BREAKING NEWS – top 4 stories 02/07/2021

July 2, 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. Want to contact me directly regarding one of my articles or maybe you'd like a chat about future articles? Email me via editor@stagingsite.estateagentnetworking.co.uk

You May Also Enjoy

for sale sign london
Overseas Property

Exploring Homes for Sale in Spain: A Guide for International Buyers

Spain has long been a top destination for international buyers looking to invest in real estate. Its combination of sunny beaches, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant cities makes it a favorite for those seeking both a holiday retreat and a valuable investment. With a growing market and diverse options, homes for sale in Spain…
Read More →
Home and Living

10 Tips for Moving Home

Moving home is an exciting yet challenging experience, requiring careful planning and organization. The moving process can be stressful if not handled properly, from sorting belongings to managing time. These 10 tips aim to make your move smooth and stress-free, helping you easily settle into your new space. 1. Start Planning Early The earlier you…
Read More →
Breaking News

A third of UK homes for sale are ‘chain-free’ reports Zoopla

Recent tax changes and incoming council tax premiums for second homes have unsettled property investors and second homeowners with some now looking to sell One week on from the Autumn budget, buyer enquiries for homes that are chain-free are 33 per cent higher compared to those not advertised as chain-free 41 per cent of two…
Read More →
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Rightmove’s weekly mortgage tracker 06/11/24

The average 5-year fixed mortgage rate is now 4.66%, down from 5.33% a year ago The average 2-year fixed mortgage rate is now 4.92%, down from 5.76% a year ago The average 85% LTV 5-year fixed mortgage rate is now 4.69%, down from 5.40% a year ago The average 60% LTV 5-year fixed mortgage rate is now 4.05%, down from 4.91% a year ago The average monthly mortgage payment on a…
Read More →
Overseas Property

Top reasons to consider buying a luxury villa in Phuket Thailand

Those who have worked hard for many years are often looking for ways to invest their cash so that they can enjoy life to the max in their advancing years. Some might decide to dabble in the stock market or insurance policies to enhance their savings, while others might look to purchase something more physical…
Read More →
How to add value to your home
Estate Agent Talk

5 Top Tips for Running a Business From Home

Have you ever wanted to start and run your own business from home? Although it’s an incredibly rewarding experience, it can be tough to set up and know where to start, especially if you have no business experience or background! Whether you want to run a small business, or have grand ambitions for eventual expansion,…
Read More →