BREAKING NEWS – top 5 stories 24/06/2021

Estate Agent Networking Breaking News

CMA TURNS UP THE HEAT ON NEW HOME LEASEHOLD SCANDAL

After two years of setting up an investigation, where the CMA (competitions and Marketing Authority) looked closely into the widespread practice of making some new homes subject to a leasehold agreement, where charges could be racked up, making some properties unsaleable, and owners facing huge bills they had not expected – Persimmon has now broken cover and said it will remedy the situation.

It will allow buyers to have the option to buy the leasehold interest, so they are in charge, and remove clauses that are considered unfair. The CMA has made it clear that is other NHB do not fall in line they can expect to be prosecuted.

Many buyers bought properties, oblivious to what the leasehold provision tied them into, and many of the freeholders became freeholders to the leases as they were a good financial return. I wonder if the solicitors who did the original conveyancing will get caught up in this debacle.

CRM REAPIT BEGINS JOINT CONVEYANCING TRIAL WITH LAW SOCIETY

Mighty Reapit with CCO Paul Starkey, are starting a test phase of the use of the Law society’s new baby the TA6 Part 1 transaction form. This follows government thinking that buyer’s should have a deeper knowledge of property upfront. It remains to be seen how my little estate agent brethren will take to it.

8TH JULY – YOTI HOST TECHNOLOGY TRENDS AND STRATEGY IN THE PROPERTY SECTOR

Soon YOTI will be hosting a Webinar outlining where the property industry is going, the CEO Robin Tombs, and Real estate Technology luminary Gary Barker will be there, with myself, it will be a really useful insight into what is going on. Insight, humour and all your friends, see you there.

To listen in between 11 and 12 – on the 8th of July –

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/4116233108572/WN_Vv8AVhq_Qc-zZSLNLjsklw

PETER EVERETT LEAVES OFFR AND NOW IS TO BE COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR AT YOPA

YOPA is looking to beef up its ability to grow, with the news that ex-Offr man Peter Everett is going to be heading up their strategy. Previously Peter was at Hamptons for a long period.

INSTRUCTIONS DOWN BY 25%

In the latest analysis of homes coming to the market, comparing the same period, instructions are down by 25%, this may be the Euros, end of stamp duty holiday, or holidays themselves, but at this rate a slowing of new stock to the market, traditional in late July, might mean that the steam is at last coming out of the market.

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

As RRA Changes Loom, Thoughts from the Industry

Overview of changes due via RRA as of Friday 1st May Abolish section 21 evictions and move to a simpler tenancy structure where all assured tenancies are periodic – providing more security for tenants. Ensure possession grounds are fair to both tenants and landlords – giving tenants more security, while ensuring landlords can reasonably recover…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Three steps landlords should take to pet-proof properties under new laws

With new pet rental rules set to come into force on the 1st of May, landlords are being urged to act quickly to prepare their properties and policies. The changes come at a time when demand for pet-friendly homes is far outpacing supply, with up to 13 million dogs across the UK but fewer than…
Read More
Breaking News

Market continues to build momentum

Foxtons Lettings Market Index – March 2026 Market continues to build momentum, recovering from winter slowdown as supply strengthens   Lettings market continues to build momentum as we move further into the spring period. While renter demand remains below last year’s levels, March performance shows continued recovery from the winter slowdown. Market entering critical period…
Read More
to let sign 2025
Letting Agent Talk

41% of letting agents unaware of rent rule changes

The latest research by The Letting Partnership has found that a significant proportion of letting agents remain unaware of key changes to rent in advance rules under the Renters’ Rights Act, despite the reforms coming into force from 1st of May 2026 and almost 40% of agents still taking more than one month’s rent up front.…
Read More
Home and Living

How homeowners can fight back against rising energy bills

New research from Yopa warns that millions of homeowners are set to be hit with a 14% jump in energy bills this summer, wiping out recent savings and piling fresh pressure on household finances. In response, Yopa has analysed which home improvements are most effective at reducing energy use, looking at both the typical savings delivered…
Read More
Breaking News

Homes selling as fast as last year

First time buyers in outer London hit hardest as higher borrowing costs and  high stamp duty costs weigh on sales times   The average time to sell a home is just 1 day longer than last year at 33 days, despite higher mortgage rates and 2 months of conflict in the Middle East However, areas…
Read More