BREAKING PROPERTY NEWS – 30/08/2021

Estate Agent Networking Breaking News

Daily bite-sized proptech and real estate news in partnership with Proptech-X. Today, Stanton looks at Craig Massey’s new venture Satoshi Block Dojo, the delay to right to rent checks, and Agent and Homes’ expansion plans.

 

  1. Craig Massey unveils Satoshi Block Dojo accelerator
  2. Right to rent checks kicked into the long grass again
  3. Agent and Homes to scale up with fresh recruits

 

Craig Massey unveils Satoshi Block Dojo accelerator

For the first time since the onset of the pandemic, members of my teams at Proptech-PR and Proptech-X teams attended our first in-person meetup in London, with Financial Director Ann Fields, Co-founder and CMO Matt Hughes and myself enticed to Satoshi Block Dojo not just by the Japanese sake and sushi, but for the “pirate ship of mavericks”, as founder Craig Massey put it.

Massey, the ever-enigmatic powerhouse, along with Satoshi Block Dojo Co-founder Richard Boase, is kickstarting a twelve-week programme for entrepreneurs looking to solve problems and bring services to the market using the Bitcoin SV, a prominent breakaway cryptocurrency.

The bold plan is to get close to 250 startups through the programme in five years, with a little help from some seed capital. But, more importantly, the guidance and support from a globally recognised phalanx of experts, many of whom delivered talks at the event.

We heard from Robin Kohze, co-founder and CEO of Vaionex, plus thoughts and observations from Craig Wright, the founder of nChain, Patrick Prinz from the Bitcoin Association, and Michael Hudson, founder and CEO of Bitstocks.

Given that the inaugural event drew north of 200 guests, I think there is sufficient momentum already to say that this endeavour is definitely something to watch.

I have previously worked with Craig Massey during his time as co-founder of Yourkeys, which went on to exit to Zoopla in a multi-million-pound deal, so I’ve seen his journey over a number of years. What I admire about Massey is that he fully understands the startup ecosystem, but more importantly the ingredients required to scale up, gain finance at key stages, and allow the development team to build out their solution and exit.

Having met hundreds of proptech and fintech founders, I can think of no one better suited to imbue doe-eyed startup founders with some great strategic common sense at an early stage and propel them – if they are on the right track – forward at great velocity.

Satoshi Block Dojo’s mission is simple: “to educate, train and elevate start-up entrepreneurs to the highest standards, by providing best-in-class mentors, and teaching with the latest tech tools.”

To learn more about the Satoshi Block Dojo, visit https://blockdojo.io/

 

Right to rent checks kicked into the long grass again

At present, there is a legal requirement to check the legal status of tenants looking to take a tenancy in the UK, and for many months, due to the pandemic, the Home Office has waived the need to physically see tenants and their original documents.

This was supposed to be coming to an end now, as it becomes glaringly evident that the system is in dire need of a revamp. However, any changes will have to be put on hold again as the deadline for this has been pushed back to April 2022. This will be its fourth deadline date.

The official line from the Home Office is: “Deferring the end date of the adjusted checks to 5 April 2022 ensures the Right to Work Scheme continues to operate in a manner which supports employers, whilst we look to implement a long-term, post-pandemic solution.”

With my proptech analyst hat on, I think maybe the delay has more to do with the Digital Identity Trust Framework proposals that are going through their paces at the moment, which might actually provide a better way forward.

My view is further evidenced by the Home Office, who also said: “We initiated a review of the availability of specialist technology to support a system of digital right to work checks in the future. The intention is to introduce a new digital solution to include many who are unable to use the Home Office online checking service, including UK and Irish citizens. This will enable checks to continue to be conducted remotely but with enhanced security.”

Could it be that slowly, slowly, the analogue lettings industry is now starting to get itself put onto a digital framework that will allow huge efficiencies and safeguard the interests of all stakeholders? As a person who also deals with a number of companies touching upon this problematic area, I hope the answer is a resounding yes.

 

Agent and Homes to scale up with fresh recruits

Agent and Homes, an agency based in Notting Hill and co-founded by Rollo Miles, is looking to further expand by attracting the very best agents with at least five years of experience. They are looking to expand in the area they operate in currently, but they are also looking at other key geographic areas to dominate.

Miles explains: “We are a platform that allows really good agents to set up on their own, use their network to sell houses, and keep the vast majority of the fee for themselves. We then support these great agents by installing a back-office staff of dedicated people managers who will be given the very best in cutting edge technology to help and support their assigned agent.”

At the core of the Agent and Homes vision is freedom for agents to do what they do best. The operation is, as Miles puts it, a perfect environment where “the agent focuses purely on winning and selling, letting, or managing instructions, while those in the back office take care of everything else, such as using tech tools, licensing, legal processes, and everything else that a normal high street agent needs in order to operate with success.”

As an extremely experienced agent, Rollo Miles understands the mindset of great agents, saying he knows “how powerful it is to remove any worries about marketing, branding, portal costs, admin costs, and so on.”

With a management team entirely made up of agents, Miles has the requisite experience to know what success looks like. When asked if anyone could join the Agent and Homes brand, Miles said: ”We make it very clear that nothing is guaranteed, you have to work hard, be entrepreneurial and network well in order to succeed. It takes time to do good work and make good money. If you ask me, this is how it always should be. We are simply setting them up with the best support network possible to help them achieve their individual career goals.”

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

Estate Agent Talk

Essential Garage Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

Maximize your garage space with practical storage ideas that keep your items organized and accessible. If you’re dealing with a smaller garage, smart solutions can make a big difference in keeping your space neat and usable. 1.  Wall-Mounted Storage Wall-mounted storage is an excellent way to save space and keep your garage organized, especially in…
Read More
Home and Living

How to Protect Your Property from Flooding and Water Damage

Flooding and water leaks can cause significant damage to your home or office. However, many issues can be prevented by taking proactive measures to protect your property. In this article, we’ll explain how to minimize risks and prepare for potential water-related threats. 1. Inspect and Maintain Your Plumbing System One of the most common causes…
Read More
Breaking News

ONS House Price Index – November 2024

Headlines Average UK private rents increased by 8.7% in the 12 months to October 2024 (provisional estimate); this is up from 8.4% in the 12 months to September 2024. Average rents increased to £1,348 (8.8%) in England, £766 (7.9%) in Wales, and £976 (6.6%) in Scotland, in the 12 months to October 2024. In Northern…
Read More
Breaking News

Foxtons Lettings Market Index October 2024

Headlines October saw the highest level of new stock entering the market, with an 8% increase from last year, the highest increase in four years October’s demand is marginally lower than last October and decreased 32% from September, as expected during this time of year Following a yearly high of £593 per week this September,…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 20/11/24

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Proptech powered lettings service for BTR developers needing pre-approved, quality tenants at speed gets funding A proptech-driven letting agent has secured close to £500,000 during its first equity investment raise. Property Sense, headquartered in Stockport but operating nationally, secured the half a million pounds in…
Read More
Kerb appeal
Estate Agent Talk

Why November and December are the best and most affordable months to buy

Buyers and sellers looking for the right time to move can consider top reasons from property experts to start the process this November and December. The autumn and winter months may not be the first that come to mind when considering a move, but potential buyers and sellers can be reassured by the experts that…
Read More