estate Agent Talk

9 Advantages of Selling Your House by Auction

Selling your house by auction might seem like a daunting prospect, but it comes with numerous advantages that can make it a highly attractive option. While the traditional method of selling through an estate agent has its place, auctions are increasingly becoming a popular choice for homeowners looking for a swift and reliable sale. Here…
Read More
Breaking News

Majority of Tenants Unsure How Changes Will Affect Them, Says LRG

With major changes to the private rental sector on the horizon, 62% of tenants say they don’t know whether the government’s Renters’ Rights Bill will address their concerns – highlighting a growing need for clearer communication around what the reforms will mean in practice. LRG’s latest Lettings Report shows that while landlords are widely aware…
Read More
Home and Living

Perfume Storage Tips: How to Keep Your Fragrances Fresh

Perfumes are sensitive compositions that can be significantly affected by how they are stored. Proper storage ensures that your favorite fragrances stay fresh and maintain their intended scent profile. In this article, we’ll explore practical, fun, and effective tips to help you preserve your perfumes in perfect condition. Understanding the Sensitivity of Perfumes Perfumes are…
Read More
Breaking News

Renters’ Rights Bill Delay Causing Uncertainty for Tenants and Landlords

Ministers need to tell landlords and tenants when measures in the Renters’ Rights Bill will take effect the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is today warning. The Government pledged last year to abolish Section 21 ‘no explanation’ repossessions and to make other changes to the rental market this summer. With the Bill not scheduled to…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 02/04/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Made Snappy 360 appoints new CEO and Sales Director to accelerate growth in the property technology space Made Snappy 360, the fast-growing proptech company known for its virtual tours and floor plan technology, has appointed industry veteran Mark Beresford-Ward as its new Chief Executive…
Read More