BREAKING NEWS – top 5 stories 19/02/2021

Estate Agent Networking Breaking News

GARY BARKER BECOMES GCTO OF CONNELLS (COUNTRYWIDE)

Gary Barker who I am lucky enough to know has been revealed as the Group Chief Technology Officer of Connells, which having acquired Countrywide will mean he will have a large job on his hands. That said he exactly the right man to do that job.

I had actually put in print some time ago that Gary Barker would be an excellent choice as CEO of Countrywide, which of course is now Connells. The point being that someone of Gary’s calibre, understanding the macro and micro landscape of tech in the real estate space, and what a profit looks like as he guided Reapit yearly into big EBITA million-pound increases – would be a huge asset. As the new GCTO in many ways this is the most important role, as agency competes against the backdrop of the 4th industrial (tech) revolution and consumers do things digitally.

DEXTERS GETS CASH INJECTION TO GROW

The Founder and Chairman of Dexters – Jeff Doble has just announced via a city trading announcement that via Oakley a private equity company further funding will be made available to grow the company by in excess of 60 branches.

Dexters continues its huge growth in the London sector, this extra investment is a shrewd move by the founder and Chair Jeff Doble, we have been watching his company’s business strategy for some time, and it shows that a forward moving policy, whatever the market conditions is always the right one. No doubt the lettings arm of the operation will continue as well.

CHESTERTONS OPENS UP IN … MOROCCO

Based in the capital Rabat, the company will service the surrounding areas of Tangier, Casablanca and Marrakech, the Chief of International Operations Gavin Vercoe, commented that, ‘This year is set to be an incredibly important one for our global expansion, and we are proud to make this step into a new region of the world through Chesterton’s Morocco’.

MAYBE BEING A HIGH NET WORTH INDIVIDUAL IS NOT ALL IT IS MADE OUT TO BE

Increasingly the HNWI tribe are being heralded as the group to be seen with and move in their circles, but a recent report by a specialised lender who arranges mortgage finance, has revealed that a fifth of these type of HNWI clients are unable to raise housing finance.

Which proves that in times of austerity, having money on paper is maybe not as good as having a PAYE position, though maybe not so many flights on private jets.

HOUSING MARKET FALLS SILENT WAITING ON STAMP DUTY CLARIFICATION

The housing market remains muted with little stock coming on due to uncertainty over the SDLT holiday. For some the 3rd of March – when the Chancellor speaks can not come quick enough.

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

Breaking News

Strong rental supply continues amid seasonal slowdown in demand

Rental supply remained resilient in October, continuing the strong trend seen throughout 2025. Overall, year-to-date figures show new listings up 10% compared with last year, highlighting a sustained improvement in market supply. Average rents edged down by 3% in October 2025 compared with September 2025, settling at £575 per week. This slight dip aligns with…
Read More
Home and Living

Why Choose Wooden Blinds for Your Home?

When it comes to selecting the right window treatments for your home, wooden blinds have long been a popular choice for many homeowners. They not only offer a classic and timeless aesthetic but also provide practical benefits such as durability, versatility, and eco-friendliness. If you’re looking for window coverings that combine style with functionality, wooden…
Read More
Breaking News

Falling rates and rising wages ease first-time buyer challenge

Typical first-time buyer home now costs 5.9 times average earnings – the lowest ratio since 2015 Average monthly mortgage payment is now £1,087 – around £259 less than renting Inverclyde in Scotland is the most affordable location in Britain, Kensington and Chelsea in London the least affordable Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages, Lloyds: “Lower mortgage…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Mansion Tax on Homes over £2 million

Comment on Mansion Tax being introduced for homes over £2 million and £5 million from April 2028 Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert says: “The property market needs less taxation not more, to encourage and enable movement. Today’s announcement of a Mansion Tax could lead to some distortion at the top end of the market, particularly…
Read More
Breaking News

Autumn Budget 2025: Property Industry Reacts

The Autumn Budget has confirmed a series of major housing and property tax reforms that will reshape the market over the coming years. The measures place particular emphasis on higher value homes, revised council tax structures and long term planning reform. Below is a breakdown of the announcements that directly affect the property market, together…
Read More
Breaking News

Solutions to fix construction skills

The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has released a report titled, ‘Skills to Build: Fixing Britain’s construction workforce crisis.’ After speaking to several organizations and having roundtables to garner a wide understanding of the sectors’ perspectives and needs, they have proposed twenty six recommendations that will fix the issues underpinning the skills crisis. Richard Beresford,…
Read More